1972 Morgan 4/4 Sports

The two-seater Morgan 4/4 was re-introduced after a four-year absence in 1955 as a low cost sports car. The Series II, as it was known, was fairly basic, with a 1,172-cc, 100E Ford side-valve engine and a three speed gearbox with a remote shifter under the dash. It looked and drove like a Morgan, with a sloping grille, basic weather protection, and a stiff ride. Series V production ceased in 1968, and the model was replaced by the 4/4 1600, which used the Ford cross-flow Kent engine and would be built until 1982. Production totals were modest, as befits a hand-built car 3,480 4/4 1600s were sold between 1968 and 1982.

This Morgan Lightweight 4/4 Sports was built by Morgan in 1972 as a "racer' with an all-alloy wide body, BDA Ford racing engine, twin-servo braking system, and roll-cage. Morgan actually sourced the BDA engine for the first owner. The car has early racing history and was a frequent entrant at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Prescott and Oulton Park, including being a Gold-Cup winner in 1972 at the hands of Ray Merrywith. The second owner returned the car to Morgan and had the original BDA engine, producing over 200bhp, removed and a Fiat 1600 twin-cam unit fitted with 5-speed gearbox.

Minor renovation has just been completed with the car having had a new hood fitted, re-upholstered seats in black leather, professionally refurbished wheels and a stainless exhaust fitted. The car is described as in excellent condition throughout and is of course road fund duty exempt. With only 19,100 miles on the odometer, the 'yellow peril' is supplied with an MoT test certificate until May 2013 and is ready to be enjoyed on either road or track by its next custodian. Only one former registered keeper is listed on the V5 and this bright little Morgan has clearly been well looked after.

Word amongst Morgan racers confirms that B-711M6015BA was extremely rapid and highly competitive in its day. If a BDA engine were found and fitted, this car could easily relive its former motorsport heritage, and make any Morgan enthusiast weak at the knees.