1954 Morgan Plus 4

After World War II, the Morgan Car Company had re-introduced their 4/4 model fitted with a 1267 cc Standard engine. This continued in production until 1950 when it was replaced by the larger Plus 4 announced at the 1950 Earls Court Motor Show.

The Plus 4, at its introduction was fitted with a 2088 cc engine (based on that used in the Standard Vanguard), installed on a strengthened 4/4 chassis with a wheelbase lengthened by 4 in. Hydraulic brakes, at first all drum, were fitted for the first time on a Morgan.

In 1953 a higher performance version was announced with the 1991cc engine as used in the Triumph TR3. The radiator grill was now surrounded by a cowl that blended into the bonnet. Front disc brakes became an option in 1959 and were standardised in 1960. From 1962 the engine utilised was the Triumph TR4 unit, which increased displacement to 2138 cc.

In 1955 the less powerful 4/4 model re-appeared in Phase II form. The 96 in (2,438 mm) wheelbase of the Plus 4 was adopted by the 4/4 when it reappeared in 1955, after which the two cars were for most purposes the same length and width.

This particular vehicle was built by the Morgan factory as a standard road-going car and originally dispatched to a Mr Thomas Haddon in Newcastle on the 2nd June 1954. It was actively campaigned in competition in period.

Acquired then, by well known Morgan main agent and racer John Macdonald and developed as a replacement for his ex Lawrence / Shepard Barron +4 , 'PGP 123' (widely known as 'Choc Ices').

It was returned to the Morgan works and fitted with a super-light aluminium body and completely rebuilt to 1959 supersports specification using a very special all steel full race engine with twin 45 Webers, close-ratio gearbox, new 4.1 GKN differential, integral aluminium short and long racing fuel tanks, aluminium floors, sump, rocker cover, Alfin rear brake drums, original Lawrencetune manifold and rare chronometric rev counter with a tell-tale.

In this form, it won its first race beating a field of rapid historic sports cars including a lightweight 'E' type, a Tojiero Buick V8 and assorted single seaters, including Roddy McPherson's Cooper Bristol GP car. It also came second to Ben Cussons Jaguar 'C'Type at Oulton Park.

The current owner has had the engine completely rebuilt, fitted new wheels, clutch and a hardtop so that it can compete as a GT as well as a sports car.

At the GTS Equipe race at Donnington Park, it was on the grid with the aforementioned 'Choc Ices' which it managed to lap!

Finished in attractive 'Connaught Green' originally painted by John Macdonald (a colour Charles Morgan found so attractive it was latterly adopted as a Morgan colourway) this car comes complete with a comprehensive history file, and full HTP FIA papers (issued in June 2009) and ready to qualify again 'as is.'

This is an important, rare and highly desirable sports car, recently serviced and ready to continue its competition career, eligible for all National and International events and with such a realistic guide price, surely an historic racing car worthy of closer inspection...