1970 Morgan Plus 8 Sports Roadster

• Present ownership since 2003
• Purchased in the USA
• In regular use up to 2019 (stored since)
• Requires recommissioning

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.

Finished in cream and black with tan leather interior, this Plus 8 was purchased new by one E A Houssiere Jr, who was serving at RAF Chicksands in Bedfordshire, which at that time was being operated by the United States Air Force. The Morgan was supplied by Allon White & Son (Cranfield) Ltd. A copy of the original purchase invoice shows that the car was delivered in a special colour finish (unspecified), with beige leather interior and hood, and side screens to match. A rear bumper, spare wheel cover, seat belts and a bonnet strap are listed as fitted options together with number plates for the UK registration 'UOP 193H'.

Our vendor purchased the Plus 8 in 2003 from Detroit-based Larry Moss, a director of the Michigan Region Classic Car Club of America. The car was used regularly in the USA before being shipped back to the UK in 2019 - reportedly in perfect running order - since when it has been in storage. Only relatively minor recommissioning should be required before the car returns to the road. Re-registered in the UK with its original number, the Morgan is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate.