Morgan 4/4
Beautiful EXTERIOR body Good hood/tonneau INTERIOR Moto-Lita wheel Walnut dash MECHANICALS Ample power from Zetec engine
ENGINE 1796cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 119bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 119lb ft@45000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 114mph 0-60MPH 7.6 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-31mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 13,788 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The car behaves impeccably at start-up; the engine sounds healthy, idling well with not a hint of smoke from the exhaust. It feels very well put together and handles exceptionally well. The Ford Zetec engine is punchy, its smooth power and torque curves making the car a pleasure to drive. The engine comes up to temperature quickly and does not overheat. Suspension is stiff without being uncomfortable, the brakes feel sharp and bring the car to a stop in a straight line with no diving or juddering and gear changes are precise.
BODYWORK CHECK
Being a mid-Nineties model, this car benefits from an aluminium body, so no rust is apparent. The Corsa Red paint is stunning, with only a small touched-in chip on the bonnet. Immaculate chrome wire wheels wear matching tyres and all other chrome trim, including the luggage rack, bumpers, hood pins and fuel filler cap, are in excellent condition. The stone PVC roof and tonneau fit perfectly with no rips, tears or damaged stitching. The full-size spare wheel is present and correct, too.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The walnut dashboard, wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel and matching gear knob make this a very pleasant place to be. This wood complements the stone colour leather seats and interior trim, and everything is wonderfully preserved, with no visible damage anywhere. Clean and dry original carpets suggest that the roof fits properly and doesn’t leak, and the leather dash bolster, door cards and optional headrests are well presented. There’s no sagging to the heated reclining seats and the bolsters remain firm. The car comes with a stereo radio/ cassette player.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is as clean and tidy as the rest of the car. There are no mists of oil or evidence of old leaks anywhere and the engine looks clean and fitted with what appear to be fresh leads, pipes and ancillaries. The front brake discs and pads look as though they have plenty of life left in them and the painted rear drums look good. Underneath the car is immaculate and the galvanised chassis is spotless. The dampers and suspension components are wearing well – thanks, no doubt, to the car’s limited mileage – and everything still looks fresh and clean.
THE CCW VIEW
There are plenty of 4/4s to choose from, so it can be difficult to know where to begin the search. This particular example, however, is in beautiful original condition inside and has low mileage and an extensive service history. The car wants for nothing and the post-1993 variants with the more modern 16-valve Ford Zetec engines are said to be easier to live with than the earlier models.
PROS Exceptional condition throughout CONS Slight blemish to offside bonnet