Restored by previous owner at a reported cost of over £28,000
Rare Drophead Coupé body
Presented in excellent condition, with few miles since restoration
The Appeal
At its debut in 1936, the 4/4 was Morgan’s first ever four wheeled vehicle, having made a name for themselves as market leaders in the three wheeler sector. The upmarket 4/4 was so named for its number of wheels and cylinders, having four of both was something of a novelty for Morgan at the time.
The Morgan offered for sale here is an early example known as a ‘flat rad’ and wears rare Drop Head Coupé coachwork. Fewer than 200 of these DHC cars are said to have been produced and they benefit from a more weathertight passenger compartment when the hood is raised.
This particular car has previously been restored and recommissioned. It is now fitted with a 1275cc A Series engine, which benefits from excellent parts availability and is highly tuneable. YXoDWaqTk4dIO4djJwct6fOonLYwHs0HIZ1TmINH.jpeg1.7 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in October 1948
Morgan factory record confirmation
Buff logbook
Extensive paperwork and invoices covering the car’s restoration
Retrimmed in red leather and red carpets in 2011, at cost of £5,850
Dashboard veneer refurbished
Instruments rebuilt
Upon swinging open the rear hinged doors, we are presented with a beautifully restored interior, which has clearly been the subject of fastidious attention.
The red leather upholstery has been beautifully crafted and remains very clean and tidy. And having been driven so few miles since restoration, you could be forgiven for thinking that the work was completed last week.
In front of the driver, the impeccable lacquer on the veneered dashboard glistens and provides a fitting backdrop for the full set of refurbished gauges.
While the pedals may appear to be of rudimentary design by the standards of today, it must be remembered that prior to the 4/4, Morgans featured hand controls mounted on the steering wheel.
Ash frame and doors replaced in 2008, body panels fabricated as necessary, cost over £13,000
Black mohair hood replaced during the restoration
Old English White paintwork
During the car’s restoration, it received a new ash frame and doors, as well as newly fabricated body panels where necessary. This work is said to have cost in excess of £13,000 in 2008 and should reassure the next owner that it is in structurally sound condition.
Repainted in Old English White, the finish still looks very good, with no reported scratches, marks or blemishes. The exterior chromework retains a deep shine, the wheels are in good condition the vendor reports that the tyres are Avon Tourist and have less than 900 miles driven on them.
A set of flashing indicators are yet to be fitted but the side lights flash, but otherwise the car is externally unaltered.
Originally, this Morgan was fitted with a Standard Special engine but this was removed at some point in the past and replaced with a more modern Austin A Series unit. This was the advantage of good performance and enviable parts availability, having been fitted to many different models over several decades. The engine is said to run smoothly and quietly.
The vendor informs us that the car drives exactly as a Morgan of this vintage should do. It uses cable-operated drum brakes, which work as well as can be expected and there are no reported mechanical issues or smoke from the exhaust, although a slight oil leak is noted.
Overall, this Morgan seems to be in fine mechanical order and is ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner.
Early Morgans such as this are rare and alluring cars, especially so when fitted with Drophead Coupé bodywork. This particular car looks to have been fastidiously restored by a previous owner and completed very few miles since.
It has clearly been well stored and remains in stunning condition, ready to be the star of any car show, or simple to be appreciated on the open road.
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.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
