Beschreibung
This early Plus 8, chassis R7081, was the first of the all new Plus 8 model imported to the United States. As such, this same Plus 8 was used by Road & Track as their test car. The review and performance specs were featured in the December 1969 issue of Road & Track and gave American car enthusiasts their first glimpse of the brand new aluminum V8 powered Morgan Plus 8. The incredible history of this car, from how the first owner took delivery, to the second owner's 45 year ownership and love affair with the car make this Morgan truly one of a kind.
I was attracted to this Plus 8 by the wonderful color, condition, and living history. The Middle Chrome Yellow with black wings color combination is stunning in how it complements and accentuates the lines of the body design. The overall look and feel is reminiscent of prewar Bugattis and Talbots of the 1930's, with the mag wheels recalling Lotus and Ferraris of the 1960's. The condition is a testament to the car having been only owned by two experienced, knowledgeable, collectors who were meticulous about maintenance. The first owner owned numerous Morgans, including a 1967 Morgan Super Sport, and later owned a Morgan dealership in Ireland. The second owner raced a 1952 Morgan flat-rad for 35 years, and maintained a collection of great automobiles.
The car presents beautifully and is in great cosmetic and mechanical condition with just 68, 974 miles. The entire upholstery is original to the car and shows well. The exterior was painted once, with special care taken to precisely match the original color. The windshield is original, with its Triplex marking visible. The Hughes stickers on the sides of the windshield are original Howard Hughes engineering company parking permits, from when the previous owner was employed as a space satellite engineer. In terms of rust, the car is exceptional, having spent its first 45 years in the dry, Southern California climate. When I purchased the car I had the car thoroughly inspected by Greg Solow, longtime Morgan expert and owner of Baby Doll V.
The original steering wheel, factory key, original leather winged +8 key fob, owner's manual, jack and documentation, such as the extensive driving logs have been kept with the car (see photo). All of the weather equipment is original, including the convertible top, side curtains, and tonneau cover. The original Dunlop Sport tire is still mounted to the spare wheel.
As this car has only been driven by two skilled drivers, the gearbox has that wonderful, perfectly worn-in feel. Mechanical work during my ownership has included a new exhaust, front and rear brake hoses, front brake pads, inner & outer front wheel bearings, clutch slave and rear brake shoes. I have been running Valvoline VR-1 racing oil with zinc additives, Chevron ‘Delo' transmission fluid and Redline gear oil.
The car is incredibly fun to drive. Interestingly, the +8's power to weight ratio and limited slip differential made it the fastest-accelerating British production car into the 1970s, on par with Ferraris of the day, reaching 60 mph in 6. 7 seconds. I have been most impressed with how comfortable the car is on the highway. The Plus 8 suspension is slightly more compliant than the Plus 4, making for a more pleasant ride. John Bolster said it best when he stated in Autosport “I always enjoy Morgans because they are cars built for the owner's pleasure. This is an exciting sports car with electric acceleration that is glued to the road…”
The history of the car is well documented, with the two previous owners still active in the collector car community. I have greatly enjoyed corresponding with the car's previous owners; in appreciation of the car's historic significance, I have transcribed our conversations over the years so as to preserve a written log of our experiences with this car over the past 49 years. These notes as well as detailed car logs kept by the previous owners will be included with the purchase. The following paragraphs detail some of the highlights.
In 1968 Morgan leaked that they were working on an eight-cylinder car. At this time, first owner, Scott McMillan, wrote a letter to Peter Morgan inquiring about the new model and whether he could expedite delivery so the car could be imported before U. S. emission regulations changed. Peter Morgan agreed and delivery was scheduled for June 1968. At this time, Scott was driving a 1967 Morgan Super Sport and working as a writer for ABC Television.
Due to strike at the Port in Southern California, the car ended up being sent to Vancouver and Mr. McMillan flew up to take delivery at the local Morgan dealer, GB Stern. Upon arrival, Mr. McMillan was surprised to see a Middle Chrome Yellow Plus 8 on the showroom floor. He had specified a two-tone brown combination. Peter Morgan had slapped a note, as an order receipt, on the windshield with lines drawn through Mr. McMillan's specifications, with the note “Enjoy your car. PHD Morgan.” Because of the rush to get the car imported before the new emissions laws took effect, Peter Morgan took what is likely the first left hand drive Plus 8 and turned it into Mr. McMillan's car. The car had only 9 miles on the clock, which included Stern's driving from the port, and showed there was not even enough time for the usual 15 mile factory run through upon completion.
Mr. McMillan and his brother drove the car to Los Angeles in one day to make a local car show. The car was the center of attention, as most Morgan owner's believed the new Plus 8 would never be imported due to the new emissions regulations. It was at this show that Jim Belardi, who would eventually become the second owner, first saw the car.
Jim purchased the car from Scott on November 15th 1971. The car remained a prominent part of Jim's car collection for 45 years, from 1971 until 2016, where it resided next to his much loved short-nosed 275 GTB, and collection of other Morgans (including of course one of Lew Spencer's Morgans). During this time, Jim was an active member of the Morgan Club and used the Plus 8 regularly for events. Every drive was carefully logged in a notebook (see photo).
I look forward to discussing the car with all interested parties and can be reached by phone at +1 the details below. Call if you would like to arrange a time to see the car in person. I am located 20 minutes from the San Francisco International airport and am willing to assist with shipping logistics for out of state or overseas buyers.
