I need a MK3 Expert

[ClaytonSpeed]

Can anybody give me some detailed info on the Mk3 range? I need model differences, years introduced etc. Overseas specs/differences would also be a bonus!

Ta muchly.


www.fastmarinamagazine.com

'71 Marina Coupe 3.9 EFI V8
4 Speed ZF Auto Transmission
SD1 4 Pots with Audi discs
Heavy Duty Suspension Pack
Telescopic Dampers

[Uncle Frank]

I`ve got some mk3 brochures Ben, and a few photos...what do you need?

[ClaytonSpeed]

I`ve got some mk3 brochures Ben, and a few photos...what do you need?

Hi Frank,

Basically I need a good overview of the range for a buyers guide (new MMOC site). I need some insight to the different changes made to the cars and how they promoted them at the launch. It would also be good to add some citations from different motor journalists of the time.

Photos would be good too. I don't think I got that far along scanning your press pics. I've got plenty of early MK1's and LE's...!

[Uncle Frank]

I definately have some MK3 press reviews etc along with sales brochures and a few photos, drop over and borrow them if you like, there are some press shots but i don`t have many mk3 pics.

[JubileeNut]

Ben, did you get the disc I sent via Adz / Frank with the Jubilee information and pictures?
This has just reminded me about it

[ClaytonSpeed]

Ben, did you get the disc I sent via Adz / Frank with the Jubilee information and pictures?
This has just reminded me about it

I don't recall seeing it Paul :-(

Thanks Frank. I will see when I'm free to pop over :-)


www.fastmarinamagazine.com

'71 Marina Coupe 3.9 EFI V8
4 Speed ZF Auto Transmission
SD1 4 Pots with Audi discs
Heavy Duty Suspension Pack
Telescopic Dampers

[Kilroy]

Hey Ben.

I am no expert - but I can give you some info based on my experience of more than 10 Mk3's in NZ.

All had the 1700 O series engine, except the vans and pickups of course with the A+.
For no apparent reason - only one O series had a remote oil filler attached to the side of the block - rather than the filler on the cam box - and it was not the latest one.
All were either 1979 or 1980.
No differences in engines or transmissions otherwise - all the same fittings and specs.
All of these were NZ new models, and did not feature the name 'Marina' anywhere. They were simply badged Morris 1700.
Most had brown carpets, beige vinyl seats and door cards.
Two estates had brown vinyl seats and door cards.
Two saloons had a vinyl roof and cloth seats - were badged Morris 1700 MkII, and were late models. Both were manual. Both had (electric solenoid) remote boot opener fitted.
Strangely - most were automatics with the Borg-Warner 65. Even one of the estates was a factory auto.
All 1700's had a heavy gauge sump guard fitted. None of the vans or pickups did.
The '79 van had Mk3 exterior fittings - but the '80 van had Ital door handles (with separate locks) and rear view mirrors. It also had different inner guards around the headlight area.

I believe that they dropped the 'Marina' badging due to bad press from offshore. I do not think there was anywhere near the same criticism locally, but most of our media was overseas focused then.

Only colours I have seen are;
Sandglow - saloon, estate and van.
'Post-Office' red - saloon, estate, and van (the saloon looked to be a slightly darker shade of red).
White - saloon, estate and van.
'Copper Fire' dark bronze - saloon only (1700 MkII).
'Lime' green metallic - saloon only (1700 MkII).
Powder blue - estate only.
Dark Green - pickup only.
Canary Yellow - saloon and pickup.

Never seen a Mk3 coupe - don't believe we got them.

Hope that is of use.

[ClaytonSpeed]

Thanks Kilroy.

That will help me on the international thread of my article. Have you got some close up 3/4 photos that you could send me if any NZ Marina's, or indeed new ones of your own? If you could email them to me rather than posting here? Email: ben :at: fastmarinamagazine.com

Ben


www.fastmarinamagazine.com

'71 Marina Coupe 3.9 EFI V8
4 Speed ZF Auto Transmission
SD1 4 Pots with Audi discs
Heavy Duty Suspension Pack
Telescopic Dampers