Description

1974 Morgan Plus 8

Highly original and unmolested early Plus 8; from long term ownership; older restoration; very nicely patinated

Early Plus 8s have something special about them. 'Moss box' cars from the late '60s and very early '70s hold a special place in Morgan folklore, but for most, the slightly later cars are easier to live with, the all synchro box making them easier to drive, yet still retaining the appeal of the narrow-bodied original - basically a Plus 4 with a big V8 shoehorned in. What's not to like?

This car dates from 1974 and was sold new to a supplier of nuts and bolts to the Morgan factory. A letter on file from Peter Morgan details a recall on the rear axle (due to metrification!) and a string of MOTs back to 1977 (its first) confirm the mileage accumulation to be genuine - the odometer showing 51,400 miles indicated.

It changed hands, its new owner, Dr Gardner using FH Douglas in Ealing, London for work before it passed to our vendor in 1983 - an ownership period of nearly 40 years.

Every trip and bill is logged in a small notebook, with invoices to show the level of care and maintenance over the years. In 2000 the car was treated to a comprehensive rebuild by Morgan specialist Martyn Stendall. Again, invoices from this time show extensive work, including a new set of wings supplied from the factory, door skins and some ash repairs to the frame. The car was carefully rust treated and repainted the original black. The car has covered approximately 13,000 miles since.

Two new Avon tyres were supplied by Longstone tyres in 2019, since when the car has seen little use. It was ordered new with an additional spare wheel which still accompanies the car.

The earlier restoration has now mellowed after 22 years and the car shows plenty of signs of both proper use and lots of care and attention.

The crash padding has worn, there are some paint blemishes yet the interior has that nice worn-in look, making it one of the nicest and most genuine early Plus 8s that we have had - basic, elegant and unadorned without the usual bolt on after-market paraphenalia that does little other than slow the original concept down.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com








Further details to come - matthew.parkin@brightwells.com