Description
The Morgan Plus 8 is a sports car built by British car maker Morgan from 1968 to 2004 and again, in revised form, between 2012 and 2018. Its instant and enduring popularity has been credited with saving the company and keeping the company famous during the 36 years of its manufacture. Among Morgan enthusiasts, it is deeply associated with Peter Morgan, the owner-chairman behind its design. The production Plus 8 was launched in 1968 using Rover's production engine, a re-engineered version of the Buick 215 motor (renamed the 3. 5 L by Rover) with a compression of 10. 5:1 originally fueled by two SU HS6 carburettors.
1969 Morgan +8, chassis 7086, Dispatch: 5/ 7/ 1969
Originally delivered to (Agent) Allon White, Cranfield, England. Original owner was Herbert O. Hester, Major USAF stationed at RAF Maidenhall. Original color was Indigo Blue. Second owner was from the US, in England on a work assignment. Six total owners from new including the current. The car was restored in the late 1980's; color change, factory provided interior with leather seats, rebuilt mechanically including engine rebuild. Following restoration, the car was purchased by the 5th owner and kept for over 20 years. He was 6'7" tall so could not drive for more that 15 min which resulted in limited mileage during his ownership but had it fully serviced twice per year as the car was the love of his life. The current owner purchased the car in 2016 and have used it regularly since - 10, 000 miles roughly. New factory spec Dunlop SP tires in 2017.
Work performed during current ownership: New alloy fuel tank and SU fuel pump set up. Full brake rebuild including calipers, wheel cyls, flex lines and MC. New wheel bearings at that time. New clutch - sleeved bellhousing / torque tube and hydraulics. New alloy radiator purchased but have yet to install. The car runs and drives very well - strong engine, good shifting Moss box, etc. Build sheet indicates original engine and trans. Stainless dual exhaust with headers sounds very good. Had stainless blasted from the exterior and system ceramic coated in flat black. The car is very tight, no wear in the normal places. Original steering box with hardly any play. The car still has steel floors and it has the very early headlamp treatment which spaces them close to the cowl like a +4, most narrow bodied cars had them moved out a bit. If someone is looking for a very early Moss Box, this is one of the better ones out there.
