*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N (Non structural, stolen recovered) insurance loss in 2021, see vendors notes below ***
Highlights
- Older restoration in blue with re-trimmed Cognac leather interior
- Only five registered keepers from new
- Distinctive RAF roundel graphics (removable) add character to the Royal Naval Blue paint
- Recently fitted with new carpets, battery and four matching Continental tyres
- Included distinctive ‘John Cooper Works’ plate valued at £1,800
The Appeal
The 4/4 is the bedrock of Morgan’s modern reputation and one of the longest-running models at a mere 83 years. This 1978 1600 pays homage to the 4/4s pre- and post-war lineage with its Royal Naval Blue paintwork adorned with distinctive and lightly distressed RAF roundels.
The paintwork and smart Cognac leather interior were the result of an older 1980s restoration, both remaining in good order thanks to very sparing subsequent use. The car presents well, but is at the ‘usable’ rather than ‘concours’ end of condition. It benefits from new carpets, battery and four new Continental tyres. Naturally there is scope to take it the next level of the buyer wishes.
According to the seller, the car has been off the road since 2019 in dry storage. It runs and drives but some recommissioning should therefore be factored in. This distinctive car should appeal to enthusiasts looking for an interesting and potentially light project.
The vendor says:
“This is not a show car by any means as can be seen by the lovely patina to the paintwork and the interior is also showing its age, although the carpets are all new, and the interior has been re-connolised at some point. The wonderful RAF distressed roundels look great and suit the cars lovely patina. This is usable to enjoy as a classic driver as it is, or should the new owner wish to restore it back to its original factory colour scheme or their own personal colour combination preference, then this is an ideal candidate for a restoration . The car on inspection has a solid frame and floors.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 26th May 1978
- DVLA records four former registered keepers
- We are told that two of those keepers were same person
- Dispatched from the factory to Lifes Motors, Morgan dealer in Southport, Lancashire
- MOT exempt as a Historic Vehicle, with MOT history available from 2006 to 2021
- Supplied with V5 document, factory handbook and original 1978 sales brochure
- Registered as Cat N in 2021 which the vendor describes below
- Not used since 2019 due to the previous elderly owner's health issues
- Chassis number B4231 verified correct by Morgan Heritage for this 1978 4/4
- Various old MOTs
- Includes registration plate which is valued at £1,800 and would suit a ‘John Cooper Works’ Mini
- 1 set of keys
- Vendor states that he believes the mileage is genuine but neither he or us verify this
- Last MOT ran to 2021 with no advisories on test
- Previously painted silver which was changed in the 1980s when the car was also re-trimmed
- Change of colour recorded by DVLA in 1989
The vendor says:
“The car was stolen from the driveway of the previous elderly owner’s house in 2021 and was recovered in 2024 completely undamaged other than a broken steering lock, but had already been paid out on by the insurance company in 2021 hence it having a CAT N classification, however, there was absolutely zero damage and the car is still original in its 1980s blue paintwork and looks fabulous with the distressed ww2 RAF Aircraft roundels.”
The Condition
- Finished in Royal Naval Blue in the late 1980s
- Repainted from original Jaguar Silver/Opalescent Grey
- Features distinctive distressed WW2 RAF Aircraft roundels
- Paintwork shows various marks and scuffs highlighted in photos
- Car sits on four painted wire wheels with matching spare
- Recnetly fitted with four matching Continental tyres and matching spare
- Underside as shown described by seller as solid
- Cognac/mushroom leather interior replaces original blue leather
- Interior is generally well kept with some age-appropriate wear
- Interior has been re-connolised at some point
- New carpets recently fitted throughout
- Tonneau cover and full wet weather gear including frame, soft top and side screens
- Solid frame and floors reported upon inspection
- Presents with a patina to both paintwork and interior consistent with its age
The Mechanics
- 1,599cc Ford ‘Kent’ 4cyl 2265GT engine
- 4spd manual transmission
- Engine runs smoothly with no unusual noises or tappet rattle we are told
- Gearbox and clutch reported to be functioning correctly
- New battery recently fitted
- Starter motor solenoid occasionally slow to operate, likely due to lack of use
- Some recommissioning required as detailed below
The vendor says:
“The engine runs very smoothly with no noises or tappet rattle. Gearbox and clutch works correctly too., sometimes the solenoid on the starter motor is slow to operate at times but this is probably due to its lack of use for the past 6 years.
“Obviously as the car has not been used for 6 years since 2019, it is recommended that some recommissioning is carried out / oil change and service and the brakes overhauled and checked before it's driven on the road, so it is recommended to collect the car by trailer. (Seller can provide details of a reliable recovery / delivery person who can deliver U.K. wide) It would also make an ideal and easy winter project.”
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