1997 Morgan 4/4

Highlights

  • An excellent example of the modern classic 
  • Has its V5 and is MOT'd until 09/23
  • Never declared exported
  • Completely unmodified
  • Very low mileage example, probably the lowest mileage Morgan of this vintage anywhere!
  • Only one previous owner

The Appeal

First produced in 1936, the Morgan 4/4 - 4 wheels, 4 cylinders - was a remarkable survivor. Save for wartime, these plucky all-analogue motors held the record for longest-running production vehicles in the world. Minor mechanical changes and instrument updates were made as time went on, but by 2018, upon its retirement, it was still an ash-framed car with hand-made panels and an open, vintage-style cabin - just with modern components.
There’s no doubt that these modern classics are a fondly remembered, if very eccentric chapter in British automobile history, and for many were a prime introduction into the world of classic cars. This example is beautifully presented, having been completely unmodified and never driven in wet weather. With under 4,475 miles under its belt, this lightly used example is a great gateway to the Morgan experience. 




The History and Paperwork

  • Only one previous owner, a doctor who was a friend of the current owner
  • In previous ownership from 1997 to 2022
  • No work or modification has ever been carried out on the vehicle
  • All original factory-provided stickers still in situ
  • Original owner’s manual provided

The Interior

  • A vintage-style interior dedicated to the golden age of automobiles 
  • Burr walnut dashboard
  • Leather-wrapped steering steel
  • Blue leather seating and door cards
Sumptuous and stylish, the Morgan 4/4 is dedicated to age-old luxuries. The moment you step into the cabin, you’re surrounded by an evocative array of period-style features, with modern switches and instruments providing a tactile, reliable driving experience. 
It’s certainly an interesting anachronism, seeing those modern dials and switches nestled into a car with 1950s aesthetics, but the result is something that, for all of its antique looks, is dedicated to the more modern driver’s comfort. 

From the walnut dash to the blue leather seating, this car’s dry, comfortable life has led to an utterly charmed appearance. Not a scuff on the seats (that we can discern) and barely a bulge in the lacquer is visible, and - with no aftermarket modifications ever being made, not even a stereo or radio - the car is still boasting every scrap of its factory finish. 
The carpets appear clean and well-kept, and with this example having reportedly never been driven in anything but dry sunshine, you’d be hard-pressed to highlight any areas of concern. Every instrument is reportedly working as it should, and appears to be clean and readable. 
It’s an utterly superb example of an amiably eccentric car. Modern where it counts - and classic in every other. 




The Exterior 

  • Stylish, sweeping curves with big lights and a distinctive grill
  • Finished in Midnight Blue
  • No modifications across the board
  • Original Pirelli tyres 
It’s easy to be fooled, at first glance, by the Morgan 4/4’s 50s-style aesthetics. The smooth curved nose, big headlights and exposed cabin all seem to live and breathe a classic. Indeed, these cars are still built on an ash frame with stretched metal panels. The joy here is getting those classic aesthetics in a modern car that hasn’t been through the runner for half-a-century. 
This example is beautifully presented through and through. Big headlight lenses and short chrome bumpers festoon a fastidiously kept exterior, with everything appearing to be free from cracks, pits and patina.
The paintwork is in superb order, with no scratches, chips or paint loss that we can discern. This continues across the seams, seals and wheel arches, which are still clean and well-presented. The chromework is showing very few signs of wear, with only a few scuffs on the window frames visible.
The hood is in excellent condition, as is the foldout framework, while the Tonneau cover has never even been taken out of its packaging, as a testament to the happy life of dry weather and clean running this example has lived through. 

The wheels are clean and well presented, and still comfortably sitting in their original Pirelli tyres.
The car is even still carrying its original fuel advisory sticker above the filler cap, which hasn’t experienced any weather-related bleaching or fading. 
We haven’t been given a clear view of the car’s underside, though it’s reportedly in fine fettle. Considering the low mileage, no repairs have ever been necessary and its dry-weather lifestyle, we’d be inclined to expect nothing less. 




The Mechanics 

  • Powered by the 1.8L Zetec R I4 Engine
  • 5-speed manual gearbox
  • Engine bay is in very good order with original factory-installed stickers
  • No reported faults or mechanical issues to report 
  • Car starts, runs, shifts and brakes as expected
  • Some corrosion to the exhaust, but with no leaks 




Summary

Beautifully presented, and having lived a charmed life, you’d have a difficult job trying to find a better example of the Morgan 4/4. 

These modern classics are an utterly superb investment for any driver seeking vintage aesthetics with a more modern driving experience. 

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].


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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1997
  • Make Morgan
  • Model 4/4
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 4,475 Miles
  • Engine size 1700
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Biscarrosse
  • Country France
Bidding history
38 bids
  • jo•••• £27,000 04/06/23
  • Fr•••• £26,750 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £26,500 04/06/23
  • Fr•••• £26,250 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £26,000 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £25,750 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £25,500 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £25,250 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £25,000 04/06/23
  • jo•••• £24,750 04/06/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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