1964 Morgan Plus 4 Plus

Morgan's new model, the Plus 4 Plus (or +4+) was built on the standard Morgan tube-framed roadster chassis but was clothed in a fibreglass two-seat coupé body with a very period bubble top, rather than the traditional Morgan construction utilising an ash frame with an open body clad with steel panels. The tall, rounded roof was shaped, as Morgan lore would have it, to accommodate the 6'4" frame of Peter Morgan who sensibly insisted that he be able to enter, exit and drive the car comfortably. There were proper bucket seats, a full complement of instruments, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and some space for luggage.

The Plus 4 Plus was launched at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show to a somewhat frosty reception by Morgan aficionados. The new design was a slap in the face to tradition and to the company's dismay, Morgan lovers wanted nothing to do with it obviously preferring the primitive inflatable bladder seats and archaic leaf-spring suspension setup of their beloved 'wind in your hair' Plus-Four roadster. They were having none of it and consequently production of the model ceased at just 26 examples over three years, just over half of the anticipated production run of 50 cars, with two additional bodies from EB Ware of Birmingham being retained for spare parts. Ironically, Morgan's apparent misfortune turned out to be completely the opposite as, fearful that the new model signalled the end of what they had worshipped for decades, prospective Morgan buyers hurriedly jumped on the waiting list for a new Plus-Four roadster with deposits pouring in and boosting the company's ailing cash flow.

The car was fitted with Triumph’s 2,138cc pushrod inline four-cylinder engine, with twin-Weber carburettors, producing c.140bhp and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The handling was covered with sliding king pin front suspension and front disc brakes.

On offer from 26-year long-term ownership, this example is arguably one of, if not the best, Morgan +4+ in existence. Every detail is stunning. The cosmetics, the mechanicals and the history file are all remarkable. It presents exceptionally well, finished in Smoke Grey with a black vinyl interior, running and driving beautifully, our vendor enjoying the car on many drive-out days and road trips over the years. It has been maintained with meticulous detail, as can be seen in the history file which makes for very pleasant reading. In our vendor's ownership and before, the car has been looked after by approved Morgan service agent Techniques, with a plethora of bills for servicing and maintenance over the years. In addition to the service/maintenance records, the car comes with its original buff logbook, factory-fitted luggage rack, electric windscreen washers and period Phillips radio. Early ownership is recorded in the file, with our vendor purchasing the car in 1998, from the previous keeper who owned the car from 1969-1998.

With only 26 genuine +4+s ever built, and just eight believed to remain in the UK, they are incredibly seldom seen and what a shame that is. Phenomenally rare, extremely well documented, presenting in extraordinary condition, this is a great opportunity to own a pivotal part of Morgan’s history for a very reasonable outlay.