1970 Morgan Plus 8

No-expense-spared, nut and bolt restoration in 2011/12 on a new race-prepared steel chassis from G.E.E,

New factory ash frame. Newly built John Eales race engine recorded at 254 bhp

Rebuild was completed to FIA Appendix K specification for 'Period G' cars,

Supplied with a UK V5c, reams of invoices, an MOT until 15th April 2018, and its FIA/MSA passport valid until 31st December 2027,

Eligible for HSCC events, Tour Auto, Tour Britannia and new for 2018, a 1970"s HSCC Roadsports race at the Silverstone Classic

Please note, registration plate "RCR 1F" is being retained by the vendor, and the car is now registered "FVG 727J".

Introduced in 1968, the Morgan Plus 8 was immediately popular and remained in production for 36 years, an income stream that has been widely credited with keeping the company afloat during difficult times. Design and development of the Plus 8 was led by the larger-than-life, Maurice Owen, a race engineer taken on specifically for the role. The Plus 8 prototype was based on a modified version of the Plus 4, to which was added a Rover 3.5 litre V8, purchased from GM-Buick in 1967. The Plus 4's 4-speed manual Moss gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th was carried over and the Salisbury 7HA axle was uprated with a limited slip differential.Built along familiar Morgan lines, its ladder frame chassis was equipped with independent 'sliding-pillar' front suspension, a leaf-sprung rear axle, and disc/drum brakes. Supported by an ash frame, its swooping bodywork looked as traditional as ever but gave no clues as to the new model's extraordinary performance potential. These early "Moss box" Plus 8s, of which only 484 were built between 1968 – 1972, have now become very desirable and sought-after Morgans.

This particular, UK-supplied 1970 "Moss box" Plus 8 was discovered in Norway by our vendor who repatriated the car to the UK and then embarked on a no-expense-spared, nut and bolt restoration in 2011/12. Built well within the homologated weight of 853 kg on a new race-prepared steel chassis from G.E.E, a new factory ash frame was ordered and a newly built John Eales race engine was installed recorded as producing 254 bhp. Mated to the new engine was the Moss gearbox which received the full treatment from respected specialist Billy Bellinger of J.B Sports Engineering, who also rebuilt the axle. Assembly and build of the car was entrusted to Brett Syndercombe of Brands Hatch Morgans who, over the years, has built some of the finest historic racing Morgans currently competing.

Once the rebuild was completed to FIA Appendix K specification for 'Period G' cars, our vendor campaigned this Plus 8 successfully in various events including; HSCC meetings at Silverstone Donington, Spa, Tour Britannia and Modena Cento Ore in Italy. In 2016, the engine was checked over and rebuilt by John Eales and the axle and gearbox were again refreshed by J.B. Sports Engineering.

Currently riding on Minilite wheels, the sale of this car also includes 5 original Morgan alloy wheels shod with good road tyres, aero screens, a custom-made tonneau cover, side-screen, a waterproof cover, a front bumper, two rear parcel shelves, the original engine, and the original internals for the gearbox. There are also some sundry race spares including spark plugs, brake pads etc. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves as to the currency and legality of all safety equipment in the car.

Supplied with a UK V5c, reams of invoices, an MOT until 15th April 2018, and its FIA/MSA passport valid until 31st December 2027, this stunning race car is versatile enough to use on the road, but is also eligible for some of the most prestigious HSCC events, Tour Auto, Tour Britannia and new for 2018, a 1970"s HSCC Roadsports race at the Silverstone Classic! Well-prepared and rare in its own right, this car represents a remarkable opportunity and we urge you to consider it when thinking about your 2018 race season.

Please note, registration plate "RCR 1F" is being retained by the vendor, and the car is now registered "FVG 727J".