2016 Morgan AR V6

Based on the 3.7-litre V6 Roadster, the ARV6 is undoubtedly the ultimate race-prepared example of the marque and pushes the boundaries of what was previously believed to be possible with a traditionally shaped Morgan. Produced since 2014 at their Malvern factory by Morgan’s in-house racing division, AR Motorsport, there are currently just six examples in the world, five of which remain in the UK, making this model one of the rarest Morgans ever.

Benefiting from a range of circuit-focussed enhancements, the ARV6 is the first ever Morgan to feature a 5-link rear suspension and the bodywork has no doors, with that on the passenger side being replaced with a weight-saving, heightened side panel. Aiming to reduce weight and increase torsional rigidity still further, the brake system, interior, split billet wheels and even the battery have all been on a diet, resulting in an impressive weight reduction to a dry weight of 850kg.

Motivation is provided by Ford’s 3.7-litre DOHC Duratec V6, as fitted to their Mustang, enhanced by a single-mass flywheel, modified timing chain tensioner and uprated ECU generating 320bhp fed through a 6-speed transmission. Technical enhancements include a digital dashboard display, a first for any Morgan. With a power to weight ratio of 376bhp per tonne, the ARV6 is one of the most powerful Morgans ever.

Several ARV6s have competed in the Morgan Challenge Race Series, a 33-year old, friendly, single-marque series which, in fact, was won by one of these cars last year. Race-winning pedigree has been proven throughout the last four years with a number of overall and class victories for ARV6s in competition on various UK circuits.

This particular example was bought new by its current owner in 2016 and has enjoyed much success at various events over the years under the banner ‘Bumble Racing Team’.
Our vendor is particularly fastidious and we understand has spent over £50,000 on further developing and upgrading the car following its delivery from Morgan, however it remains road-legal and has been supported and generally looked after by Richard Thorne, a respected specialist in competition and fast-road Morgans.

Enhancements and upgrades include:

• Four-pot AP racing calipers at the front
• Two-pot AP racing caliper at the rear with handbrake mechanism.
• AP front brake master cylinder.
• AP Rear brake master cylinder.
• Dashboard brake-bias adjustment.
• A beautifully made quick-shift by MGW was specially imported from the USA providing a far superior gear change.
• Differential upgrade – first and sixth gear ratio change
• Repositioned battery.
• Bespoke front springs.
• Bespoke rear springs.
• Bespoke front double adjustable dampers.
• Bespoke rear double adjustable dampers.
• Bespoke quick-release steering assembly – direct to steering column.
• Complete with a matching spare set of wheels.

As with any competition car, it’s recommended that prospective purchasers check the validity and currency of any safety-related equipment.

When this class-wining Morgan’s upgrades were finally complete, the various Coronavirus lockdowns prevented Bumble Racing from showing the car's true capabilities, however those days are happily behind us and the car's current potential is waiting to be realised.

This AR V6 is undoubtedly the coolest Morgan racer on the planet and, given that only six were built globally at over £60,000 new and taking into account the significant investment this particular one has enjoyed since and the standard of preparation and presentation, it would take a brave person to say no at this very sensible guide.