This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.
Good evening all.
I hope everyone is doing well, especially in the current climate. My dad and I are (very tentatively) thinking about what the sale price of our Sportster might be.
It's the 1994 M3 3.0 litre based Sportster, in Ecurie Ecosse Flag metallic blue, that was featured in Total Kit car a couple of years ago. There is a link here. http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/news/231/
Are we crazy to think it's worth over £20k? Always Mot'd. Done less than 5000 miles in the last 6 years. Any input on what you guys think 'Marlene' might be worth would be much appreciated. Obviously, I appreciate that it is difficult to price a car based on a short description, but here goes.
1994 3.0l engine and rear end. Original motorsport wheels finished in Casino Royale 007 gunmetal grey. Satin Black front mudguards. Serviced every year. Carbon fibre dash, with digital instrument panel. Full carpeted. Leather and alcantara seats from Intatrim. 0-60 in around 4-5 seconds. Dual diaphragm brake servo. Led all in one headlights. A few stone chips and a bit of wear on the drivers seat bolster. Drives faultlessly. Private plate Mar 306L could be included for additional cost.
Hope you don't mind me asking, but Parkers were no good!! 😉
Thanks in advance fellas. It's purely speculative at the moment, but if we do need to sell, it would be good to know a rough ball park figure. Would be a huge wrench to sell her, but my dad's not getting any younger and I can't drive her to work anymore, so she's in the garage way too much!
Don't be shy fellas. If I'm way off the mark, I'd rather know! The only thing I can find that's close, is an ex factory built V8 Sportster sold for £16k a few years ago.
Please don’t hesitate for a Valuation or help when deciding the best option for the disposal of your Kit Car or replica / recreation. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with this type of vehicle for over 20 years and am always happy to discuss the best option for the departure of your pride and Joy.
Fully built or part built. Restored or in need of restoration pls get in touch and let’s have a chat. I’m happy to help and advise.
Please call Daniel on 07808223996
Thank You.
Please don’t hesitate for a Valuation or help when deciding the best option for the disposal of your Kit Car or replica / recreation. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with this type of vehicle for over 20 years and am always happy to discuss the best option for the departure of your pride and Joy.
Fully built or part built. Restored or in need of restoration pls get in touch and let’s have a chat. I’m happy to help and advise.
Please call Daniel on 07808223996
Thank You.
I've seen that advert and thought it was probably a dealer looking to buy your car on the cheap. Might be wrong but that is the impression I get !
The Marlin is a bit niche compared to other kits out there so its hard to value. Given the current climate you need to be very realistic with the asking price.
I've seen that advert and thought it was probably a dealer looking to buy your car on the cheap. Might be wrong but that is the impression I get !
The Marlin is a bit niche compared to other kits out there so its hard to value. Given the current climate you need to be very realistic with the asking price.
I did a bit of digging and I think it is a dealership that specialises in Kits, so he is probably looking to buy it off you for a profit. As you say, the current situation doesn't lend itself to selling this kind of 'toy'. If we were to sell, it would probably be in the late summer after we've got another summer out of the car. Hopefully things may be a little better by then???? You can but hope!
I did a bit of digging and I think it is a dealership that specialises in Kits, so he is probably looking to buy it off you for a profit. As you say, the current situation doesn't lend itself to selling this kind of 'toy'. If we were to sell, it would probably be in the late summer after we've got another summer out of the car. Hopefully things may be a little better by then???? You can but hope!
Maybe part-way through the Summer would generate a better price (covid problems permitting)?
My view is that it's worth what someone is prepared to pay, and that a lot of the value lies in just how desirable the car is. If it stops people in their tracks and is always being photographed then it's going to command a significantly higher price than 'just' another Lotus Seven clone.
I would suggest that, with the M3 motor and mean looks that it has, your Marlin is just about as desirable as a contemporary Marlin gets which should, if it's well advertised, make it much easier for someone to fall in love with it and want it so much that they'll pay for the privilege of owning it.
I don't think you're too far wide of the mark at £20k. To me that looks to be about £5k or so short of its likely true value.
Marlin's diesel powered demonstrator is up for £20k, there's one at a dealers near Swindon for around £13k, both have been for sale for some time. I know of a couple of Sportsters [Not Mpowered] that sold for around £6k, so its difficult to price these models. Personally I think all Marlins are under valued but regrettably that seems to be the case. I would keep it, drive it at every opportunity and enjoy the fruit of your labours. I'm on my fifth Marlin, having deviated a few times, but keep coming back to the marque. Think of the memory's it holds!!
I did a bit of digging and I think it is a dealership that specialises in Kits, so he is probably looking to buy it off you for a profit. As you say, the current situation doesn't lend itself to selling this kind of 'toy'. If we were to sell, it would probably be in the late summer after we've got another summer out of the car. Hopefully things may be a little better by then???? You can but hope!
Apologies I didn’t look beyond the advert but now looking at it again it’s clicked into place
F course you could ring him and say you wanted to buy one and see what he would value one at in his showroom
Marlin's diesel powered demonstrator is up for £20k, there's one at a dealers near Swindon for around £13k, both have been for sale for some time. I know of a couple of Sportsters [Not Mpowered] that sold for around £6k, so its difficult to price these models. Personally I think all Marlins are under valued but regrettably that seems to be the case. I would keep it, drive it at every opportunity and enjoy the fruit of your labours. I'm on my fifth Marlin, having deviated a few times, but keep coming back to the marque. Think of the memory's it holds!!
I would tend to agree with Alan. Sportsters should be worth a lot more but it's a very niche market. It's not a tourer and it's not a seven. Nor is it a classic so doesn't appeal to those buyers. Realistically you should be getting about £12k tops. Your mpowered version narrows the market even more.
I'd wait until the pandemic is over before advertising it and then take it to a few shows to gauge interest.
Sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear.
Thanks for the replies guys. It is very hard to put a value on it. As you've said Marlin is niche and an M3 one is even more niche! Definitely will wait for the pandemic to be over ����and gague interest again in the summer time. Thanks again!
This M3 powered Sportster recently advertised back in October 2020 on Pistonheads was up for £10k. Very nice example with a rather unique opening boot and full wet weather gear of the new style with the roll bar rear screen.
Then there was this one on Facebook that sold for £6.2k......
Marlin Sportster 325i Sport BMW donor (1988) with engine rebuild and just 3,300 miles since 2009 build. Fantastic, fun sports car, in deep blue with stainless exhaust that sounds great! https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/337981950665251/
Not unique in respect of opening boot .A friend of mine converted his on his Sportster a few years back. He also fitted a triumph spitfire hood frame and hood that he had modified to fit. Looked tons better than anything Marlin produced.
Not unique in respect of opening boot .A friend of mine converted his on his Sportster a few years back. He also fitted a triumph spitfire hood frame and hood that he had modified to fit. Looked tons better than anything Marlin produced.
Would love to see some pictures of that. Would inspire myself and others to be more creative.
Sadly don't have pictures and the Sportster has a new owner. My friend is currently building himself another with a few mods especially windscreen/scuttle area!
