Description
1970 Morgan 'Moss Box' Plus 8 Race/ Rally Car RHD (HTP Period G valid until 31/ 12/ 2027)
The Morgan Plus 8 was officially launched in October 1968 at the Earls Court Motorshow with the new flagship model now sporting Rover's (ex GM) alloy v8 of 3. 5ltr capacity. Compared with the previous Plus 4 model, producing 110-115bhp from its Triumph 4 pot, the Plus 8 mated to the Plus 4's 4-speed manual Moss gearbox generated 168bhp and 210lb ft of torque. Low weight, lots of power and tremendous torque made the Plus 8 enormously quick and left contemporary rivals like the Lotus Elan, MGC and Triumph TR5 completely in it's wake! The performance recipe was further improved in 1969, as would continue over the next 40+ years of production, by introducing aluminium body work as an option and shaving a further 45kg in weight.
Morgans are often said to be 'marmite' cars; you either love them or hate them. However, unlike 'marmite' (in my opinion) once you try a Morgan Plus 8 set up for track more will transition to the 'love them' camp. The Plus 8 with its terrific performance, and suspension arguably better suited to the track than the road, helps makes it such a communicative and ever so competitive historic race car. Further advances in engine tuning (now circa 274bhp) are the icing on the cake meaning the Plus 8 even today is often still leaving peers in its wake! When not racing it's also just as happy and good mannered to take you on a run to the pub!
Eligible for race series including: HSCC Historic Road Sports/ 70s Road Sports, Equipe 70's, CSCC Swinging 60s, Morgan Challenge 'Historic' class and any number of events/ series in Europe (or beyond!). Eligible also for road rallies including the 'Tour Auto' and 'Modena Cento Ore'. This Plus 8 left the Pickersleigh Road production line in August 1970 and was registered and dispatched to Basil Roy Ltd, London. Subsequently it spent much of its life in Cheshire throughout the 80's and then moved to Norway for a period before being repatriated to the UK in 2011. Upon returning to the UK, the then current owner commissioned a no expense spared, ground up, nut-and-bolt restoration using recognised marque specialists. The result, a beautifully prepared FIA Appendix K specification 'Moss Box' Plus 8 in metallic Jaguar Blue over black interior. Subsequently raced with HSCC and also taking part in both the Tour Brittania and Modena Centre Ore. A Historic Technical Passport was obtained in Sept 2017 for Period G1 (1966-1969) in Category: Competiton GT Car / FIA Class: GTP1 and is valid until December 2027.
I became the current custodian in 2019 and since then have similarly raced with HSCC Historic Road Sports. I have found the Plus 8 to be very competitive and an HSCC race winner on its last outing. Meticulously looked after during my time by leading Morgan specialists Techniques, the car has wanted for nothing. Further improved with a new John Eales race engine fitted in March 2023, along with upgraded SSL suspension fitted by Techniques at the same time. Since then, due to other commitments, the car has been raced only 4 times with HSCC.
The car is fitted with Minilites running on Yoko's and comes with a spare set of original Morgan alloy wheels with Avon CR6ZZ tyres fitted. Additionally with the car is the full windscreen, side screens, tonnau, front bumper, uprated rear parcel shelf for rallying, non race seat and some sundry 'race box' spares. The currently fitted Sparco race seat and race harness have now expired their homologation. The plumbed in fire extinguisher will need servicing. Several history files accompany the car covering the restoration, invoices and race results etc.
In summary, this is a very competitive historic race/ rally car in fantastic condition with scope for lots of fun! What's not to like?
Note. Registration number 'DSU 208' not included in sale. The intention will be to return the car to it's previous registration of 'FVG 727 J'
