Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 33
1976 Morgan Plus 8 Chassis no. R7977 Engine no. 48113987
Sold for US$25,760 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 33
From the Estate of James Messenger
1976 Morgan Plus 8
1976 Morgan Plus 8
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1976 Morgan Plus 8
Chassis no. R7977
Engine no. 48113987
Chassis no. R7977
Engine no. 48113987
3,528cc OHV Rover V8 Engine
Single SU Carburetor
168bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Sliding Pillar Front Suspension with Live Rear Axle with Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Vintage style meets muscular V8 power
*Uniquely charming old-world craftsmanship
*One of the quickest sports cars of its day
THE MORGAN PLUS 8
After relying on Triumph engines for many years, Morgan found themselves on the hunt for a new supplier in the late 1960s. They ultimately struck a deal with Rover for supply of its Buick-derived all-aluminum 3.5-liter V8, thus creating one of the most memorable cars in their storied history: the Plus 8. A strengthened and stretched version of Morgan's Plus 4 chassis formed the basis of the new car, along with a Moss 4-speed gearbox. After a successful debut at the 1968 London Motor Show, production got underway at the relaxed "Morganly" pace of about 15 cars per-month.
Naturally, the Rover V8 transformed the light Morgan into a formidable sports car. While the traditional styling restricted top speed to around 125mph, that was more than enough of an eye-opener for anyone sitting in the Plus 8's low-slung open cockpit. Not surprisingly for Morgan, production of the Plus 8 stretched from 1968 through 2004, when the supply of engines finally dried up.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 1976 Plus 8 offered here is powered by the 3.5-liter version of Rover's venerable alloy-block V8. Delivered in right-drive specification and finished in an appropriately sporty shade of red over a black leather-trimmed cockpit, it is an attractive driver-quality example in good cosmetic condition, while showing signs of obvious use on the engine and undercarriage. Features include a wood-rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel, glovebox-mounted Kenwood radio, and Morgan's signature cast alloy wheels with rear-mounted spare. This car was purchased by Mr. Messenger in 1988, and has covered just 2,771 miles since, therefore some minor mechanical attention may be necessary as it emerges from long-term storage.
With 168bhp and 210lb/ft of torque on tap in the alloy and ash body, the Plus 8 was known to show more sophisticated contemporaries a clean set of heels, and with minor attention, this example is sure to provide plentiful thrills for its next custodians.
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