STEVE HOLE tells the story of the Marcos Checker Mini

A relatively little-known model from Marcos Sales was this Cooper S Mk1 Tribute. It was commissioned by Marcos’ dealer in Japan, Checker Motors in 1995.

A claimed limited edition of 100 cars – although I don’t think they made anywhere near that number – in either BRG with white roof or white with a BRG roof.

They were nicely built and were powered by special Richard Longman-tuned 1300 A-Series engines, with big valve cylinder head, gas-flowed inlet manifold, Kent 285 cam, twin SU HS4 carbs and a performance exhaust.

Exterior featured 10in steels or optional four-spoke Revolutions, a sixties-style chrome grille and lighting, along with twin petrol tanks and Aston Martin-style ‘Monza’ fuel caps. A Tony Chamings-designed Hi-Lo suspension was also standard.

Interiors were luxuriously appointed, with Cobra bucket seats, Moto-Lita steering wheel

Thanks to Jeroen Booij of Maximum Mini for the image.