I can hear it now, a “Replica” car, but hold your horses, this “Marlene” by Classic Roadsters is cut from a different roll of cloth than almost all of the other “Kit” cars based on Volkswagen chassis and the such.

The company was founded in 1979 by Gary Rutherford in Fargo, North Dakota after he had seen a VW replica MG locally and knew he could do a better job. The range of cars over the years included the “Duke”, based on a SS100 Jaguar, the “Marlene”, based on a 7/8’s scale 1936 Mercedes SSK (named for one famous owner, Marlene Dietrich), the “Baron”, a four seat version of the “Marlene”, the “Sebring” based on an Austin Healey 3000, the “Sebring MX” which was V-8 powered and an alternative to the Cobra kit cars and finally their own Cobra replica kit.

Rutherford sold the company in the mid 1980’s and the new owners ran the company to ground dissipating the brand name and anything of value before finally closing it. Rutherford reacquired the brand in the 90’s, continuing the Sebring MX (one of which we have sold at our shop in the past) and the “Badlands RT”, a Hummer H1 replica. The company was again sold and as far as I can find is no longer building cars or kits.

One of the better lines from Rutherford in explaining why he built his cars and why people would want to own them is as follows:

″If we were to make exact replicas, we would build in the overheating, the rust, the electronics that failed, no parts, no service and the reason the company went out of business the first time, ″ said Rutherford, who calls the cars ″adult model sets.″

Perfect, all of the looks and none of the nightmares of cost and repairs.

This 1936 Marlene Mercedes-Benz 500K-Replica shows 8,912 miles with a Ford Mustang II drivetrain. The V-6 is the Ghia 2.8 is backed by the Ford C4 Automatic. The rear Axle is also Ford as is the front Suspension and Disk Brakes. The car is equipped with AC but it is not working and still equipped to be using R12, so a conversion to R34 is in the future. We have not had it inspected, but assume this is the case. It drives very well and is a hoot to be seen in. You will be making new friends, so be warned.

Driving it around town was a surprise. It has very little “cowl rattle” common to many earlier convertibles and was rattle free. Steering, brakes and operation were very similar to the donor car’s mechanical nature, a Mustang II. It is pretty light and power is not an issue, in fact the narrow tires struggle to get grip under full load from a stop. The exhaust sound is entertaining and you will not be bored driving it where ever you go.

The selling price is $14,995 and the VIN is 1RMBBB1171F000059. Miles showing are 8,912. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest