Suspended Restoration: 1967 Morgan Plus 4
Morgans are an interesting lot – one of the few makes that are still produced today in the same handcrafted fashion as back in 1910 when Henry Morgan made his first three-wheeler. Like all British cars, there’s a pecking order to the various models, with rabid fans of the three-wheelers lording it over four-wheel fans who sort themselves into 4/4, Plus 4, and Plus 8 enthusiasts – though I know a few Morgan owners who cross the picket lines, owning multiple Morgans. Here on craigslist is a 1967 Morgan Plus 4 with an asking price of $16,000 but the seller indicates he is “taking offers now” so there is some flexibility in that price. Whatever you pay, you will need to show up personally, in Marana, Arizona, with greenbacks! And a trailer! On the other hand, if you’re expecting a clean title … well, that still needs sorting. The seller was restoring the car for his father, who sadly passed away before the Morgan could be completed. T.J. found this stalled project car for us – thanks, T.J.
As it evolved, Morgan utilized a kaleidoscope of engines – from Coventry, Standard, Triumph, Ford, Fiat, and Rover. During the ’50s and ’60s, a procession of Triumph-type motors was found in Morgan chassis. By 1967, Morgan had graduated its cars to the TR4’s 2138 cc four, accompanied by a four-speed manual. The tight quarters in the engine bay didn’t allow for air filters. In the majority of Plus 4s, the output was 100 bhp, but a few lucky cars were tuned up to competition specs, producing up to 120 bhp. Some were Super Sports and others were Competition models; a hallmark of each was the hood scoop as seen on the carb side of this car but the Super Sports had aluminum sheet metal and Weber carburetors. Looks like one aim of the restoration here was a Super Sports or Competition replica. Any Plus 4 is a spritely performer, with enough bump steer to keep things exciting. Though this car’s motor will start and run, it can’t be driven because the brake calipers have been removed and the lines are in poor condition. The master cylinder has been rebuilt, though, and the car has new tires and a heavy-duty radiator (Arizona is HOT).
The dash is new, as is the paint and chrome. The seller says the convertible top and its frame are in good shape. We are told the seats need to be recovered but neither they nor any of the car’s other parts are pictured in the listing. Morgans use a wood frame to support the body structure -we are assured the wood is fine, as are the floors.
Morgan offered a variety of body styles – convertibles, drophead coupes, two- and four-seaters. (A very few fiberglass coupes were made but they proved unpopular.) Late-model Morgans look strikingly similar to their older siblings. Meanwhile, Morgan prices have held up better than the T-series MGs. Of course, there’s no comparison performance-wise – a Morgan Plus 4 can handle highway driving without a fuss. A nice example will cost at least $35k. Real Super Sports command $70k or more. Here we have a great start on a fun car; anyone willing to take her the rest of the way?
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Comments
Here is the most unique old car you can own, besides a Bristol,and there are so few and are so rare, that you hardly ever see one.
That looks surprisingly like a VERY early MG-TD tailight…..
TR3 I believe
I blew up the picture, and they are NOT MG
Those are generic Lucas taillights used on many cars. Even Sprites used them.
… and MGA, Sprite, Triumph, etc.
I like the Morgans…. neat cars.
Not too intimidating for a project and it will look new when sorted. What a beautiful car. Somebody will love it dearly.
I’ll take the 3-wheeler w/a shovel or pan head up frnt~
(w/1687 cc jugs if possible)
I like it. Someone’s going to get a get deal
What a beauty, and extremely reasonable price from what I’ve seen elsewhere.
Often emulated, never duplicated..
GLWTS
this beauty teaches us a lesson; when you promise something to your dad, get it done fast.
in the pictures the paint job looks very good and the car is not something you come up to every day, i wouldn’t hesitate if i was to buy such a sweet toy.