2015 Morgan Plus 8

Background:

Morgan’s Plus 8 has a long and rich history, having been first launched in 1968, production continuing until 2004, when the demise of the venerable all-alloy Rover V8 power-unit brought manufacture to a close. The Plus 8’s enduring popularity has been credited with saving the company financially as well as furthering its global exposure and among Morgan enthusiasts the model has always been closely associated with Owner and Chairman, Peter Morgan.

Eight years after the end of the Plus 8, a brand-new version appeared on Morgan’s stand at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, powered by a 362bhp 4.8-litre BMW DOHC V8, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission (with a 6-speed automatic as an option), driving through the rear wheels.

Based on the chassis of the Aero 8, the new Plus 8 retained much of the look and coach-built feel of the originals but with suitably updated interior, exterior and drivetrain/suspension (bespoke tailored in conjunction with BMW to suit the rampant power of the engine,) for an entirely new life. While the new Plus 8 certainly echoes the original strongly, it’s an entirely new machine, with a chassis that can handle the power and the widest body ever built in the Malvern works, bringing the whole package a much more modern feel.

The thoroughly modern bonded and riveted aluminium chassis and aluminium body mean an unladen weight of a mere 1,100kgs (a MINI Cooper convertible weighs in at 1,450kgs,) so that performance is best described as ‘lusty’ in any gear and at almost any revs. Thus, the ‘new’ Plus 8 certainly lives up to the standards set by its illustrious forebears. It is not only the lightest V8 passenger car in the world approved to European safety standards, it also boasts one of the stiffest chassis of any production convertible roadster.

With an equally modern, snug-fitting, double-skinned mohair hood, plenty of headroom even for tall drivers plus modern nicities like air conditioning, the Plus 8 is not about old school hairy-chested machismo – it’s a fine and refined driver’s tool, albeit one does breathe fire on command.

The car:

This superb one-owner Plus 8 has covered just 8,800 miles since it was first registered in October 2015, so it’s barely been run-in. Highly-specified from the factory, it’s in superb condition all round and is an outstanding example of the model.

The car’s Jaguar Firenze Red Metallic coachwork simply glows and it sits purposefully on its 18" 6-spoke alloy wheels. It has a clear indicator lens pack and is fitted with a polished mesh grill insert and badge bar at the front, while a luggage rack with sidescreen storage was also specified at the owner’s request. Paint protection film has been discretely applied to vulnerable areas of the body.

The equally charming interior features Aero sports seats with embroidered Morgan logo head restraints, in Ivory Yarwood leather with maroon piping. Contrasting maroon carpeting is fitted, with ivory leather piping, making the cockpit a wonderful place to be. Nestled in the polished Walnut dash are the major instruments and controls, along with the stereo system and the air conditioning controls. There is plenty of storage in the elasticated door pockets and a Morgan leather suitcase accompanies the car.

Power steering lightens the load at low speed, while the power-assisted ABS brakes rein the car in confidently. The automatic transmission is often seen as the ideal accompaniment to the BMW V8, being both smooth and responsive, while offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Auto’ modes to suit the driver’s mood. In ‘Sport’ mode, the gear is held to a maximum of 6,500rpm and the electronics ‘blip’ the throttle on downshifts.

In addition to the black mohair easy-up hood, there is a mohair sidescreen bag, a mohair hood cover and even a mohair tonneau cover. The car also comes with a photo build book, so that the new owner can retrospectively enjoy the machine’s construction process as well as its performance.

Summary:

Few cars will match this Plus 8 for style, charm and thunderingly enjoyable performance at almost any price. Perhaps the perfect combination of modern and traditional

Location: Cheshire

Seller: Trade

Photos: Vendor supplied