1961 Morgan Plus 4 Super Sports Replica Race Car

Introduced at the 1950 Motor Show, the Plus 4 was designed as a more powerful sibling for the 4/4 model. Powered by the robust Standard-Triumph 4 cylinder engine as opposed to the 4/4's Ford power unit, it retained the original pre-war styling until significant styling changes in late 1953 introduced a curved radiator cowl, which is very much as it is today.

Body changes were not the only improvements made to the Plus 4 over the years as its strong competition pedigree prompted improvements to its engine and specification culminating in its peak of development with the Super Sports model introduced in February 1961.

Only 103 Super Sports were made between 1961 and 1968 and they are the most desirable of all Morgan models due to their competition successes at most of the major international races throughout the 1960's.

'JSJ 288', better known as "The Black Car", was first registered in February 1961 and when purchased by the vendor was literally a basket case. The car was then painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up over a period of 6 years as an exact Super Sports replica with low line bodywork panelled in aluminum. Correct in every detail including rare Weber 42 DCOE carbs and Super Sport cooling system "The Black Car" also has a pair of original leather trimmed Super Sports seats.

Since completion in 2005, "The Black Car" has been a regular on the grid with the HSCC in Historic Roadsports but has also competed in the prestigious Equipe GTS series both here in the UK and at Le Mans. In addition, the car has raced with the Morgan Challenge as well as all the Techniques Trophy races at Bentley Drivers Club Silverstone and the inaugural Tucker Trophy at Brands Hatch in 2009 and it has a standing invitation for the 2013 Tucker Trophy event. "The Black Car" also has a personal invitation to race at the 40th Anniversary of the Dutch Morgan Sports Car Club at Assen in July this year.

On the button and ready to race, "The Black Car" has HSCC VIF papers and would also be eligible for the Masters Gentleman Drivers series, Guards Trophy and GT and Sports Car Cup once FIA papers have been obtained. Some minor modification would be necessary to get FIA HTP papers due to the fibreglass wings currently fitted. However, due to it's build date of 1961 "The Black Car" would fall into period E (up to 1962) making it eligible for all the desirable pre-1963 races, such as the Carrol Spagg run Pre '63 GT Series.

In addition, "The Black Car" is road registered and MOT'd and would be eminently suitable for historic road events such as the Tour Britannia and other similar events.