Morgan 4/4 Four-seater

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The Morgan Motor Company made its name through the introduction of the brilliant 3-wheeler over 100 years ago.

At a time before mass production techniques took over in the early '20s, the Morgan offered a cost effective, light and entertaining alternative to the motorcycle combination and many were sold as regular family transport. When fitted with one of the more sporting JAP engines it turned into a very rapid machine indeed and as time went on, and products such as the Austin 7 and Morris 8 took over the market for economical family transport, the Morgan’s abilities appealed more to the sporting motorist.

In the early '30s the market for 3-wheelers started to wane, and the introduction of a more modern looking Ford-powered F Type 3-wheeler didn’t really help matters a great deal. In 1936 HFS Morgan finally bowed to the inevitable and introduced the 4/4 (meaning 4 wheels and 4 cylinders) as a grown up sports car, available as either a 2- or 4-seater.

Based on the Z-shape chassis from the F-type, and still using the same sliding pillar front suspension design that HFS introduced on his first car in 1909, the 4/4 became the basis for a whole range of models that are still in production today. The 4/4 retains the crown for having the longest continuous production run of any car – 1936 to the present day.

According to the factory build record, this 1973 model was despatched from Pickersleigh Road in August that year destined for Lifes Motors in Southport. It was painted dark blue, had black leather folding and reclining seats, wire wheels, air cleaner, rear bumper, seat belts, luggage carrier, tonneau cover, +8 spotlights and of course door handles, all items ordered at extra cost.

From 1991 to 1993, it received a full rebuild by well-known Morgan specialists Harpers. They completely stripped it, repairing the chassis as necessary and rebuilding the car, using new ash for most of the bodywork. Masses of bills are on file, along with a series of photographs of the restoration. The engine was reconditioned by Newmarket Rebores and the finished car was painted in traditional Morgan Royal Ivory.

The vendor bought the car in 2001 from F H Douglass Ltd in London. The odometer at the time read 26,800 miles, since when a further 16,000 miles have been added to this total. Its current owner has had the car regularly serviced by Whitehill Garage, bills on file showing its regular care and maintenance as well as parts purchases through Hartlebury Garage and Melvyn Rutter Ltd.

In sound running order, it has a good hood, tonneau and sidescreens, a stainless exhaust and is MOTd until November 2016. The history file includes a handbook, service manual, copy old style logbook and no fewer than 33 old MOTs.

With new Morgan 4/4s now costing in excess of £30,000, this practical family four-seater looks like an affordable way to join in the fun.