2001 Morgan Plus 8
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Glorious Morgan styling
- Just two previous owner’s
- 4.0-litre Rover V8 / 5-speed manual
- Comprehensive main dealer service history
- Over £5,000 of recent expenditure
- A new MOT will be issued
THE APPEAL
The charismatic Morgan Plus 8 has fuelled the desire for a traditional-styled performance machine since it’s conception in 1968. Progressively developed, the lightweight Plus 8 was one of the fastest-accelerating production models and a successful competition car.
More likely as a Sunday cruiser with a bit of exhilarating poke when you fancy it, this exclusive hand-built Morgan sports the Rover 4.0-litre V8 and looks particularly splendid in it’s coat of metallic dark blue paintwork and red-trimmed interior.
The cosmetic condition is not quite A1, but it is completely up together and over £5,000 has been spent on recent mechanical improvements since 2021 which should offer a reliable and rewarding drive.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Current V5 (in vendor’s father’s name)
- Owner’s handbooks and service history
- A new MOT will be issued before the sale
Believed to be an ex-demonstrator, the first owner purchased this Morgan from BrandsHatch Morgans Ltd in Kent. The car was recalled by Morgan being one of a small batch of cars fitted with a with a faulty Rover engine. This was changed by BrandsHatch Morgans at 4,370 miles in March 2002 (see photo of confirmation letter).
The second owner acquired it in May 2003, and clearly enjoyed the car, keeping it until 2021. The vendor’s father then purchased it from M & M Automotive, in Lymington.
The two owners handbooks reveal 14 service stamps from BrandsHatch Morgans, Libra Motive, London Morgan and a most recent stamp in 2019. Subsequent maintenance work has been undertaken by Winchester Classics in June 2021 (see photo of list), and a local workshop.
The vendor points out that the recorded mileage in 2015 was 89,667 and then in 2016, was 162,414, 2017 was 145,296 and in 2019, was 160,615. Clearly, the mileage cannot be confirmed and was not visible on the day of our photoshoot. The vendor suggests that it is unlikely to have covered 160,000 plus miles though.
THE INTERIOR
- Opulent red leather and wood
- Standard factory specification
- Good condition with some signs of wear
Peering into the cockpit we discover a striking mix of burr-walnut, red leather and dark blue carpeting. A fabulous wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel is backed by factory VDO instrumentation and original switchgear. A nice (if a little scratched) short-shift alloy gear knob sits on the leather covered transmission tunnel.
All the electrical equipment is said to function as it should, but, as already noted, the odometer wasn’t operating. We are informed that the heater is very efficient.
Although presentable, we can see a few minor scuffs here and there, but in particular on the door trims, door apertures, sill areas and seat edges.
Head restraints are present and a JVC sound system is in-situ. The rear luggage space is in good condition and the wood flooring appears sound. The car comes with an excellent tonneau cover, good soft top and decent side screens.
THE EXTERIOR
- Fantastic curvaceous body
- Glossy dark blue paintwork
- Excellent chrome, trim and wire wheels
This Morgan’s paintwork literally ‘pops’ in the spring sunshine. The aluminium body is nice and straight and from the radiator grille to the sloping luggage rack, all the fixtures, fittings and chrome bumpers are highly presentable.
We could see one or two stone chips and light scratches, some damage at the base of the nearside wing-mounted side light and a scrape on the top of the offside front wing. The ‘rear Morgan’ badge is slightly broken, but otherwise, fittings such as the windscreen, mirrors and lights are all fine.
Underneath, the galvanised chassis appears to be structurally sound, and the flooring, suspension and brake components look in good order. We can’t confirm the condition of the ash frame and the exhaust system looks a little tired.
A set of five virtually new-looking shiny wire wheels set this Morgan off beautifully and are shod with excellent Continental 205/55R 16 tyres.
THE MECHANICS
- Fuel-injected 4.0-litre Rover V8
- Short-shift five-speed manual gearbox
- Numerous new parts
The 4.0-litre V8 offers rapid, but smooth low-torque power delivery, the taught steering, suspension and competent brakes should be reassuring.
Despite the unconfirmed mileage, this V8 starts eagerly, sounds fantastic and reportedly performs really well. Benefitting from recent extensive maintenance, this Plus 8 is ready to burble along.
The list of work in 2021 included a replacement radiator, new shock absorbers, clutch and front wheel bearings, amongst other items. The battery, alternator and fuel pump were also replaced In 2022.
In January 2023, the head gasket was changed and a cooling fan switch added at a cost of around £1,000. The vendor assures us that there are no overheating issues now and the engine retains “amazing” oil pressure and has recently had an oil and filter service.
SUMMARY
The enduring and robust Morgan Plus 8 is without doubt a stunning roadster from every angle and naturally offers an engaging driving experience.
This affordable example is in great condition, and could be improved over time if you wish, or enjoyed from day one.
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.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 2001
- Make Morgan
- Model Plus 8
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 170,000 Miles
- Engine size 3946
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Chichester
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
17
bids
- an•••• £21,250 13/04/23
- vi•••• £20,000 13/04/23
- Bo•••• £18,750 13/04/23
- Bo•••• £17,750 13/04/23
- si•••• £17,500 12/04/23
- 96•••• £17,000 12/04/23
- vi•••• £16,000 12/04/23
- Bo•••• £15,500 12/04/23
- vi•••• £15,000 10/04/23
- An•••• £6,200 10/04/23
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