Marcos Visit 2002

Conclusion

The XP is a great looking car and it’s hard to imagine that, with proper development, it couldn’t have been a competitive car in its class.

It’s in need of restoration, but essentially sound and it was notable that the brakes, engine and steering all responded with impressive alacrity to any input.

Equally, it would be fantastic to see the car restored and back on the race track. Ned talked enthusiastically about doing so and I hope the enthusiasm we rekindled is maintained as he’ll have great fun with it out on the California tracks. The ideal, for me, would be for the car to take to the track at Le Mans in the historic 24 hour event starting this year, but I suspect that will remain a dream.

On a more realistic note, It'd be fantastic if this car was available as a replica. It'd be an unusual alternative to the hoards of GT40s and I have to admit that I'd have one straight away if it was available, preferably with a mild tune Rover/Buick V8. Ned and I talked about the idea of having moulds taking off the car. In the past, there have been attempts to revive the car as a replica, but a fire stymied the last attempt, in which Marcos and Dennis Adams were involved.

The Morrises clearly love this car and I doubt they’d part with it willingly, so I’d like to thank them for the chance to see the car, to take a ride in it and for granting me the unique privilege of driving it.