Larger than life character, Jem Marsh, a regular face at the Castle Combe circuit, has passed away at the age of 84.

Jem, who was born in Clifton, Bristol was the founder of Marcos Cars, once based at nearby Westbury. Jem was a well-known character at the circuit, having first raced there in 1964, taking 2 race wins in his Marcos 1000GT. 

He scored another 2 race wins in his Marcos Volvo in 1968. His famous small car, the Mini-Marcos, had its race debut there in Sept 1965 and Jem continued to be a regular visitor to his local track up to 2011 when the ‘CSCC’ President’s Cup race for Marcos cars was run in April of that year.

Marcos was once Wiltshire’s only car manufacturer, but went into liquidation in 2007. But its cars are still winning races in historic events all over the world. He was also briefly associated with Welsh car maker Gilbern, of Llantwit Fadre, outside Pontypridd.

The famous Trans XL Marcos built and raced by Steve Roberts and once an all-conquering car at Castle Combe, still holds four land speed records.

The circuit and thewesterngroup offer sincere condolences to Jem’s family.

Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts

Robin is the longest serving chairman of The Western Group. He’s been vice chairman or chairman for over ten years and oversees the annual Western Group PR Driving Day each summer assisted by the group committee and supported by group members.

He contributes to a number of outlets in Wales and the UK, including the Driving Force editorial syndication agency feeding the biggest regional news and feature publishers in Britain.

Robin specialises in the Welsh automotive sector and motor related businesses with interests in Wales and publishes WheelsWithinWales.uk which covers news, features, trade and motor sport in Wales.

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