Lot 069: 1984 MORGAN PLUS 8 VITESSE

The Morgan Plus 8 was developed when Triumph stopped production of their four cylinder 2138cc engine which Morgan had used to power their most powerful top of the range Plus 4 models. Morgan chose to replace this unit with the 3528cc V8 ex-Buick engine which Rover had just started to use in their 3500 and 3.5 Litre models. Needing remarkably little further modification to the standard body and chassis to cope with the 160 bhp power output save for a wider track, wider rim wheels and the replacement of the wooden floor with steel, the Plus 8 was a masculine sports car in the true British tradition. Apart from several changes of gearbox - originally a Moss unit, changed to Rover in 1973 and then to a 5-speed in 1975, and the adoption of rack and pinion steering in 1983, the Plus 8 continued with remarkably little change until 1984 when the latest fuel injection unit producing 190 bhp from the Rover Vitesse became available. Now with a top speed of 130 mph and with exhilarating acceleration to match, the Plus 8 famously continued to command huge waiting lists (at one point over 6 years long!) until its demise in 2004. The 1984 Vitesse-engined Plus 8 for sale here today is finished in a striking combination of Inca yellow with a black leather interior and has covered only 31,000 miles from new, a figure guaranteed correct by the vendor. Described by the vendor as 'good' in all aspects apart from the wheels/tyres ('very good') and interior trim ('fair') it comes complete with tonneau cover and sidescreens as well as twin stainless steel exhausts. Converted to run on unleaded and fitted with a Piper cam, the original specification included factory fitted extras of reclining seats, luggage rack, badge bar and full body undersealing. Also fitted with lightweight wings and a stainless steel bulkhead this Morgan has a current MOT until May 2007 and is taxed until the end of February. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle comes with an MOT certificate until May 2007 and not February as stated in the catalogue details.