Lot 391: 1954 Morgan Plus 4 Drophead Coupé

Morgan’s first four-seater, four-wheeled sports car - the Standard 10-engined 4/4 -appeared in 1937, forming the mainstay of production up to 1950 when it was superseded by the larger and more powerful Standard Vanguard-engined Plus 4. With 70% more power than the 4/4 courtesy of the 2,088cc Vanguard engine, the 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? - it did undergo 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. With supplies of the old flat-fronted radiator and free-standing headlamps coming to an end, Morgan opted for a front-end makeover for 1953, filling in the gap between wings and body with a sloping valance that incorporated the headlamps in a pair of cylindrical fairings. The radiator grille was cowled and gained a quarter-moon trim panel at the top, which carried the Morgan badge. A change in vehicle regulations soon forced Morgan to raise the headlights, but the result remained dissatisfying and led to a further revision that saw the ‘interim’ radiator grille replaced by a curved design and the headlamps placed in teardrop-shaped housings atop the valance. At last the quintessential Morgan look had arrived. This Plus 4 is one of only 26 drophead coupés built in this final, definitive Morgan style but retaining the traditional twin spare wheels, which ceased to be a feature in 1955. The first owner is recorded as a Dr Allan, of Bridgenorth, Shropshire. Restored to a high standard at date unknown, the car has had its original Standard Vanguard engine replaced with the similar, but slightly more powerful, 2.2-litre unit from a Triumph TR2. We are advised that the vehicle has spent part of its life in France and since returning to the UK has had its original registration reinstated. Finished in maroon with original black leather interior, the car comes with MoT to October 2007, Swansea V5 and assorted documentation including expired MoTs and correspondence from Morgan confirming date of manufacture.