Morgan Plus 4
ENGINE 1999cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 143bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 140lb ft@4500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 118mph 0-60MPH 7.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-40mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT Dec 2020 ODOMETER 16,990 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The thoroughly modern Ford engine fires on the key and settles instantly to a perfect idle. Acceleration is surprisingly brisk and the engines pulls smoothly while keeping its cool. The gearbox feels pleasantly tight and the suspension firm but compliant. The car steers well on the road (though the steering wheel doesn’t sit straight when the wheels are dead ahead) and stops well without pulling to either side.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car’s bodywork is very good – there’s a small scuff on the main rear panel, but it is hardly worth worrying about on the otherwise A1 body. The dark blue hood is also in very good condition, as are the side screens. There’s a luggage rack fitted to the rear and the chrome wire wheels are in great shape. The tyres are all Yokohamas, but are the car’s original set, so are 15 years old.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The blue leather interior looks practically new. Slight creasing is starting to appear on the driver’s seat squab, but you only notice this when comparing it to the drum-tight passenger side. The carpets are very good, while the optional lockbox that doubles as a footrest in the passenger footwell looks like it has never been burdened with a pair of feet. The dials and ventilation system work, but there’s no head unit to go with the FM aerial, speakers and radio cage. The dashboard wood is in very good condition, likewise the switchgear, steering wheel and gear stick.
UNDER THE BONNET
This is a very clean engine bay, with just a small amount of surface rust beginning to appear on certain small pieces and brackets. Factory stickers remain in place and are undamaged – a measure of how factory-fresh it still is under here. There are no signs of coolant or oil leaks, there’s no emulsion under the oil filler cap and the oil looks to be in good condition. The wedge of paperwork that accompanies the car details plenty of servicing, as well as the car’s chassis record from Morgan and all of its past MoTs.
THE CCW VIEW
This car has been used so little since it was built 15 years ago that it is as much an alternative to a new Morgan Plus 4 as it is any kind of classic Morgan. It’s quite modern in its driving characteristics, too; the company drastically modernised its range during the 1990s and that is clearly demonstrated here. This isn’t a car for someone looking for the truly old-school Morgan experience, therefore – but if you want the looks, the handling and reasonably impressive performance with none of the earlier cars’ foibles, then it is one of the best examples out there and well worth serious consideration.