Description
The Morgan Plus 8 was born in 1968, initially almost like an “experiment”: Morgan decided to install the brand-new 3. 5-litre Rover V8, aluminium, under the long bonnet of its Plus 4. The result is stunning: a featherweight of around 900 kg and around 160 horsepower. The car retains the narrow chassis of the Plus 4 and its 1910s sliding- pillar front suspension. It is rustic, but very quick, with lively handling.
In 1969, the car remained nearly identical to 1968. Adjustments were minor: a few detailed improvements to cooling and brakes, but no major changes. It remains a supercharged Plus 4, with pre-war styling but the performance of a contemporary sports car.
In 1970, Morgan begins to tighten the package a little. The dashboard is redesigned, with new switches and instruments appearing. The Moss four-speed gearbox remains unchanged, but the mechanical assembly gains robustness. Very light chassis modifications appear, to support the V8’s torque.
In 1971, a few equipment changes come to light: seats slightly redesigned, improvement of heating and the waterproofing of the hood, but still no major structural evolution. The Plus 8 keeps its narrow track and its slim wire wheels.
Then comes 1972, which corresponds to the full maturity of this first narrow-generation. The Rover V8 3. 5-litre engine with SU carburettors develops about 155 bhp, and the car weighs less than 900 kg. The four-speed Moss gearbox remains in use. This 1972 version is often regarded as the apex of the “original” Plus 8: lively, raw, extremely light, with the artisanal charm of the early series and an intact style inherited from the Plus 4.
In 1973, the Plus 8 remains almost unchanged, but receives a few discreet improvements to brakes and running gear. The aesthetics remain identical, still with the slim bodyshell and the curved wings tucked around the wheels.
In 1974 and 1975, Morgan begins to prepare for a widening of the chassis, as modern wider tyres require more space and stability. Some reinforcements are added and some models already receive slightly wider wheels, but the overall silhouette remains the same.
This example was newly delivered in Germany on 14 February 1973 and has since covered a little over 81, 000 km. It is therefore a rare left-hand-drive version with metric instrumentation. It is in very good condition and has benefited from an engine tune bringing its power to around 170 bhp. It is accompanied by a soft top, side windows and a tonneau cover.
The car runs very well, the torquey and powerful engine and the suspension are in very good condition.
