Morgan launches Plus 8 Speedster

Just the thing for a summer drive in the country, and cheaper than the normal car too

Who doesn't love a Speedster? Porsche is of course best known for various 356s and 911s, Mazda did an MX-5 Superlight concept without a windscreen and now Morgan has had a shot as well. This is the rather fabulous Plus 8 Speedster.

As you will have already guessed, it's based on Morgan's V8 roadster that isn't an Aero 8. With the same 372hp BMW 4.8-litre V8 as the regular Plus 8 but presumably a little less weight, the Speedster hits 62mph three tenths quicker at 4.2 seconds. A quoted top speed of 148mph must have something to do with the Speedster's unique aerodynamics. And would that roof stand up to going any faster?

The car has been built to mark 100 years of Morgan production at Pickersleigh Road. To produce 100 cars would therefore seem logical but nothing has been confirmed from Morgan yet as they are still on Easter vacation. What we do know is that the Speedster goes on sale in June at £69,995, or £15K less than the regular Plus 8. We'll have a manual with the steel wheels, please.