From The Classifieds: 1976 Morgan Plus 8

To many, the boutique British car brand Morgan is best known for its quirky hand-built V-Twin three-wheelers of the type seen misfiring and spluttering away in the 1968 Peter Sellers film The Party.

But, to probably just as many, Morgan is also known for its thoroughly retro range of (four-wheel) also hand-built sports cars directly connecting back to the first 4-4 version that was introduced in 1936. The Morgan 4-4 (four wheels and four cylinders) came after many years of three-wheeler-only production and was introduced as a then-contemporary, two-seat sports car. It was supplemented by a four-seat version in 1937 and continued through to 1955 when it was given a new chassis and renamed 4/4.

The 4/4 was described as a virtually new car, although the mechanicals were unremittingly basic: Front suspension was independent, using coil springs with sliding pillars, while at the back it rode on a primitive leaf-sprung live axle.

The Morgan was relatively light – and just as well, for the engine was a 1.2-litre Ford side valve four-cylinder driving through a three-speed gearbox. Acceleration, though undoubtedly acceptable at the time, was leisurely by today’s standards: Top speed was measured at 121km/h and zero to 100km/h acceleration occupied something like 28 seconds.

Remarkably, the Morgan 4/4 continues through to today, with various engine and other upgrades that have lifted performance and overall refinement, while retaining the same design fundamentals.

The Plus 4 model introduced in 1950 ran alongside the 4/4 with larger engines from various manufacturers and eventually formed the basis for the company’s bold step up from exclusively four-cylinder engines to the thundering 3.5-litre V8-powered Plus 8 in 1968.

With the all-alloy Rover 3.5-litre pushrod V8 (originally sourced from Buick in the USA) the car acquired a more balanced chassis and a dramatic upshift in power-weight ratio. The Plus 8 benefited from development work done to the Rover engine over the years that saw capacity lifted from 3.5 litres to 3.9 litres, then 4.0 litres and finally to an optional 4.6 litre version introduced in 1996.

The combination of a long-nosed, antiquated lightweight British sports car with a forceful V8 engine was heady stuff, and even the first 3.5-litre Plus 8 Morgans were unquestionably fast. The appeal of the Plus 8 was complemented, rather than compromised by the still-basic construction where a separate ladder chassis was fitted with a wooden-framed body. The blend of old with new was fundamental to its nature.

Although Morgan has been – with the odd hiccup – in continuous production since the company was founded in 1910 and is claimed to be the world’s oldest independent car company, its connection with Australia has always been low key and as a result not many are to be seen on the road.

However those that are, are usually deeply loved by their owners and are treated accordingly.

On carsales.com.au, at the time of writing, only three Morgan Plus 8s were listed for sale and among these is this red 1976 model living in Galston, NSW and offered for sale at $68,500.

Described as being in excellent condition, the Plus 8 comes with a roadworthy certificate, plus a full history and, along with a new paint job, has a new stainless steel exhaust system, reconditioned braking, five new tyres and new black carpets.

The owner says the power from the 3.5-litre V8 is “unbelievable.”

If you love raw power, and the challenge of controlling it through a primitive rear-drive chassis, then the Morgan Plus 8 will deliver plenty of jollies, while looking sensational to boot.