Any Morgan enthusiasts?

I've always had a thing for Morgans. One lives local to me--a ratty black 1969 Plus 4 with fake fur interior. The thing looks perfect, and the owner drives it all over. I'm thinking about finding a decent Plus 4 and bringing it back to new condition. It seems the cars are either ratty or show quality.

I spent some time at Portland last year talking to a couple of Morgan racers. Seemed like they were having a great time wheeling those ancient things around.

https://classiccars.com/listings/view/805628/1957-morgan-plus-4-for-sale-in-stratford-connecticut-06615

[javadog]

I’m not a particular fan of them, but a friend of mine used one to win an SCCA national championship. From what I have seen of them, buy a good one. Most likely, the guy that is selling a good one is losing his ass on it. Restoring one isn’t worth the money you’ll put into it

[Evans, Marv]

I've always had a soft spot for sports cars of that era, having fond memories from the ones I owned then. I say this Morgan in a parking lot about a year ago. If I remember right, the owner said it was a '69, and he'd owned it for quite some time. It was very nice, and it was good to see him & his wife leave in it with the top down.

[KFC911]

^^^^ Wow

.....One of my favorite posters....if I call him by name some folks will accuse me of bromance

[nota]

beware of termites

+8 is the one

[epbrown]

I like them well enough, but the only one I'd want to own is the 3-wheeler:



Supposedly the folks at Beverly Hills Car Club can help me out.

Originally Posted by epbrown

I like them well enough, but the only one I'd want to own is the 3-wheeler:



Supposedly the folks at Beverly Hills Car Club can help me out.

Moggies.

[nvr2mny]

The termite comment is no joke. I know the early ones had wooden frames made from ash. Still, the early ones are beautiful imho. Find a nice one and drive it! I have a good friend who bought one from the LA dealer new about 10 years ago. Very pretty and nostalgic.

[legion]

I don't get it. It's not my thing. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want a real performer.

That said, if it is your thing, have at it!

[LWJ]

Count me a fan.

[Evans, Marv]

I think at one time they were putting those small 215 ci aluminum V8s in them - at least somebody was.

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

I think at one time they were putting those small 215 ci aluminum V8s in them - at least somebody was.

Yup--that would be none other than the Plus 8. Buick developed the engine and then sold the rights to Rover, Morgan, and some other British manufacturers.

Morgans are still made today, and still have ash frames. Since I tend to like simple, analog things made of ash--the Fender Stratocaster for example--it appeals.

[zelrik911]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

I think at one time they were putting those small 215 ci aluminum V8s in them - at least somebody was.

Yes the Plus 8 - here is a famous one. Very British - even though the later ones had a BMW V8.
Unfortunately Morgan is suffering financially and has sold off a controlling interest.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I'd love to try out a three wheeler. I always thought the Aero 8 was pretty cool as well.

[dafischer]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

Morgans are still made today, and still have ash frames. Since I tend to like simple, analog things made of ash--the Fender Stratocaster for example--it appeals.

To clarify, only the body frame is made of ash, with the sheet metal nailed to it. The chassis is steel.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by legion

I don't get it. It's not my thing. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want a real performer.

That said, if it is your thing, have at it!

I am with you. I like the style, and they are "cool" but no way do I want one.

Maybe if I had Jay Leno money, and lived in Southern California I might have one as a toy.

If I want a "true" sports car, I would get a 914, or 1960s 911, but I am admittedly a Porsche type of guy.

[aap1966]

Absolute hoot to drive.
The 4/4 I had for a day was simply the biggest go-kart I had ever driven, and outstanding acceleration partly due to the low weight, partly due to being so low to the ground and open. The Plus 8's must be rocket ships, but never driven one of those.
You'll also be amazed at the goodwill the car engenders from other drivers.

However, lots of structural wood, not so great rust-proofing (aluminium bodied ones obviously not so much of an issue, but then beware electrolytic corrosion). Rides a tad hard.
If you can find one where the previous owners has spent the bucks, and don't mind a bit of home maintenance, then go for it. They're real icons, and real fun.

[Evans, Marv]

In my mind, I regard those era sports cars as the only true sports cars. I had a few and later versions could put them to shame on the track. But for that true, top down, raw sports car feel, nothing can beat them as far as I'm concerned. Here's a pic of my '56 Austin Healey 100 4 in the mid 60s. I screwed it up by putting a Corvette V8 in it. Talk about a rocket! The V8 weighted 50 pounds less than the 4 banger tractor motor I took out of it. That was then, but I wish I still had it with the original engine. I love my 911, but it has a top on it.

[Yorkie]

Here's a pic of my '56 Austin Healey 100 4 in the mid 60s. I screwed it up by putting a Corvette V8 in it. Talk about a rocket! The V8 weighted 50 pounds less than the 4 banger tractor motor I took out of it. That was then, but I wish I still had it with the original engine. I love my 911, but it has a top on it.

Marv - Did the V8 not make it even more fun or was it too much motor for the chassis? I sometimes see V8 Healey hotrods for sale here in SoCal and have been tempted but I fear I would be driving a mobile oven that bakes my legs.

[Rodsrsr]