Owning a Morgan Plus 8]

John Murdoch, Surrey

‘I bought the 1970 car shown here in late 2001 on my retirement; it was originally white and got exported to Canada in August 1970. At some stage it was painted yellow and black (the same as Mick Jagger’s Plus 8), and reimported to the UK. I had it converted to right-hand drive and added a Safety Devices rollover bar, a scuttle rollbar, adjustable rear dampers, four-point Willans harnesses and an upgraded cooling system. Since then I’ve had a variety of work done, including replacing the cylinder head gaskets – nothing too major, but the bills do rack up!

I’ve driven it to France on several occasions – winning the Jonquilles Rally in 2014 – and have attended track days at Castle Combe, Mallory Park and Bruntingthorpe. Helped by the modifications, the car is a joy to drive; the handling is superb with easily controllable oversteer but there’s not much grip, particularly in the wet. It continues to get good use, even though it has still only done a recorded 69,000 miles.

Andy Garlick, London

‘I lived my first 18 years on the Morgan factory test route, so always wanted one. After owning three Plus 4s I bought a two-year-old Plus 8 in 2001. In over 50k miles since, I’ve applied a few modifications – an Allon White Easyfit hood reduces leaks over the screen and Librands crossover manifolds improve flow and V8 rumble. With a better air filter and optimised fuel mapping there’s more power, and a Mulfab alloy radiator keeps it cool. I invested in 300mm vented front discs and alloy calipers after being unimpressed by the stopping power. At 50k miles, I fitted hard-chrome kingpins and Ssl-developed front suspension, with auxiliary springs that inhibit roll. Paired with Bilstein rear dampers, the ride is now much more compliant.

‘Power is available from tickover to 6000rpm in any gear at any time. Weight and momentum lead to greater body roll which was initially disconcerting but can be fixed with the SSL five-link rear suspension kit. The Morgan chassis is set up to understeer and the LSD emphasises this, so it can take a while to adjust to the amount of power needed to keep it neutral when cornering hard. My wife really enjoys driving it; we often travel hood-down in winter with the heater on full-blast.

‘We see 23-25mpg if pushing hard and 28-29 when cruising. I do all the regular servicing, but prefer to have an experienced workshop check it over annually. Insurance, MOT, VED and an annual service with a few parts total around £1000pa.’

John Beskeen, Wales

‘Having owned Morgans for 40 years I’d wanted to own a narrow-bodied Plus 8. So in 2007 I bought a very original (albeit repainted) 1969 Moss ’box car, which had been exported to Sweden in 1986. I ran it until 2007, then took it off the road for a rebuild. Fortunately the chassis and body frame were in good order, requiring only minor panel work and a repaint back to the original dark blue. I built it to a high standard using Imperial-size stainless steel fittings, adding a complete stainless exhaust system.

‘Driving an early Moss ’box Plus 8 is challenging but very rewarding. The torque is just immense; even at 49 years old it will pull away from standing in fourth gear with a little more than tickover rpm. The only downside is the lack of overdrive or a fifth gear to keep the revs down on motorways.

‘Despite the overheating problems experienced by some cars, mine stays in the normal range even in high ambient conditions. Silicone coolant hoses are a reassuring addition.’