1938 Morgan 4/4 Series 1 Roadster
Registration no. FZ 192 Chassis no. 551

Bonhams MPH December Auction|11 December 2020, 13:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1938 Morgan 4/4 Series 1 Roadster
Registration no. FZ 192
Chassis no. 551

Odometer reading: 5,695
MoT expiry date: Exempt

*One of only 900-or-so built pre-war
*Coventry Climax engine
*Professionally restored in 1992/1993
*Engine and gearbox rebuilt and upgraded 2007-2009

The first four-wheeled, four-seater Morgan – the 4/4 - appeared in 1936 powered by Coventry Climax's 1,122cc, four-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine. For the 1939 season a special Standard 1,267cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine was introduced and would continue to power the 4/4 model up to 1950.
One of only 900-or-so of its type built pre-war, this historic early Morgan 4/4 was restored in 1992/1993 and although described by the vendor as very serviceable, would benefit from a repaint. There are a few scratches to the seat back and a few marks on the dashboard where items were removed/replaced during restoration, but otherwise the interior is said to be spotless. According to the vendor, the car starts 'on the button' and runs smoothly, while the Meadows gearbox makes the usual noises and takes a bit of getting used to. All electrical equipment works fine with the exception of the fuel gauge (stuck on 'full'). The history file contains notes and photographs relating to the £18,000 rebuild carried out in 1992 by marque specialist George Proudfoot, and we are advised that further works on the engine and gearbox were undertaken in 2007-2009. The latter cost £22,000 and included many useful improvements: electric fan, water pump, and Phoenix steel crankshaft and con-rods.

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Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 85/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Glass: 5
Paint: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2

INTERIOR TOTAL: 18/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 5
Seats: 4
Trim: 5

ENGINE TOTAL: 19/20
Mechanical components: 4
Running: 5
Starting: 5
Under Bonnet: 5

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 20/20
Axles: 5
Brakes: 5
Gearbox/Clutch: 5
Suspension: 5

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8/10
Ancillary components: 4
Main components: 4

Car History File: 4/5

Saleroom notices

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