*** Marlin Sportster ***

This is a rare and correctly Dutch registered Marlin Sportster kitcar.
Marlin Engineering Ltd. is a high-quality manufacturer of kit cars from the UK.

This Sportster is a modern interpretation of the classic sports cars from the 1930s, such as the Alfa Romeo 6C Gran Sport that took part in the Mille Miglia.

In addition to the sporty performance, the vintage appearance is immediately noticeable.

This is clearly noticeable from the enthusiastic responses during several holidays in Italy.


*** Under the hood ***

The 2.9 liter V6 engine is from a 1992 Ford Scorpio Cosworth BOA 24 valve.

A very strong 197 hp and 270 Nm, pulling power over the entire range from idle and explosive from 4000 rpm.

Gearbox MT75 (heavy duty version) and the entire drivetrain is further from the Scorpio Cosworth, so heavily oversized, to be noticed in a very good braking deceleration.

Limited slip differential which ensures fun driving with both rear wheels spinning.

Custom radiator with large fan for problem-free driving at 40 degrees in summer and in steep mountains.

Stainless steel high pressure fuellines and secundairy fueltank in the engine bay (1 ltr)


*** RDW inspection process ***

The kit was purchased in 2004. It is an extended version in which I, at 1.9 meter height, sit comfortable with my legs stretched out.

In 2014, it was inspected by the Dutch RDW with an Individual Type Approval.

So this is not a kit car that has completed the inspection process via the UK, as almost 99% have.

A donor car is usually used for registration and the inspection is less practice-oriented.

That is why they are usually Euro 2 classified and the RDW registration is not always ‘clear’, so to speak.


That is not the case here.

Everything is RDW registered: data that cannot be viewed by us as private individuals, but has been tested and documented.

The ‘kit car troubles’ are not to be expected with this Marlin Sportster, as this is the toughest inspection in the Netherlands in this area.

Consider, among other things:

• 2.5 days of testing on the RDW circuit in Lelystad by an inspector who only knows full throttle and full brake as pedal positions,
• More than 100 test kilometers on the counter afterwards,
• Brake testing from 160 km/h = 0.89 G deceleration,
• Stability tests with avoidance behavior in all driving conditions,
• Fading testing of the brakes,
• Disconnected braking circuits to ensure safety,
• Dynamic sound testing,
• Self-centering behavior upon steering release,
• Emission class 6 approved as can be found on the RDW (ovi.rdw) (thanks to two expensive catalysts),
• And of course there was a complete inspection on the bridge beforehand, otherwise there would be no driving.

Result after the first two days:

“that’s great, nothing is broken and everything has been completed”.

Re-inspection was only necessary for:

• Dynamic noise tests 2nd and 3rd gear FULL throttle along sound meter (engine compartment wrapped with sound insulation),
• Emissions (lambda probes were swapped left and right, so a Hummer on the left and an electric vehicle on the right were considered emissions during the first inspection).

The noise tests are the most difficult thing next to the seat belt calculation.

The belt construction has been adjusted compared to the original factory design.

This has been fully calculated and demonstrated and has been approved by the official RDW inspector, which is quite unique.

Proud result was an official Dutch registered car with an appraisal value of 36.000 euro.


*** A tour on the dike or a road trip? ***

The Marlin Sportster is of course suitable for a fun ride on any day, but also for a track day.

A sporty drive on country roads will give you a smile from ear to ear when you press the accelerator and the open air filter behind the license plate ensures that people hear you coming, but the most fun are long road trips.

We took it to Italy 3 times, the longest ride being 4200 km.

Pouring rain is no problem for the Marlin, above 80 km/h only your head and shoulders get wet.


*** Optional items for sale ***

Of course not for sale separately, but only when purchasing:

• The entire photo report of the construction,
• All information about the electrical circuits,
• Copy of invoices for all parts,
• All available information from the inspection,
• Various parts such as bullit mirrors, steering wheel cover, lighting,
• Copies of all publications of travel, inspection (2 parts) and basic explanation of the belt calculation,
• The seatbelt calculation itself.

*** Information about sales outside the Netherlands ***

This is a car built and approved in the Netherlands, so not imported from the UK.

Given EU trade, it should therefore be easily possible to import these into other EU countries.

Please inquire with the road traffic department in your country for import.


*** Unique opportunity ***

I am a mechanical engineer and have built and maintained it entirely myself to a high quality standard, as was evident during all appraisals and the problem-free annual MOT inspections.

The price not only reflects the high quality, but also the unique RDW inspection in the kit car world. Serious offers will be considered, others will not receive a response.

It’s time to free up my garage for a new hobby, but the memories of almost 25,000 km of driving pleasure remain.


Greetings, Peter-Jan

Searchterms: Kitcar, Marlin Sportster, Ford Scorpio Cosworth, Cabrio, Alfa Romeo 6C Gran Sport, Mille Miglia, Super Seven, Lotus, Westfield, Donkervoort, Caterham, Morgan.