2020 Morgan Plus Six

The Morgan Motor Company’s arrival in the 21^st Century was signalled by its first new model in 19 years, the Plus Six and the fact that they were now taking themselves very seriously was the model’s first public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019 and not in the ballroom at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern as had been the case with previous new car launches. It may look like any other Morgan, but looks can be deceptive. After 110 years of production, Morgan have completely transformed the car without changing the classic traditional look, in fact the only part this car shares with previous models is the bonnet catch. Underneath that classically styled bodywork lies Morgan’s new CX chassis, only the fourth new platform in Morgan’s 110 year history. (CX is 110 in Roman numerals). The CX-Generation aluminium bonded platform has been designed and developed for use in Morgan’s future high-performance models and features a 100% increase in torsional rigidity over the previous aluminium platform as well as being considerably lighter weighing-in at less than 100kg. In a nod to traditionalists, Morgan’s century-long association with wood continues with an Ash frame surrounding the cockpit with is designed to increase stiffness in that area.

Snugly fitted underneath the Plus Six’s hand–rolled and hand punched aluminium bonnet is a 2,998cc, 24 valve, turbo-charged, straight-six cylinder power unit from BMW offering 335bhp @ 5,000rpm and 369lb.ft of torque @ 1,600rpm and coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This is the same engine that was fitted to the BMW Z4 and Toyota’s Supra at the time of the Plus Six’s launch in 2019, both cars admired for their sparkling performance. This was the first time that Morgan had fitted a straight-six and also their first foray into turbo-charging and the results were impressive with 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds on the way up to 166mph.

As a result of the new underpinnings there’s a 20mm extension in the wheelbase, 200mm more leg room and an 80mm wider cockpit. As always there is no ‘proper’ boot, but the CX chassis allows for a much deeper rear parcel shelf behind the seats for your overnight bags and umbrellas. The Plus Six featured a new suspension set-up with a double-wishbone MacPherson-strut derived system at the front with a four-link set up at the rear. The Plus Six also benefited from a set of newly designed 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and electromechanical power-steering. Four models were offered initially with two versions known as the Plus Six First Edition in a choice of Emerald Green or Moonstone Blue.

The First Edition on offer here dates from 2020 and is presented in Moonstone Blue with a dark blue soft-grain leather, Dark Grey box-weave carpets and 19-inch Frost Grey Alloys. It was optioned from new with air-conditioning, heated seats, Kenwood audio system, paint protection film, puddle lights, side-screen bags, a luggage rack, Cibie driving/spot lamps and a sports exhaust system - we understand that the final purchase price was just short of £90,000.

Our vendor, the car's only owner from new, has recently found himself unable to truly enjoy the Morgan he had waited so long to own. He has reached a stage where jumping in and out is no longer possible and so he regretfully is offering it for sale so that someone else may enjoy it rather than it sitting around waiting. It’s covered a total of 1,324 miles, is in commensurate condition and will be accompanied by all the usual dealer paperwork, manuals and warranties etc. This is a thoroughly modern Morgan that will stand the test of time and being offered at a very, very generous guide, is bound to attract some serious interest.