1964 Morgan Plus 4 Plus

• Rare Morgan model with only 26 built
• Original US, Left hand drive example
• Completely restored by John H. Sheally who presented the car and its renovation in a book The rare ones: Peter Morgan and the Plus Four Plus (this book is included in the sale)
• Four-speed manual transmission
• Competed in many classic car rallies
• Czech historic registration
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment near Kolin, Czechia

105 hp, 2,138 cc inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual synchromesh transmission, independent front coil-spring suspension, solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes.
The Plus 4 Plus (or +4+) was Morgan’s attempt at introducing a souped-up model that incorporated modern styling, closed coachwork, and fibreglass construction all at the same time. The Plus 4 Plus was introduced at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show, and it was not greeted by the anticipated warm reception. Accordingly, production of the model ceased at just 26 examples over three years, which was just over half of the anticipated production run of 50 cars. Although the streamlined coupé body was a radical departure from the traditional models produced by the Morgan Motor Company, it boasted a weight of only 816 kilograms and a top speed around 185 km/h, as well as more interior space and legroom.
Inspired by Lotus and its fiberglass body, Peter Morgan began to investigate use of the material to clothe the traditional Morgan chassis. His father (HFS Morgan) was fearful of the havoc that might be caused to the body by the flexible chassis and shelved the idea. After his passing, however, in 1959, the idea was revived and a smooth aerodynamic body over the existing chassis and drivetrain was seen as the future of the marque. The bodies were built by the Edwards Brothers with limited resin (to reduce crazing) and the new shape featured a unique roof profile and roll-up windows. It was an attractive shape that was the equal of the Healeys, MGs and Triumphs that it had to compete against and was even as shapely as anything from Jaguar or Aston-Martin.
The Morgan Plus 4 Plus was priced at £1275, a considerable increase in price from the traditional Plus 4 that was sold for £816, it was nonetheless much cheaper than the Lotus Elite which cost more than £1600. The automotive press was impressed with the car’s performance (which was improved by the lower weight body – even in coupe form) and the quality finish of the modern body shell. The Motor predicted that the new car would “make many new friends for the marque Morgan” but the Morgan faithful were less than impressed. In fact, the Morgan aficionados were up in arms over the appearance of the startlingly modern Plus 4 Plus and even more incensed that the FHC prevented any wind (or bugs for that matter) from reaching the hair of a true driving enthusiast and Morgan man.
That the car was a sales failure is an understatement, with only 26 vehicles produced, but it was a success nonetheless in that it forced the issue for many potential buyer’s who were afraid that the classic Morgan was soon to be retired. Soon, a waiting list for the Plus Four was formed to accommodate the surplus of orders that were coming in on a regular basis. Orders from the rest of Europe were particularly strong, with orders from France, Holland, Germany and Sweden exceeding availability and contributing greatly to the strong demand for the cars that continues to exist today.
For many years, the Plus 4 Plus languished as the unwanted Morgan and even in the last decade or so they were an affordable rarity that offered sparkling performance and great looks in an easy to service and maintain package. Those days, like for so many other cars, have passed and the previously unwanted car is now in strong demand.

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