2018 Morgan Plus 4

Morgan has an enviable reputation and an amazing history as a sports car manufacturer. The Plus 4 series, which has been through several engines and many upgrades over the decades has been the mainstay of Morgan production for 70 years.

The last of the traditional steel chassis, Ford engine Plus 4s have been sold in Australia. A new version using a bonded aluminium platform and BMW engine has not been certified for sale in Australia and it’s possible it won’t be.

This particular car was built to the final traditional specification. Special ordered, it has the Ford Zetec engine and 5-speed manual gearbox which gives excellent performance in the lightweight car.

The first owner ordered the car to be built with quite a selection of options. These include:

• Polished stainless steel spoked wire wheels (5 of, the spare wheel was an option)

• Mohair soft-top (rather than standard vinyl)

• Mohair hood cover

• Mohair side-curtain bag with Morgan monogram

• Chrome luggage rack

• Radio preparation setup

• Front and rear bumper over-riders

• Tread rubbers and clear protective film on front and rear mudguards

He also had a cockpit cover made in matching cream coloured fabric and a sound system added.

The colour scheme is Sport Ivory paintwork with Yarwood Honey Tan leather interior. The cost of the options added up to a figure in excess of $15,000.

The car was completed at the Morgan factory in February 2018 and shipped to Australia.

A battery trickle-charger port has been hard-wired into the car.

Unlike many traditional British sports cars, the soft top is simple and quick to operate. It is in perfect condition.

The first service and oil change was done in December 2018 and the second service completed in May this year – done by a Morgan appointed specialist in Perth.

This Morgan has covered just 5,550 km and in all respects, is like a virtually new car. It starts readily and is a joy to drive, the engine is very flexible, the gearbox easy to use and the car feels spritely and taught. Apart from cleaning some dust in the engine bay, there’s nothing anyone could do to improve the condition of this car.