Driving a Morgan is like motoring about inside an invisible atmospheric bubble of pure, undiluted 1935. A Morgan is not a replica of anything. It's a genuine mid-thiries British sports car, more olde English than anything since tweed jackets with leather elbow patches. When it comes to real sports cars for real, hairy-chested, red-blooded men, only a Morgan will do.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Founded over 100 years ago, the "works" are now presided over by the fourth generation of the Morgan family. Nestled right in the picturesque English countryside, inside the original brick factory in the small town of Malvern Link, approximately 150 old-world craftsmen assemble the old-fashioned cars at a rate of about two per day, completely by hand.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
One of just a handful of models devised in the past 100 years, the Standard-Triumph-engined Morgan Plus Four was manufactured between 1950 and 1969, featuring the archaic ash-framed coachwork of all its predecessors. More than half a century later, the condition of said ash frame is of utmost importance when pursuing a suitable example, as restoration is as complex as it is costly. Buyer beware!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
This Morgan, #TS14291ME, built in 1957, may be the exception to the rule. Having resided in California since if was new, always garaged and covered in the hands of two adult enthusiasts, and having travelled just a hair over 30,000 miles in 55 years, the car is the most original survivor--with the best wood--you ever could hope to find.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
We acquired the car from the gentleman who had owned the car since 1964. Now in his eighties, he reluctantly let go of the BRG beauty, which had always been expertly maintained by Pierspeed Morgan of Santa Cruz, Calif.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Morgan proudly displays its period California blue-and-gold license plate.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Morgans were painted at the factory by an old lad with a brush, or so the story goes. This one could very well still wear its original coat of British Racing Green paint, richly patinated as it were. There is no rust on this car; the body panels are straight, the fenders are not cracked, doors and hood fit well.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Looking every bit like a Conestoga Wagon with its build-it-yourself top erected, the Morgan comes with full weather equipment, including all four side curtains and the full tonneau cover, though it's a bit unethical among Morgan owners to pilot the car with the top up.
Note chromed luggage rack for extended touring.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Looking good with its top stowed, its low profile enhanced by the cut-down doors.
Let's unbuckle the leather hood strap now, to have a look under the bonnet!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
There it is, the coveted Triumph TR3 powerplant that turns the quaint 4/4 into a highly coveted +4. Featuring more power than a Porsche 356 Super 90 and weighing at least 300lbs less than a TR3, the Morgan was (and is) a fine performer. Engine runs great, with excellent oil pressure, no smoke, and only insignificant oil drippage. (A bone-dry TR engine should be suspect.)
|
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
From a different era, but highly functional: dual SU carbs under a bonnet that fits so tightly, air cleaners were omitted by the factory. Compartment at firewall contains verious and sundry tools. Yes, there is a heater
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
The highly desirable, optional centre-lock spoke wheels, here fitted with oh-so-British DUNLOP radials of the size 165-15.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Morgan's cockpit exudes British pre-war sports car charm. Ironically, there's more space than in the ultra-modern Jaguar E-Type.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
A dashboard made from a board of solid wood. Original, ivory colored switchgear, tastefully updated, period correct, wood-and-alloy steering wheel and shift knob.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Fantastically preserved factory gauges with ivory-colored faces.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
CONNOLLY leather. Driver's seat has been recovered, passenger seat still wears its 55-year-old hides!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Entry and exit are easy. Note wooden floorboards.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Rear seat, featuring factory leather hides.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Almost unreal state of preservation shown below air-cushion seats. This condition can truly be called "reference quality."
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we leave, let's take a close look at a most important area: the undercarriage.
 |
Chassis appears virtually "as delivered" in 1957. The wood, in particular, looks fabulous, untouched, unmarked, unpainted except where originally so finished, unaffected by excessive moisture, termites, rot, or accident damage. A California car since new, this 1957 Morgan +4 certainly shows off its provenance with pride. A true Morgan aficionado will appreciate it! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
Additional undercarriage details. Wow, just wow -- try to find another original specimen like it!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Thursday, May 3
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Moggie starts easily, idles smoothly, and all controls are easy to operate. Shifting, braking, steering: it's all good. There was none of the infamous "Morgan death wobble," either. In a nutshell, the car runs and drives like the fine-tuned low-mileage machine it is.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
Piloting a vintage Morgan ranks among the most pleasant open-air experiences imaginable. Though hardly anybody recognizes a Morgan, the car has tremendous curb appeal.
|
|
Click on any of the above images for a full-size view
A quick freeway run confirmed that this Brit is fast enough to gather some serious speeding tickets. We had it up to 85mph in a jiffy and that was all we needed to know. Don't ask us about power slides, either. The Morgan +4 is one of the most fun, controllable vintage cars we've encountered. It's definitely no slouch!
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
If you are looking for an MG or Triumph, there's a huge selection to choose from. Jaguar XK or E? Those are around, too. Austin-Healey? Not a problem. But if you have your heart set on a Morgan, you may have to look for years and still could only hope to get lucky by the grace of God and her Majesty the Queen.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
We've been driving and trading classic sports cars since the 1970s, but we've never had the pleasure to own such an honest, healthy, fun-to-drive Morgan. It just ticks all the right boxes, from vintage, to color, to condition, to engine . . . . you name it, this car has it all. In our slightly biased opinion, this one is the Morgan to have.
Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)
An incredible value, this heirloom-quality 1957 Morgan +4 is ready to be enjoyed, exactly the way it sits today. All it needs is a new home where it will be cherished and pampered.
Someone once said that a hand-built car is capable of having a soul, that perhaps a bit of the passion of its creator rubs off on it; this Morgan amply proves the point.
Addendum:
We sold this 1957 Morgan survivor in summer of 2012 to a connosseur in New England.
Back to Californiaclassix' Hall of Fame or Home.