1987 Morgan Plus 8 Class 'B' Race Car

Originally developed and modified by Richard Thorne Racing and Chas Windridge of Mogsport

Running a John Eales Developments 4.0-litre V8 270bhp engine. Race ready

No expense has been spared preparing this very competitive 4.0 Plus 8

Eligible for the AR Motorsport Morgan Challenge, 750 Motor Club Roadsports, Track days, Hill-climbs and Sprints etc

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 were 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.

This distinctive Plus 8 was built by the highly respected Morgan race preparers, Richard Thorne Racing and was further developed by Chas Windridge and Peter Mulberry of MogSport. Having previously been successfully campaigned by both David Marriott and Stuart Anderson, this well-sorted car offers an opportunity to register a seriously competitive Class B entry in the AR Morgan Challenge.

The specification of this car is incredibly high and includes:-

Lightened and modified to Class 'B' regs in the Morgan Aero Racing Challenge.

Weight 835kgs approx

Quick release steering wheel

In date (2020) Tillett FIA carbon seat.

In date (2020) 5-point Willans harness.

Lifeline electric-operated fire extinguisher.

4.0 V8 Rover engine built by John Eales

Tremec T5 transmission with bespoke Quaife gears, and quick-shift linkage.

Mulfab FIA foam-filled fuel tank.

AP brake master cylinders

HiSpec 4-pot front brake callipers.

AP two-pot rear brake callipers.

Double adjustable AVO dampers front and rear.

Recently rebuilt rear axle and new Gripper LSD.

Alloy radiator. Electric cooling fan with manual override.

Lightweight, high-efficiency alternator.

High-torque lightweight starter motor.

VDO Tachometer.

GPS Speedometer.

New ARV6-style LED front and rear lights.

This excellent race car is known as 'Bumble' (I wonder why) and is described by its owner as 'race ready', however, as with any competition car, it's important for buyers to satisfy themselves as to the legality and currency of all safety equipment. Also supplied with the additional benefit of a comprehensive spares package.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enter the Morgan Challenge or other motorsport discipline at a competitive level with a proven and reliable car. In club motorsport, Morgan owners are known as some of the most friendly and helpful in the paddock and this well-prepared car looks to be an ideal entry into the most fun you are ever likely to have in your life.