Morgan Plus 8
ENGINE 3532cc/V8/OHV POWER 190bhp@5280rpm TORQUE 220lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 131mph 0-60MPH 5.4sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 15-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 35,066 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Morgan’s V8 fires easily from cold but was a little reluctant to start from warm on what was a very hot day. Some feathering of the throttle soon sorts things out, however, and the car idles perfectly well from thereon and keeps its cool. The heavy clutch can result in some kangarooing but it steers and stops fine and the suspension makes no untoward noises.
BODYWORK CHECK
This 30 year-old Morgan still looks great and the accompanying history suggests that the bodywork is original. The low mileage has no doubt played its part in that. There are a few stone chips on the nose cone and front wings and light scuffing around the doors and windows from panel movement, but otherwise, this Plus 8’s dark blue paint is really very good indeed. The alloy wheels are also very good, with just some very minor flaking on two of them. The car wears Yokohoma A539s all around, but while they have good tread remaining, they are also 18 years old. The hood and side screens are in very good shape.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
All of the gauges and switchgear work, though the colouring of the warning lights in between the speedometer and tachometer have faded a bit over time, presumably having been bleached by the sun. The grey leather seats show the odd mark and crease, with some small patches of colour loss on the driver’s seat bolster, but they are still perfectly usable. The leather steering wheel is in very good condition and comes complete with the now rather unfamiliar Morgan red script logo. The rest of the leather in the cabin is pretty good, but the sill coverings are a bit scuffed. The dashboard is in great condition but there’s a hairline scratch in the rear-view mirror.
UNDER THE BONNET
This car has been fitted with four downdraught Weber carburettors, which are fed via K&N air filters. They are tuned well and provide a pleasant intake noise to boot, though they probably don’t do much for fuel economy and may contribute to the hot start issues we briefly had. Everything else in the engine bay seems standard and in good condition. Braided fuel lines are good to see, we could find no leaks and ancillaries such as the alternator, look reasonably fresh. The car comes with service and MoT records from new, along with all of its past tax discs, suggesting a fastidious previous owner.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a very nice, original, unrestored and low mileage example of one of Morgan’s most iconic and popular models. Those looking for a Plus 8 in the traditional mould, even if they initially went looking for an earlier car, should seriously consider this car, mainly because of its condition, but also because of its thundering soundtrack.
PROS Great original bodywork, low mileage
CONS Light interior wear, needs new tyres
BUY IT FROM Melvyn Rutter, The Morgan Garage, Lower Road, Little Hallingbury, Herts CM22 7RA. 01279 725725, melvyn-rutter.co.uk