Crossword Genius

Support car marque as an original design (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

archetype

'an original design' is the definition.
(an original or basic design)

'support car marque' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'arch'.
'car marque' becomes 'E-type' (marque of Jaguar car).
'arch'+'etype'='ARCHETYPE'

'as' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for archetype that I've seen before include "Original model from which others are copied" , "Perfect example" , "Model - perfect specimen" , "Creepy hat (anag)" , "exemplary item)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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