Lot 675: 1982 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster

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 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 also was retained. After a successful debut at the 1968 London Motor Show, production commenced at the rate of 15-or-so cars per month and continues to this day, making the Plus 8 the longest running ‘same engine’ model in the company’s history. 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. Purchased by its late owner, a mechanical engineer and enthusiastic private collector, on 24th April 1989, this Plus 8 was last MoT’d in July 2002 when the recorded mileage (on certificate) was 25,044. Kept in dry storage since its owner’s death, the vehicle requires re-commissioning and is sold strictly as viewed. Offered with old-style Swansea V5.