In a life full of vagaries and inconsistencies, there is one comforting constant; the good folks of Malvern Link in Worcestershire will be happy to build you a Morgan that is as iconoclastic as it’s always been. They’ll be happy to sell you parts, too, and they can probably tell you everything you need to know about your car, from its date of birth to its selling dealer. That sense of community has always drawn me to the brand, even though I’ve never owned a Morgan. It doesn’t hurt that the cars themselves are a dictionary definition on wheels of a traditional British sports car. If you decide to buy this no reserve 1966 Plus 4 on eBay, you may want to get well-acquainted with the men and women at Morgan Heritage Parts, because this car will need a full restoration. It’s located in Lutz, Florida, and the high bid is currently a mere $625.
Beginning in 1965, Morgan installed the Triumph TR4A engine (as an option) into the Plus 4. It is a 2138cc unit with twin Stromberg carburetors, rated at 104 horsepower at 4700 rpm. The transmission is a Moss four speed. The seller says that “the spark plugs were left out of it while it was sitting…and the oil on the dipstick looks milky.” It is therefore no surprise that it is being listed as a “non-running full restoration project.” Luckily, parts for the Triumph four are not scarce, and you can even buy new cylinder liners online; I found a set with pistons and rings for $481 with a quick Google search.
The seller has posted 200 pictures of the Morgan, including a parts pile that will come with the car, things like the top frame, side curtains, and interior cover. Still more parts will be necessary to resurrect the interior of this Plus 4, although the dashboard appears to be in salvageable shape. You can barely see the rear seat in this picture; this model is called, appropriately, the four-seater.
The seller says that the Morgan has “rust and wood rot in places,” and given the dealer sticker advertising Bristol Motors in N. Plainfield, New Jersey, it’s easy to see why. Restoring a Morgan requires an extra skill set: carpentry. The ash bodies were not waterproofed until the 1980s, so using the old pieces as patterns (or getting new ones through Morgan?) is going to be a big part of the fun. Just think, you can use your band saw and your MIG welder on the same car.
The rear end of the four-seater is more vertically oriented than the “sportier” Plus 4s, but I’ve grown to like it over the years, but there’s hardly a Morgan I wouldn’t like. Only a few factory colors were offered (this one is most likely “Ivory”), but the factory would gladly paint your Morgan just about any color you want. My materials say that 3,694 “cowled” Morgan Plus 4s were built before production ended (for the first time) in 1969, so they’re rare but not that rare. Whoever takes on this one is going to be taking on a major project, but is it too big a project? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
Morgans are hand made automobiles start to finish….The restoration can be hand made also. For me, get it to a nice (not perfect) driver condition and have fun with it! It was made to be driven, not just looked at. It could be a fun project without getting too crazy………( just my opinion, don’t mind me!!)
. not many “fun” projects coming from RUSTY New Jersey …
A project that looks like an opportunity to develop new restoration skills as well as the art of patience. And a fun driver at the end!
What do you suppose it would take to put a Miata engine and gearbox in this? You’ll have it pretty much all apart anyway.
Why would you want to ruin the car?
bt
Well, I am evil, but also I always think of down-market British engines as being kind of tractor-y. How about a Jag 3.8?
The TR engines were “tractory” and dependable like one. They are noted for driving on back roads. It would be your car to do with as you wish, but TR is easy to work on. Value would go down to change engine.
I caught the motorcycle bug before I could ever afford a sports car, so I have my own stories about “Triumph” and “easy to work on.” There would be a lot of advantages to putting Miata guts in a Morgan, but I guess if you’re thinking in those terms, you’re not looking for a Morgan barn find in the first place
I named my first daughter Morgan. And I was born in ’66. Seems like it was meant to be. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I put in a couple bids. I told my wife about it afterwards. Oops! I guess she draws the line at 7. Thank goodness I’ve already been outbid.
. not many “fun” projects coming from RUSTY New Jersey …
Though it does need a substantial restoration at least its all there and currently all fitted together. Mine (’61 Plus 4 4 seater) was a basketcase and though its now back on the road, I would not repeat the process.
This could be a fine car with a goodly investment of time and cash to be a great tourer.
There are a variety of Morgan parts suppliers and knowledgeable resources available throughout the US to support the buyer.
Been There, Done That many times….
Northern Rust and rotted wood is a Major, not ” substantial ” restoration category, …more than a headache for an amateur, and not “fun” even for a pro.
Understood but what other 60s car can you have Mogfab or Morgan Spares order you a new body frame with metal skin according to the year range and model of your car?
I had enough wood to replicate my body frame (made two, sold one) and horse-traded to get it skinned.
In 1961, in Honolulu, we were leasing a home from the later to be famous race driver Peter Revson. He pulled up in his new Plus Four. He raced it at Kahuku Point airstrip, and went on to Formula One, and Indy 500. Nice guy.
Peter Perfect. A very sad day for me when he was killed in Kyalami. He won in IndyCar also and finished 2nd to Al Unser in the 1971 500. He was also just 1 of 2 drivers to win in Formula 1, IndyCar, Can-Am and the Trans-Am.
I always wanted a Morgan, they were usually a lot more $ than a MGTD, neater looking also. This one looks like too much of a project to me.
I got a project MGTF before I got a Morgan, which runs and drives on 3 wheels, yup a hand built replica cyclecar. But it has steel instead of wood, and a 78 Moto Guzzi engine, quite a critter, the danger while driving is from other drivers trying to take a picture of it. It can be yours for $19k ;)
I restored a +4 way back. Took the 4A and did a mod to make it a 4A – not diffucult and used Massy Ferguson tractor parts to avoid the sales tax back in ’72 with new liner and oversized rings. As most panels on these are straight the only problem I had was getting the grill straight. Wood floors and arches over rear wheels, rear floor and side walls easy to replicate. Seriously thinking of bringing this back to Australia. An easy $25K when finished.