Beauty in the automotive world is often subjective, but few cars have sparked as much debate as the 1970-1971 Marcos Mantis M70. Designed as a high-performance British grand tourer, the Mantis had the potential to be a game-changer. However, its unconventional styling led many to label it as one of the ugliest cars ever made. Despite its controversial looks, the Mantis packed impressive performance, borrowing mechanics from the Triumph TR6. So why did it fail? And does it deserve its harsh reputation? Let’s take a closer look at this misunderstood classic.

The Birth of the Marcos Mantis M70

Founded in the 1950s, Marcos was known for producing lightweight, performance-oriented cars that excelled on the racetrack. The company had built a reputation for innovation, using wooden monocoque chassis in early models to keep weight down.

In the late 1960s, Marcos wanted to expand beyond racing and into the road-going sports car market. Their idea? Take the racing DNA of the Mantis XP prototype and turn it into a production car that could rival Triumph, Lotus, and even Ferrari.

The Mantis M70 was developed with the American market in mind. Marcos believed that a powerful yet comfortable 2+2 grand tourer could sell well overseas. However, by the time production started in 1970, the company was already facing financial difficulties.

Adding to the problem, the Mantis was expensive, making it a tough sell against the Triumph TR6, which offered similar performance but was cheaper and, crucially, much better looking.

Video

Watch this video where I share my thoughts on the Marcos Mantis Mk1 – often called the world’s ugliest car, but in my opinion, it’s actually beautiful. See why I think this car deserves a second look!

A Design That Divided Opinions

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Marcos Mantis M70 was its polarizing design. While Marcos’ earlier models were known for their elegant simplicity, the Mantis seemed like a collection of mismatched ideas.

The car featured a long, low-slung body with a dramatic nose, but the awkward proportions, oversized headlights, and strangely sculpted panels gave it an unbalanced appearance. Some described it as looking like a cockroach on wheels, while others saw hints of the Art Nouveau movement gone wrong.

What Went Wrong? One reason for the Mantis’ bizarre styling could be traced to its design process. Dennis Adams, the man credited with its interior, left Marcos before completing the exterior. This might explain why the interior looked refined, while the exterior felt unfinished.

The result? A car that had some redeeming angles, but from most perspectives, looked odd, confused, and even unsettling.

Engineering and Performance

Beyond its controversial looks, the Mantis had the heart of a true performance car.

The Triumph TR6 Influence

Marcos borrowed much of the mechanical underpinnings from the Triumph TR6, including its 2.5L inline-six engineproducing 150 horsepower. At just 2,300 lbs (1,043 kg), the Mantis had a favorable power-to-weight ratio, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 9 seconds—a respectable figure for the early 1970s.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The Mantis excelled in handling, thanks to its low center of gravity and lightweight construction. Although it lacked the outright power of some competitors, its well-balanced chassis and sharp steering made it enjoyable to drive—if you could get past the looks.

Unfortunately, mechanical reliability was a concern. Early models suffered from electrical issues, cooling problems, and component failures, making ownership a challenge even for dedicated enthusiasts.

Interior: A Bright Spot in the Mantis’ Story

One area where the Marcos Mantis M70 truly shined was its interior. The dashboard layout resembled an American muscle car, specifically the Ford Mustang, with twin instrument pods and a driver-focused layout.

The cabin was well-appointed, featuring:

• Sporty bucket seats for a snug and comfortable feel
• Premium materials, which gave it an upscale look
• A surprisingly modern and ergonomic layout

Ironically, once you were inside the Mantis, the controversial exterior no longer mattered—it felt like a true grand tourer.

Market Struggles and Commercial Failure

Despite its performance potential, the Marcos Mantis M70 never found a strong customer base. Reasons included:

• High price tag compared to the more affordable Triumph TR6
• Unconventional styling, which alienated many potential buyers
• Marcos’ financial instability, leading to supply chain and production issues

By 1971, just 32 to 43 units had been built, making it one of the rarest sports cars of its time.

A Second Life: The Autotune Mirage

Despite its commercial failure, the Mantis M70 refused to die. In 1984, a company called Autotune resurrected the design under the name Autotune Mirage.

• Changes included:
  Ford Cortina running gear for improved reliability
  Slightly revised styling to tone down the more polarizing elements

Unfortunately, like its predecessor, the Mirage never gained traction in the market and disappeared by 1986.

Marcos’ Resurgence and the Lessons Learned

Marcos eventually rebounded in the 1980s and 1990s, producing a new line of quirky yet stylish sports cars.

Their later models, like the Marcos TSO, showed that the company had learned the importance of aesthetics. The TSO was a genuinely attractive car, proving that good design is just as crucial as performance.

The Marcos Mantis M70 Today

With fewer than 50 original Mantis M70s built, the car has become a rare collector’s item. But finding one is difficult, as many were either scrapped or heavily modified over the years.

Restoring a Mantis is challenging, due to the unique bodywork and limited availability of spare parts. But for those who own one, it represents a fascinating chapter in British automotive history.

Conclusion

So, was the Marcos Mantis M70 the ugliest car in the world? Perhaps. Its strange proportions and confusing design choices certainly didn’t do it any favors.

But beyond the polarizing looks, the Mantis was a capable, well-engineered GT that suffered more from poor timing and high pricing than from its controversial aesthetics alone.

Today, it stands as a testament to bold automotive experimentation—a car that may not have been beautiful, but was undeniably unique. And in the world of vintage cars, sometimes being memorable is just as important as being beautiful.

Video

Check out this video on the Mythos Marcos, where British exotics meet the beloved Mantis. Watch now to see why this car is a true gem for enthusiasts!