Only two owners from new
1970 Morgan Plus 8 Sports Roadster

• Present ownership since 2001
• Engine rebuilt by Melvyn Rutter in 2001
• In use up to 2024
• Requires recommissioning

"The Rover engine in its Morgan installation is a remarkably fine marriage... the lightweight V8 is extreme;y smooth and delivers its power in such a subdued and unfussy manner that really high speeds become deceptively effortless." - Motor.

Searching for new engines in the 1960s, Morgan concluded a deal with Rover for supply of its all-aluminium 3.5-litre 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. Inside the cockpit, Restall adjustable bucket seats provided much better support than the Plus 4's items, an important provision necessitated by the car's greatly improved performance.

After a successful debut at the 1968 London Motor Show, production commenced at the rate of 15-or-so cars per month and would continue into the 21st Century, latterly 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-litre form, the Plus 8 proved quicker to 80mph than the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo.

Its lengthy production run (manufacture ceased in 2004) would see the original Rover-engined Plus 8 alter little in outward appearance, save for ever widening wheelarches accommodating fatter rubber, yet beneath the skin the changes were innumerable. Better gearboxes, fuel injection, rack-and-pinion steering, improved corrosion protection and paint, telescopic rear dampers, air bags and the obligatory catalytic converter all became part of the Plus 8 picture over the years, along with, of course, bigger engines to offset the inevitable increase in weight.

Finished in green with black interior, this Plus 8 was purchased new by a Mr Terence Lane, who sold the car to our vendor in 2001. There are invoices on file from Morgan specialist Melvyn Rutter relating to a comprehensive engine overhaul that same year. Never restored, the Morgan is said to be in good condition and to have been in use up to 2024, since when it has been in storage. Only relatively minor recommissioning should be required before the car returns to the road. Offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.