Photo: Silverstone Auctions
Sir Jackie Stewart is one of the most revered racing drivers of all time both in Great Britain and the rest of the world. So when the Flying Scot's first race car is offered at auction, you can bet that many fans of the three-time Formula 1 world champ will be interested to make the extremely rare Marcos GT Xylon their own.
Out of the nine examples ever built by Marcos, this GT Xylon is by far the most famous of them all. Built in 1960, the car came to be driven by Sir Jackie after racing enthusiast Barry Filer invited the Scot to test with him at Oulton Park. Barry was won over by Jackie's talent and that's how the young Scot got to drive the Marcos for Barry's outfit, winning four sports car races in 1951.
After Jackie turned to professional racing in 1962, the Marcos GT Xylon continued its racing career through the '60s under the guidance of the British manufacturer's co-founder, Jem Marsh. The current owner acquired the historic racer following his purchase of the remains of Marcos Sportscars in the '90s.
At the present moment, the car looks pretty roughed up and needs some serious TLC to bring it back to its former glory. Xylon being Greek for wood is the tell-tale sign that the car's chassis is made from the material. Thus, the restoration won't be as simple as on a normal vehicle that utilizes a conventional steel space frame chassis.
Under the hood you'll find a modified 1,137cc pushrod four-pot that's fed by two carbs. The old-timer that helped Sir Jackie obtain his first racing success also incorporates gull wing doors and a high cockpit to accommodate tall drivers. Slated to be auctioned at the Silverstone Classic auction event on the 26th of July, this 1960 Marcos GT Xylon is estimated to change hands for anything between £35,000 (€44,108) and £50,000 (€63,000).
Commenting on the sale of this historic car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “It’s fantastic to be offering this car for auction for the first time in its life. Jackie Stewart is one of the country’s most legendary racing drivers and therefore it’s apt that we are offering it at the home of British motorsport.”
After Jackie turned to professional racing in 1962, the Marcos GT Xylon continued its racing career through the '60s under the guidance of the British manufacturer's co-founder, Jem Marsh. The current owner acquired the historic racer following his purchase of the remains of Marcos Sportscars in the '90s.
At the present moment, the car looks pretty roughed up and needs some serious TLC to bring it back to its former glory. Xylon being Greek for wood is the tell-tale sign that the car's chassis is made from the material. Thus, the restoration won't be as simple as on a normal vehicle that utilizes a conventional steel space frame chassis.
Under the hood you'll find a modified 1,137cc pushrod four-pot that's fed by two carbs. The old-timer that helped Sir Jackie obtain his first racing success also incorporates gull wing doors and a high cockpit to accommodate tall drivers. Slated to be auctioned at the Silverstone Classic auction event on the 26th of July, this 1960 Marcos GT Xylon is estimated to change hands for anything between £35,000 (€44,108) and £50,000 (€63,000).
Commenting on the sale of this historic car, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “It’s fantastic to be offering this car for auction for the first time in its life. Jackie Stewart is one of the country’s most legendary racing drivers and therefore it’s apt that we are offering it at the home of British motorsport.”
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