History of the Merlin

1969

The first Witton Roadster with Ford Mustang V8 engine / Image source Darol hinton
Witton Roadster with Ford V8

1972

The third Witton with VW engine / Image source Darol Hinton

Witton Roadster with VW engine

1978

Thoroughbred Tiger built in 1981 with Ford 302 Small Block V8 engine / Image source: Advert at Copart.com

Tiger

The name "Tiger" first appeared in the late 1970s, when Thoroughbred Cars Inc in Redmond, Washington USA began producing the Tiger roadster. There was a choice of front or rear engine. For rear engines, air-cooled units from VW or Porsche were used.
However, this was done without the consent of Leonard Witton, which led to a legal dispute that Leonard Witton ultimately won. Thoroughbred Cars Inc subsequently lost the rights to continue building the car.

1980

Merlin prototype TA
Merlin TA / Image source: Rudolf Velden

Merlin TA

Around 1980, two "Tiger" body shells were imported to Great Britain by Peter Gowing. A VW-based vehicle was produced with the first body shell, which was given the model designation "Merlin TA" (Trans-axle). Only one of these vehicles was produced. After an extensive advertising campaign, the VW-based vehicle was finally sold and the body was restyled.
This prototype was brought to Germany a few years ago by Rudi, a member of our community. This vehicle is currently being rebuilt.

1980

Merlin TF

The second "Tiger" body was used to construct a vehicle based on the Ford Cortina. This resulted in the "Merlin TF" with a Ford Pinto front engine in 1980 under the company name "Thoroughbred Cars LTD" in Essex. The abbreviation "TF" stands for "Type Ford".
Almost 350 of the Merlin TF were built. The last one around 1984.
In the meantime, a new Merlin was developed with two additional emergency seats. This new model was called the Merlin Monro and went on sale in 1983.
In 1984 Thoroughbred Cars LTD ceased sales after financial difficulties and was liquidated.

1985

Advertisement for the Merlin + 2

Merlin Plus Two

Under the new company name "Paris Cars", Peter Gowing renamed the "Merlin Monro" to "Merlin Plus Two" in 1985. You often read Merlin Plus 2, Merlin +2 or Merlin 2+2. This model series finally replaced the Merlin TF.
The chassis and rear suspension were completely revised. The redesign created space for 2 additional emergency seats.
However, when we talk about emergency seats here, it does not mean that all "Merlin Plus 2" have a licence for 4 people. In fact, very few vehicles have the addition for two emergency seats in the vehicle registration document.

1986

Advertising brochure of the company Mohr, Straubenhaardt (click to enlarge)

Merlin +2 in Germany

In 1986, the Merlin received German TÜV approval and the Mohr company in Straubenhardt-Feldrennach took over sales. In 1990, the Mohr company went bankrupt and since then there has been no German importer.

1990

Sierra version of the + 2

Paris Cars develops a version of the Merlin based on a Sierra donor vehicle. This version quickly became the leading model in terms of sales figures. The main difference is the independent rear suspension and the direct injection engine. The model is called Merlin iRS, but this name has not caught on among Merlin owners, and it is also called +2.

1998

Last Merlin is delivered

Paris Cars ceased production of the Merlin +2 in 1998. Around 350 Merlin TF and 650 Merlin +2 were delivered!

2009

A new start as a hobby

Garry Wilson took over the Merlin project in 2009 and wanted to get the project back on the road as a hobby, so to speak. However, he failed because his real job did not allow him the necessary freedom. He developed a version of the Merlin with a Vauxhall 3 litre engine.

2017

A new start in Lincolnshire

The company led by Andrew Imms, Mibrid, is the new owner of the rights, technical documentation and moulds of the Merlins in England.
Andrew Imms comes from a logistics background and has developed software that is used by one of the leading car transport companies, enabling the transportation of around 1.8 million cars a year.
A passionate lover of British cars, Andrew set up Mibrid to produce low-cost electric vehicles. The technology involved was actually perfect for sharing with the Merlin.
Andrew and his team at Hemswell Cliff, near Gainsborough, bought and restored old Merlins and manufactured and sold spare parts.
In 2017, they also built some new Merlins with Ford EcoBoost engines, while Andrew also worked on converting Merlins to electric drive. And as if that wasn't enough, he also worked on a brand new coupé version, the Merlin TC. Unfortunately, this new start was also unsuccessful and the workshop was closed again in 2020.