Merlin

The Merlin was the brainchild of Leonard Witton who was inspired by cars like the Morgan and the MG roadsters to produce his own traditional sportscars based mainly on Ford engines and running gear with GRP bodywork of his own design. Based in Essex and trading as Thoroughbred Cars, he ran the business until 1984 (producing some 300 cars) before it was taken over in 1985 by a new outfit calling itself Paris Cars. They continued to make the Merlin until the business was wound up for good in 1998, by which time another 400 or so cars had been made.

Registered as a January 1973 vehicle, this particular Merlin is based on Ford Cortina running gear and has a 2-litre Ford Pinto engine mated to a four-speed Ford gearbox. Appearing to be in excellent condition throughout, it is showing just 15,700 miles on the clock which is believed to be the genuine mileage covered since it was built, although there is insufficient documentary evidence to verify this.

In the current ownership for the last two years it is said to drive very well and certainly fired up promptly and ran very well as we maneuvered it to take these photos. Recently fitted with a new radiator, heater matrix and coolant hoses, it also had a brake overhaul at the same time (May 2009). Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it is currently taxed and is apparently classed as a Historic Vehicle by the DVLA so the road tax is free. A hood and sidescreens are also included. Altogether a fun little car for the summer that looks great and has clearly been very well looked after.