1996 Morgan Plus 8

Highlights

• Desirable spec
• 190bhp, 3.9-litre V8 engine
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• In great condition throughout
• Impressive history file
• Recent overhaul
• Low mileage

Overview

Morgan may have found lasting fame and acclaim for its 3 wheelers but it also proved it could build incredibly capable cars with rubber at each corner too and the Plus 8 is a prime example. Produced between 1968 and 2004, and again from 2012 to 2018 the Plus 8 is still instantly recognisable as a Morgan.

The fact that the original incarnation of the Plus 8 remained in production for so long, largely unchanged, speaks volumes as to its appeal and popularity and the car endures as an eminently beloved British classic today, benefiting from an excellent support network and healthy club scene.

Utilising the previous Plus 4's chassis, albeit modified to accept the venerable Rover V8 which added a whole new dimension to the car's lasting appeal, the Morgan Plus 8 would see numerous revisions over the course of its lifetime, from fuel injection and larger capacity motors to improved gearboxes and styling tweaks, but the original design and manufacturing techniques stayed largely the same.

Raw and viscerally exciting thanks to its lightweight and powerful V8 engine the Morgan Plus 8 still has the ability to embarrass much more modern fare and despite its vintage underpinnings remains a tough, well put together bit of kit, especially the later models with servo-assisted brakes, five-speed gearboxes and more powerful engines, like this particular 1996 example.

Featuring the 3.9-litre version of the Rover V8 developing almost 200bhp via a five-speed manual gearbox, this Morgan Plus 8 looks absolutely splendid in its jet black over green leather colourway, having been resprayed in its original colour not once, but twice as reported by the vendor. Despite having been in storage for three years between 2012 and 2015, however, the car has since benefited from over £10K spent in the last two years at marque specialists Melvin Rutter on a general overhaul and as such currently presents runs well.

History and documentation

• 1996 model year
• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name
• Three former keepers
• First registered 23 Jan 1997
• In current ownership since 28 Sep 2006
• In storage for three years from 2012 to 2015
• Two keys
• Original book pack
• Large collection of invoices for servicing, parts and maintenance for marque specialists
• Numerous old MOT certificates
• HPI clear
• Advisory-free MOT until 22 Apr 2026
• 35,459 indicated miles

Interior

• In great shape throughout
• No signs of any major damage
• Some wear and light marks to the green leather commensurate with age and mileage
• Green fabric hood in very good condition and appears to fit well
• Black tonneau cover supplied
• No evidence of any water ingress
• Dashboard remains intact but there are some marks to the wood veneer to note
• No reports of any issues with the electrics, gauges or switchgear
• Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel presents well
• Fitted for but stereo not present
• Kenwood speakers
• The area under the bonnet is a little shabby but presents honestly

Exterior

• The bodywork is in very good condition overall
• Vendor reports that the car has been resprayed in its original colour twice since new
• Looks to be free from any major corrosion
• All chrome trim, including the luggage rack, looks to be free from pitting
• Some light marks and small blemishes to the paintwork here and there but no signs of any damage
• Spotlights and navigation lights are all working as reported by the vendor
• All shut lines look good
• Original Morgan 15” wheels present well overall
• Three of the tyres need to be replaced due to age (as indicated as advisories on the current MOT) but the vendor informs us that this will be done prior to sale
• Full size spare wheel with tyre
• Exhaust has been wrapped
• The underneath is in good shape and the suspension components look to be in fine fettle

Mechanical

• 190bhp 3.9-litre V8 engine
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph in 5.7s
• 133mph top speed
• No mechanical issues to report
• The vendor reports that the car sounds gorgeous, starts easily provided the battery is fully charged, and the brakes work well

Summary

Oozing character and vintage charm the unique appeal of the original Morgan Plus 8 appears to have remained undiminished in the intervening years since its discontinuation, a fact highlighted by the demand for the second generation models that appeared in 2012. This particular car benefits from a recent overhaul and as such presents beautifully and performs exactly as any good Plus 8 should, so if you're in the market for a proper classic British roadster with legitimate driver appeal that will almost certainly hold its value you can do a hell of a lot worse than this old chap.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Southminster, Essex.