1966 Morgan Plus 4 Plus Coupé

• One of only 26 made
• Present ownership since 2004
• In use up to 2024
• Unrestored
• Spare engine included

Introduced in 1950, the Standard Vanguard-engined Plus 4 represented a major step forward in the evolution of the Morgan sports car. Although the traditional chassis layout was retained - what else would one expect from Morgan? - the frame underwent extensive alteration, gaining in both wheelbase and track dimensions while being considerably strengthened. The centrally mounted Moss gearbox was carried over from the 4/4. A few years later - in 1953 - Morgan began the process of updating the car's appearance, which culminated in the arrival of the quintessential Morgan look in 1954.

One unfortunate consequence of the 2,088cc Vanguard engine's adoption was the fact that it placed the Plus 4 in the over-2-litre class for racing purposes, forcing it to compete against rivals of much larger capacity. As a result, the 1,991cc Triumph TR engine was made available from 1953, this more-powerful option being preferred by most customers. In 1956 the revised TR3 power unit began to be phased in, offering 100bhp and making the Plus 4 'the cheapest 100mph car made in Britain' according to The Motor magazine. Around 1961, Plus 4s began to leave the Malvern factory fitted with the 2,138cc TR4 engine and from 1965 with the 104bhp TR4A unit, the latter cars representing the Triumph-engined Morgan in its ultimate form.

With an eye on the future, Morgan had introduced the futuristic (by Morgan standards) Plus 4 Plus in 1963. A very pretty glassfibre-bodied coupé styled along lines reminiscent of the Lotus Elite, the Plus 4 Plus was not what its traditional customer base expected - or wanted - from Morgan, and production ceased in 1967 after only 26 had been made. In his book Morgans to 1997, Roger Bell observes: "Perversely, the Plus 4 Plus is today one of Morgan's most cherished models, not least because of its rarity."

Purchased by the late owner in 2004, this ultra-rare Plus 4 Plus was in regular use up to 2023 and should require only relatively minor recommissioning before returning to the road. The car is finished in Burgundy with black interior and has never been restored. Accompanying paperwork includes a V5C Registration Certificate, an old-style logbook and numerous old invoices and MoT certificates. The car's original engine - 'CT26210' - is included in the sale.