The Morgan Plus 8 is the ultimate British sports car built by British car manufacturer Morgan from 1968 to 2004. The Plus 8 was developed by Maurice Owen, an engineer hired specifically for this role. The prototype of the Plus 8 was based on a modified chassis of the Plus 4 to accommodate the Rover 3.5L V8, from GM-Buick, the chassis was modified. The Moss gearbox from the Plus 4 was taken over rear axle was upgraded with a limited slip differential to handle the power decently. The chassis was modified over the years to allow the installation of a new gearbox. The body was widened in 1976 to accommodate the widened chassis. The original 1968 Plus 8 was 140cm wide and the last one was 160cm wide. From the 1960s and (according to the press) into the 1980s, the Plus Eight was the fastest accelerating British production car for the sprint to 120kmh. Following the discontinuation of the Rover V8, production of the Plus Eight ended in 2004. A revised Aero, powered by a 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine, was placed on an Aero chassis and succeeded in 2014 by the Plus 8 ‘Speedster’ models, based on the later Aero configuration mentioned above. The production Plus 8 was launched in 1968 with Rover's production engine, a redesigned version of the Buick 3.5-litre engine mated to a Moss gearbox that was succeeded in 1973 by a 4-speed manual gearbox from the Rover 3500S.
The Plus 8 we are offering began its life in Germany in 1972, was imported into the Netherlands in 1981 and eventually ended up with the current owner who, among other things, worked for the concern representing Morgan in the Netherlands. The knowledge and short lines allowed him to restore the car to perfection in-house. The V8 engine has been replaced with a correct and reconditioned one including all the associated parts. Everything, including the wiring harness, the complete (interior) woodwork, brake system etc etc has been taken apart and overhauled or replaced. The floorboards are also new (and treated) and the rear axle has been fitted with modified shock absorbers for better handling. The interior has been completely redone as has the dashboard and the new linen hood. In short, a Plus 8 in complete new condition, repainted in the original colour Velvet Green.
Our opinion
If you want to drive a roadster, you can't avoid the Morgan brand. The Plus 8 is the ultimate in ‘open’ driving. Classic, fast and challenging. If you're looking for a perfect and (sought-after) early one that you can drive off in no time with no work, then this is your car. Not a bargain, but if you start working on a reasonable copy yourself, you will easily spend quadruple the repair costs.
Equipment
This Plus is equipped with:
Luggage rack with leather case
Original alloy wheels
Modifications
Stainless steel exhaust system
Larger radiator with electric cooling fan
Baby doll
Lucas headlights
Seat heating
Notes
This Plus 8 is in perfectly restored condition. The car has hardly any signs of use and has been restored to perfection by the current owner over the past few years. Originally the car had beige leather and hood, which was replaced with black for ‘looks’ reasons. There is a valuation report available in which the value was determined at 80,000.00 euros and is also described there as a vehicle that has been body off restored and is in like-new condition. Some 120 photos of the restoration have been added. Additional photos are available on request.
Recent maintenance history
- The Plus 8 has driven just 1000km after restoration.
Included in the sale
Included in the sale of this Morgan is:
Complete restoration report
Leather case
1 key
Valuation report dated July 2024
About the seller
The Morgan Plus 8 is being sold on behalf of a Dutch enthusiast who has completely tackled the car. After years of searching for the perfect restoration project, he finally found his dream car: a Morgan Plus 8. This was no coincidence; he had always had a love for the marque and this particular model. What made this find extra special was that, thanks to his network, he had the right knowledge and expertise to properly restore this car. The Morgan Plus 8 is a great combination of classic design and a powerful engine. The full sound of the eight-cylinder engine was something he really wanted to experience, as it gives the car unparalleled charm and character. When he came across this beauty, the choice was quickly made. It was clear that this would be his next project. In the end, he enjoyed restoring the car and now he enjoys seeing the Morgan Plus 8 back on the road in all its glory! He is now looking for a new project and therefore wants to sell the car to a new enthusiast through The Collectables.
Summary
Seller - Arjen
Seller type - Private
Location - Maarn
Registration number - HD-05-VJ
Chassis number - R7499
Year of construction/date - 1972
Mileage - 35,349km (1000km after restoration)
Demonstration - Body off restoration
Warranty - No
Margin/VAT - Margin car
Bodywork - Roadster
Engine - 3500 cc V8 with 152 hp
Drive system - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Manual
Exterior - Velvet green
Interior - Black
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 2 (in NL)
Tyres - 4 x Oveco Eco Vision 185-80-15 DOT 2021, > 7mm
The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on the information provided by and validated by the seller. Based on the information provided, The Collectables performs a (pre)selection and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our General Terms and Conditions for more details.
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