The Marina was intended to compete with the Ford Cortina, being developed in a very short time to replace both the Morris Minor and Oxford model ranges.

The Marina's suspension came from the Minor and the gearbox from Triumph. Two engines were available, the 1.3 A-series and 1.8 B-series. Ex-Ford stylist Roy Haynes designed a saloon, and a two-door coupé for more youthful appeal. In spite of its up-to-date styling, its conservative and sometimes unreliable underpinnings never quite delivered the expected sales.

This early 1.3 deluxe was purchased by Mr Gooding at two years old. More than 40 years and 130,000 miles later and still largely original, it's a real testament to Mr Gooding's meticulous upkeep of the car.