1996 Morgan Plus 8

Highlights

• Rover V8-powered classic
• Full main dealer service history
• Under 30,000 miles recorded since new
• Fabulous red paintwork
• Five-speed manual gearbox

Overview

The Plus 8 is a car you can doff your cap at as it burbles past you, wafting its throaty V8 rumble. You can salute its implacable desire to resist any form of unnecessary modernity, with its classic styling and traditional construction methods. It was one of the fastest sportscars in the world when it was first released in the sixties, so it remains a whole load of fun all these years later.

The example we see here was built in 1996, and features a 3.9-litre V8 engine mounted between the chassis rails beneath the long, low, louvred bonnet. It sends power rearwards via a five-speed transmission with almost no driver aids. This is driving at its simplest and purest. You can even leave the windows at home if you want to.

And while it’s not going to set any speed records today, this Plus 8 is the ideal car for touring, enjoying the countryside, or taking further afield. In fact, it’s not unusual to see many a Morgan in the further reaches of the Scottish Highlands, being put to good use as a driver’s car.

Excellent bright red paintwork makes this Morgan stand out in the best possible way, and a well-preserved interior ensures you’ll enjoy the journey too. Add to this the stack of invoices detailing the car’s servicing, and you have yourself a very tempting proposition.

History and documentation

• Registered 8 Aug 1996
• Full main dealer history with supporting stamps or invoices as follows: Nov 2023 @ 28,941 miles, Nov 2022 @ 28,453 miles, Nov 2021 @ 27,595 miles, Nov 2020 @ 27,251 miles, Jul 2019 @ 26,740 miles, Nov 2018 @ 25,924 miles, Jun 2017 @ 23,063 miles, May 2016 @ 20,054 miles, Jun 2015 @ 16,273 miles, Apr 2014 @ 15,875 miles, Apr 2013 @ 15,416 miles, Apr 2012 @ 14,796 miles, Apr 2011 @ 13,585 miles, Apr 2010 @ 12,196 miles, Apr 2009 @ 11,034 miles, Apr 2008 @ 9,791 miles, Apr 2007 @ 8,883 miles, Apr 2006 @ 7,475 miles, Apr 2005 @ 6,626 miles, Feb 2004 @ 6,109 miles, Feb 2003 @ 5,458 miles, Feb 2002 @ 4,035 miles, Feb 2001 @ 2,832 miles, Feb 2000 @ 1,935 miles, Nov 1996 @ 878 miles
• Collection of 16 invoices from Brands Hatch Morgans Limited for parts and servicing
• +8 Morgan Owner’s Handbook on file
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 28 Nov 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• The private plate P999JRW will be sold with the car

Interior

• Beige leather upholstery with contrasting red piping and headrests
• Black footwell carpets with leather trim to match the upholstery
• The leather appears to be in very good condition for its age, having acquired a warm patina through gentle use
• Storage bins in the doors
• Simple door catches
• Three-point seatbelts
• Matching Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel rim and gear knob
• Beautiful burr walnut veneered dashboard, with locking glovebox
• The large speedometer and tachometer are well placed and clear
• Auxiliary gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and battery voltage
• Vertically oriented handbrake lever
• Wide, low, flat windscreen, with chrome surround and characteristic triple wipers
• With the roof raised and side screens fitted, the cabin is cosy and snug
• No electronic push-button-operated folding roof systems here
• Sliding window panels

Exterior

• A fine example of the quintessential Morgan shape
• The body all looks well preserved, without any significant dents or damage that we could see
• Long, louvred bonnet
• Sweeping front wings
• Finished in Corsa Red paint, which retains a deep shine
• 15-inch cast alloy wheels
• A few small chips can be seen, and a small ding near the driver’s door which is reportedly a common issue of the side screen rubbing and not necessarily deserving of special attention
• Perfectionists may consider a refurb of a couple of the wheels and to address a small patch of bubbling paint above the offside exhaust outlet but neither detract from the overall appearance of the car
• Black mohair roof is very smart, and free from tears or fading
• The roof fits snugly into a tonneau cover when stowed
• The rear window remains clear, without any haze
• Rear-mounted full-size spare wheel
• Chrome luggage rack
• All the chrome trim — grille, lights, bumpers, handles etc. — is highly polished
• Badge bar
• Winged Morgan +8 badge sits proudly above the radiator
• In summary, it’s a fine looking car that’s sure to attract lots of positive attention

Mechanical

• Lifting the centre-hinged, louvred bonnet reveals the V8 heart of this Morgan
• 3,947 cc Rover V8 engine
• Produces 187 bhp
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Rear-wheel drive
• The engine bay looks clean and tidy
• Silicone coolant hoses
• Extensive invoices for servicing with Brands Hatch Morgan on file
• The most recent mechanical service was undertaken in November 2023, and included changing the engine oil, filter, and transmission oil
• The hydraulic clutch cylinder and king pins have been replaced
• In terms of a service record, you really couldn’t ask for more

Summary

Extensive main dealer history, excellent red paintwork, a V8 engine, well-polished chrome, this Plus 8 ticks all the boxes. The perfect car to enjoy the summer months in.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in West Malling, Kent.