Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 160
2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition VIN. SA9PE240730R12991
Sold for US$54,880 inc. premium
Lot 160
2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition
2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition
VIN. SA9PE240730R12991
VIN. SA9PE240730R12991
3,947cc OHV Rover V8 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
200bhp
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disk Brakes
*One of 100 35th Anniversary Edition Plus 8s built
*Fewer than 6,000 original miles
*Classic British motoring with modern mechanics
*Rarely offered model
THE MORGAN PLUS 8
Searching for new engines in the 1960s, Morgan concluded a deal with Rover for supply of its all-aluminum 3.5-liter V8, thus creating a car that combined Vintage-era charm with Cobra-like 'grunt': the Plus 8. Morgan's Plus 4 chassis, strengthened and extended, formed the basis of the new car, while the existing Moss four-speed gearbox was retained also. After a successful debut at the 1968 London Motor Show, production commenced at the rate of 15-or-so cars per month and continues to this day, although now with BMW power. While the traditionally styled Morgan's brick-like aerodynamics restricted top speed to around 125mph (more than fast enough for most people driving an open car) the Rover V8's 168bhp and 210lb/ft of torque made for supercar-league performance through the gears. Indeed, in its later 3.9-liter form, the Plus 8 proved quicker to 80mph than the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo.
Its lengthy production run has seen the Plus 8 alter little in outward appearance, save for ever widening wheelarches accommodating fatter rubber, yet beneath the skin the changes have been innumerable. Better gearboxes, fuel injection, rack-and-pinion steering, improved corrosion protection and paint, telescopic rear dampers, air bags and the obligatory catalytic converter have all become part of the Pus 8 picture over the years, along, of course, with bigger engines to offset the inevitable increase in weight.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Morgan celebrated 35 years of production of the legendary Plus 8 by releasing only 100 35th Anniversary Edition Plus 8s to the American market. They sold out immediately. The celebration was bittersweet, however, as the Plus 8 was about to go on a temporary hiatus with the end of production of its venerable Rover-built V8.
This Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition was built on July 18, 2003 and sold new to Houston, Texas at the end of April 2004. Finished in the exceptionally proper combination of Connaught Green over Muirhead leather in Woodsmoke with matching green carpets, top, tonneau, and weather equipment, the car was additionally optioned with chrome wire wheels, a stainless-steel luggage rack, leather bonnet straps, cream colored gauges, and a Macintosh stereo. According to the clean CARFAX report, the Moggie spent the first two years in Montgomery, Alabama, the before heading to rural Lufkin, Texas, two hours north of Houston and just south of Nacagdoches—one of the oldest cites in the state. While 3,331 miles had been covered in the first 27 months of ownership, the subsequent dozen years would see only 2,600 more miles added to the clock.
Purchased by the current owner at the start of 2017, the speedy English roadster has been carefully maintained and sparingly driven. One of only 6,000 Plus 8s made from 1968 until 2004, the model was reintroduced with BMW power in 2012. Famous for its ash wood body framing and carefully hand built in Malvern Link, this is a rare opportunity to buy a car that refused to evolve because it was just too perfect to begin with!
Saleroom notices
Please note, due to Connecticut emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of Connecticut or to a licensed automotive dealer.
Additional information
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