Recently Refurbished: 1937 Morgan 4/4

There was once a time when British manufacturers dominated the traditional sports car market, with cars to suit most tastes and budgets. Most of those companies are now extinct, although Morgan remains to wave the flag proudly. Its 4/4 model remained in production in various forms from 1936 until 2019, with our feature car rolling out of the factory in 1937. It landed in Canada in 1971, and a recent restoration has allowed it to regain its lost youth. The work isn’t 100% faithful, although the changes performed are designed to improve safety and reliability without compromising the car’s inherent character. The Morgan is listed here on Craigslist in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It could be yours for C$53,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this gem.

Morgan introduced the 4/4 in 1936 as a two-seater, with a four-seat variant joining the range in 1937. The two-seater was the most popular model, with 663 rolling from the factory before the outbreak of World War II. After arriving in Canada in 1971, this classic saw active service until it was dismantled to the last nut and bolt as part of a four-year restoration that commenced in 2015. The frame underwent minor repairs before being painted, while the timber was replaced with the correct hand-finished ash. The panels are perfect, wearing the car’s original shade of Maroon. The fresh chrome sparkles impressively, although the seller states the polished radiator surround isn’t perfect. The buyer only needs to refurbish the top and side curtains. They are original, and their condition does not meet the high standard the rest of the vehicle sets. Almost all exterior lighting has been updated to improve visibility and safety, with many converted to modern LED technology. Purists may disagree with the change, but it is reversible for those seeking authenticity.

This Morgan is no longer numbers-matching but retains its period-correct drivetrain components. The engine bay houses a 1,122cc Coventry Climax four, sending 35hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed Meadows manual transmission. The recipe isn’t aimed at the high-performance end of the market, but with the 4/4 tipping the scales at 1,570 lbs, performance was still surprisingly sprightly. The engine and transmission underwent a faithful rebuild as part of the restoration, although a few reversible upgrades should improve reliability. The engine initially utilized thermo-siphon cooling, although this could cause these classics to run hot and suffer engine damage. The seller installed a computer-controlled Davies electric water pump to improve coolant circulation, adding a matching electric fan as a further safeguard. The Morgan received a rewire using a period-correct harness, and the generator and voltage regulator were upgraded. The car is a turnkey proposition ready to give its new owner classic open-air motoring pleasure.

Originality was at the forefront of the seller’s mind when tackling the interior restoration, with the car retaining its correct timber dash and wheel. A Morgan specialist rebuilt the gauges, and all function as they should. There were no half-measures with the upholstered surfaces. The seats feature their correct horsehair and hessian, covered with Black grained leather. The same material covers the remaining upholstered surfaces, with matching carpet on the floors. I would hesitate to call it perfect, but this gem has walked away with several show trophies since the build concluded.

It is incredible to consider that in an era of composite plastic technology and innovation, Morgan continues to produce new cars containing timber structural components. If Ford or Chevrolet did, they would be laughed from the room. However, Morgan recognizes that wood offers a light and resilient building material, employing craftspeople to ensure exquisite quality. This 1937 Morgan 4/4 has received that level of attention, and its presentation is sure to turn heads. It isn’t a cheap classic, but it needs nothing. If a British sports car has been on your radar, would this one tempt you enough to pursue it further?