Morgan Plus 8 4.6

The first of our +8s in the sale today, this example is certainly something a little different. Leaving the Malvern Link works in 1990 as a regular 3.5-litre +8, over the last 8 years it has been thoroughly restored and personalised by the webmaster of GoMoG, the internet’s oldest Morgan community and technical resource. 

Specially chosen for the vendor by Morgan development chief, Bill Beck, as an ideal project car, this three-owner Plus 8 is now one of the best known Morgans in cyberspace. Charted by literally thousands of people worldwide, the car has undergone a painstaking process of restoration and improvement, the whole process being the subject of many on-line debates and discussions.

The major work was started in 2005 by Tudor Motors of Market Drayton. The latest ‘Superform’ aluminium wings were fitted, the car being repainted to the highest order from top to bottom.

A brand new 4.6 litre block was supplied by 'Rpi' and fitted with a 'Piper' 272 camshaft and lightened flywheel. This was mated to the rugged R380 Land Rover gearbox, the engine being built-up with ‘super flare’ plenum trumpets, 'Rpi' chrome valve covers and a ‘Mallory’ coil. The installation process added a ‘Griffin’ alloy radiator, 'SPAL' electric fan, and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator with gauge and a full stainless steel exhaust system. In order to cope with the extra horse power, ‘Mulberry’ anti-tramp bars were installed, helping to lay the prodigious power down more efficiently, the very latest Morgan brake callipers and “booster” hydraulics providing the opposite effect.

With the performance aspects taken care of, attention was paid to the detail cosmetics. A burr walnut ‘Kaufelt’ bespoke dashboard was installed using the original VDO instruments fitted with ‘Belmog’ chrome bezels, whilst a 6-disc CD player and leather console for the radio sit beneath, along with four matching speakers. The ‘Librands’ mirror, map light, storage bins, chrome windscreen legs and ‘Motolita’ steering wheel finish off the interior handsomely.

On the outside the wheels have been refurbished and fitted with polished stainless Morgan centres.  It has 'Lucas' LR576 style spot lamps, whilst the headlights have been swapped with Jaguar XK140 type tri-pod halogen units. The hood, tonneau and side screens are trimmed in Mohair, the addition of a stainless luggage carrier making this the ideal touring Morgan.

Now with a couple of trouble-free European tours under its wheels, this well-known car is only reluctantly being sold because the vendor's location on the other side of the Atlantic means he rarely gets chance to use it. Fitted with every imaginable accessory, tastefully executed and wrapped up in a very potent package, it is a very special car indeed. MOTd until August 2014 with all the spending done, it now just needs an enthusiastic fourth owner to jump in and enjoy!