Rare Flat Radiator: 1951 Morgan Drophead Coupe +4
Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan defied convention by succeeding without evolving. Oh, there was advancement, but no real evolution. For over one hundred years, Morgans have been assembled by hand-forming panels over an ash frame, in tiny numbers, by crafters whose parents and grandparents also built Morgans in tiny numbers. From three-wheelers to four-wheelers, one-seaters to four-seaters, on racing circuits and rally courses, Morgans have beguiled their owners since 1910. Here on craigslist is a very rare version of a post-war four-wheel, this flat-radiator, 1951 Morgan +4 drophead coupe. The seller is asking $39,000, and the car is residing in San Luis Obispo, California awaiting its new owner. We have numskal to thank for this most excellent tip!
The +4 was introduced in 1950 as a larger-bodied version of the 4/4, and along with improved dimensions, it was given an improved powerplant. Formerly relying on a 1267 cc Standard four-cylinder, the new car earned a 2088 cc Standard Vanguard four-cylinder paired with a single Solex carburetor making 68 bhp. All +4s utilized the sturdy Moss four-speed gearbox. Later +4 cars will have one of several Triumph motors in residence between the front wheels, by now paired with twin SU’s. Note there is no room in the engine bay for an air filter. This car has had its brakes rebuilt and received a full service. It rides on new tires.
The patina of an older restoration is reflected in the cabin, where the wood is in fine shape, the seats show only minor wear, and the carpets remain excellent. The cream-faced gauges were produced by Smiths just for Morgan. The three-position convertible top is in great condition. Driving a Morgan can be challenging if you are tall – that wide-diameter steering wheel and the narrow seating limit movement if you are long-limbed. But once inside, the driver will enjoy viscerally quick performance with all the trappings of the past: the styling of the +4 barely varied from the 4/4 DHC launched in 1938!
The flat radiator is a rarity; later +4 Morgans have curved waterfall grilles. The drophead coupe body style is also rare in any version of Morgan, offering high-cut seamed (versus overlapping) doors, better weather equipment including roll-up windows, and a fixed windscreen. The graceful tail carries two spare tires; don’t underestimate the balance this provides from front to rear. In terms of value, these rare Morgans should sell at a premium to Hagerty’s $29k suggestion for an ordinary “good” +4. What do you think about the seller’s price?
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Comments
I don’t know the first thing about these cars, but I will volunteer to visit SLO to inspect, take images, and ask any questions a potential buyer might have.
Drophead Coupes do not have roll-up windows. The windows can be removed by unbolting the frames from the bottom of the window sill and stored somewhere else than in the luggage compartment.
A Former Morgan Drop Head owner.
Hey Mike , those aren’t roll up windows , they are sliding windows , so they probably lift up and out . IMO .
When’s the last time you saw one of these cruising down the road? Quiet a car. You can modify the intake manifold to pull the carbs closer to the engine so filters can be installed. Also, I’ve seen carb/ manifold kits for sale from Morgan shops that will do the same thing. There are also 90 degree SUs out here somewhere that will do the same thing but I don’t know where you go to get those.
My Morgan had a triangular plenum that had an airfilter attatched at tte back. . .It probably was not the most efficient system, but it kept the motor free of debris. It was also ugly!!
With the engine photo showing dual carbs does that mean it has a Triumph rather than Standard Vanguard engine or has it been modified a bit? Just curious.
What a beautiful car in great driver condition. I don’t know much about these cars but if they are as collectable and rare as the article suggests then I guess the price is spot on. If I had the money I would buy it. Of course I would drive it from California back to Maryland and of course I would enjoy it. If I’m not mistaken these were expensive and built to be driven so making a long distance trip should be doable. GLWTS
and don’t forget the sliding pillar front suspension
Elegance in all its splendour and pride. A pleasure to look at and certainly a great pleasure to drive with a cheeky smile beaming with pride. Very nice!