The Timelessly Charming Morgan Plus 4

The Morgan Plus 4 is a British sports car produced by the Morgan Motor Company from 1950 to 1961. It was introduced as a larger and more powerful version of the company’s earlier models, with a 4-cylinder engine that provided more speed and acceleration. The Plus 4’s styling was a classic Morgan, with a distinctive shape, wooden frame, and minimalist design approach.

Over the years, the Morgan Plus Four received several updates and improvements. It was a popular sports car in its day, and due to the performance and design it brought to the table, it now becomes a classic sportscar that everybody is fond of.

Body and Design

According to Larry Sheehan, president of the Morgan Group, the Plus 4 is built with an underslung steel frame featuring z-section members, welded box-section cross members, and on High Cowl models, steel bulkhead, and valances. Sheehan also mentions that purchasing a new structure is an option, but it arrives without pre-drill holes making it necessary to figure out where everything should go. He suggests that finding a chassis in good condition is a simpler solution since they don’t typically rush through.

The body tub of the framework is made of ash and was not waterproof by the factory. Regardless of the body style, the Morgan doors are a crucial aspect of the vehicle. The dropheads have specific joint angles, which differ from the overlapping doors on a roadster. For a proper fit, all angles must work together seamlessly.

Performance and Specifications

The Morgan Motor Company never manufactured its own engines; Larry, an expert on Morgan Plus 4, points out that Standard-Triumph provided most of the engines. Many people add the larger-size pistons from the TR4 to the engine, which can easily yield 120 horsepower.

Larry suggests changing the oil frequently, especially in engines that use SU H.6 carburetors with no room for air filters, so they run wide open. He also recommends installing Pertronix ignitions and spin-on oil filters. Herb notes that coolant recovery systems are not standard in Morgans, but dealers offer them as aftermarket additions.

All Morgan Plus 4 models used the renowned Moss four-speed gearbox. While clutches and throw-out bearings are easy to obtain, Larry suggests ensuring that the gearbox is in good condition. The rear end of the car, which Morgan used a couple of different types for over the years, is challenging to find parts for, and if it is in bad shape, finding another car might be the best option.

Interior

The simplicity of a traditional Morgan Interior makes the Plus 4 appealing, the upholstered backrest of the fixed-position seats couldn’t be adjusted, but a bar could adjust the rake. And the vertical adjustment of the bottom cushions was done by inflating a bladder with one’s mouth to reach the desired height.

There is nothing complicated about the interior of the car, with sewn-up, ready-made seat cushions and seatbacks, tops, and tonneau covers readily available. Unlike modern cars, the rugs in the Plus 4 are flat carpeting or original ribbed rubber and not molded. The dashboard is treated with beautiful mahogany wood, with a leather strap on the bonnet becoming a tradition, which comes from the Morgan cars in the Racing.

Morgan Plus 4’s pop culture influence

The design aesthetics of the Morgan Plus 4 made it popular among people due to which it was included in various movies such as “The Great Race” and “The Italian Job”. It also got featured in various TV shows such as Top Gear, and also the Morgan Plus 4 name on several songs.

Due to its history and achievements, it got featured in a number of racing games such as Forza Motorsport 7 and Project Cars 2. Overall the Morgan Plus 4 has become the iconic symbol for British motoring history and left its mark on pop culture in a variety of ways.

Prices for the Morgan Plus 4

The Morgan Plus 4 is a hand-built sports car and the prices can vary depending on several factors such as model year, trim levels, authenticity, and additional options. According to the market, a decent enough Morgan Plus 4 price fall in between $20,000- $40,000.

However, these prices can fluctuate depending on the demand for the vehicle at a particular time. Thus, for the most accurate prices, it is best to consult a reputable car dealer or car valuation expert if you are buying or selling a Morgan Plus 4.