If you plan to spend your hard-earned cash on a particular make and model of classic car, finding one that once belonged to the Company’s Managing Director might be a great strategy. It is unlikely to increase its potential value significantly, but it should ensure it has been treated respectfully. The car would be the effective “face” of the marque, meaning it would be preserved and maintained to a high standard. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this 1938 Morgan 4/4 Drophead Coupe. It has hibernated for fifteen years, but the seller has coaxed its engine to life so a new owner can return it to its rightful place on our roads. The Morgan is listed here on Craigslist in Flagstaff, Arizona. The seller has set their price at $59,500 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this handbuilt British classic.

George Goodall joined Morgan as its General Manager in 1925. He rose to the position of Managing Director, a position he retained until his retirement in 1958. The role allowed him to slip behind the wheel of several of the company’s prototype models, including a Blue 1938 4/4 “Avon” Coupe that was nicknamed “Uncle George’s Winter Carriage.” That car served as the template for the Drophead Coupe. This new model began rolling out of the factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, in the UK later that year. The handbuilt nature of this new offering meant that only 58 were built between 1938 and 1939. The company produced a further 106 between 1946 and 1950. Our feature Morgan was the personal transport of Mr. Goodall during his time in the company’s top job, and it received running changes and upgrades while under his care. However, these were minor and evolutionary and don’t detract from the car’s originality. The Red paint shade gracing its panels is almost dark enough to be considered Maroon and is complemented by Black fenders and running boards. The car’s presentation is impressive for its age, although it is unclear whether it has received restoration or repairs. There are no signs of significant panel flaws, and this 4/4 is rust-free. The trim is spotless, there are no glass issues, and it retains distinctive design touches like the twin rear-mounted spare wheels.

The Morgan’s interior presents well for its age, but once again, it is unclear whether it has received any restoration work. The Black leather upholstered surfaces are free from wear and deterioration, exhibiting nothing beyond the wrinkles and creases that are a hallmark of aging leather. The timber trim isn’t perfect, but its appearance has aged with dignity, and there are no signs of rot. The gauge faces have “yellowed” slightly, which is common and acceptable for survivor-grade British sports cars from this era. The only genuine concern is the severe deterioration of the “Brooklands” four-spoke wheel. It appears to have gone beyond the point of no return, but that isn’t as bad as it first seems. Morgan still produces new replacements that retail for £250 from the factory. It sells and ships internationally, allowing the new owner to lift this interior to a higher level.

Powering the Morgan is an 1,122cc four-cylinder engine sourced from Coventry Climax. It sends 35hp and 52 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed “Meadows” manual transmission. The power and torque figures are modest, but so is the curb weight of 1,650 lbs. This 4/4 is unlikely to break the land speed record, but the packages will allow it to nudge a respectable 80mph. Upgrades performed while in the care of George Goodall included converting the brakes to hydraulic operation. The car also received an update to the company’s “One Shot” lubrication system for some suspension components introduced in 1950. The seller states this 4/4 has been dry-stored for fifteen years, but they recently coaxed it back to life with an external fuel source and a new battery. The fuel system requires a complete clean, while the rest of the car needs a thorough inspection before being considered roadworthy.

This 1938 Morgan 4/4 is a solid classic requiring little to return to active service. Its ownership history probably doesn’t increase its potential value significantly, but it represents an interesting conversation starter at a show or Cars & Coffee. The price is not what many would consider affordable, but it is in the ballpark for the rare Drophead Coupe. It has only been on the market for a short time, and it will be fascinating to see if a buyer emerges from the woodwork. Do you think it will happen quickly, or will the seller need to exercise patience?