Ranmore are proud to offer to the market this glorious Morgan Plus 4 Plus. Just 26 examples of this model were produced making it one of the rarest Morgans to emerge from the Malvern factory gates. It brought a modern interpretation of the classic Plus 4 formula, which ultimately proved too radical for the market at the time with production ending after two years. To find any example of the Plus 4 Plus is difficult, but to find one like this makes it an essential addition to any Morgan enthusiast’s collection.

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This Car

Prepare yourself for a long-term commitment with this car, this is no flash in the pan relationship. Emerging today from family ownership of almost thirty years, and with the owner before having also owned the car for nearly thirty years, this car clearly pulls at the heartstrings to ensure long-term loyalty from its custodians.

For the past nigh on thirty years, the car has been well-kept by a car enthusiast, but also specifically a Morgan enthusiast having owned seven Morgans alongside this one, from the more modern Aero 8’s all the way back to a 1914 Standard 3-wheeler. This was alongside other interesting, eclectic and important motor cars, helping to show that it is coming from a well-versed and caring owner.

The car is in exceptional condition and is surely one of the finest surviving examples. Its bodywork is in great condition, thanks in part to a full respray in 2013 in its original Smoke Grey, at the same time it was re-carpeted and re-chromed all whilst having its engine overhauled, it is quite simply fabulous.

Alongside the car comes a history file documenting its illustrious past. Not only is the file packed full of invoices (mainly from Teqniques a renowned Morgan specialist), but there are photos documenting trips to Goodwood for the Revival, Silverstone to see the Morgan Aero 8 in the GT Championship, as well as numerous letters and notes documenting trips with the car. There is even a book in the glove compartment detailing EVERY trip taken in the vehicle since his ownership began in 1998.

Also in the file are copies of MOG Magazine from June 2014 where the car featured on the cover, as well as in the detailed article. There’s a copy of the Morgan Sports Car Club 2019 calendar where it featured as Mr July! There’s even a copy of the original brochure, workshop manual, parts book and much more to thumb through. The file is fascinating and astounding in equal measures.

The speedometer today reads 2,030 miles, although it is known to have gone around the clock. Thanks to a significant overhaul in 2013 and meticulous ongoing maintenance ever since, the car's condition belies its mileage.

This Model

The Plus 4 Plus was Morgan’s boldest attempt yet to move beyond the traditional sports car formula. Conceived by Peter Morgan in the early 1960s, the idea was to combine the proven mechanicals of the Plus 4 with a more contemporary coupé body. The prototype was developed with EB Plastics, an experienced specialist in glass fibre construction, and was unveiled at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show.

Underneath its radically styled body remained a familiar Morgan: a strengthened Plus 4 chassis, Triumph's 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine and traditional sliding-pillar front suspension. Yet the lightweight glass fibre body, wind-up windows and enclosed cabin made the Plus 4 Plus markedly different from anything else in the Morgan range. At around 816kg, it was lighter and more aerodynamic than the conventional Plus 4, with performance to match.

Morgan originally planned to build around 50 examples, but the car struggled to find buyers. Traditional Morgan customers found its modern appearance too radical, while buyers seeking a modern sports coupé were less convinced by its essentially traditional chassis. Its price point was also a challenge with the car costing £1,275 7s 1d, very expensive when compared to a Triumph TR4A at a mere £968. Production continued for only a couple of years, with just 26 examples ultimately built.

Somewhat ironically, while the Plus 4 Plus itself struggled to find buyers, its appearance helped reinforce demand for the traditional Plus 4, reassuring Morgan's loyal customers that the company's iconic open sports car was not about to disappear.

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Summary

Although the Plus 4 Plus didn’t sell in the numbers Peter Morgan originally hoped, it has gone on to become one of the most fascinating cars in Morgan’s history. Its bold styling and innovative construction were perhaps ahead of their time, and with just 26 examples produced, it is now an exceptionally rare piece of Morgan history.

To find a Plus 4 Plus is unusual; to find one that has been cherished, used and documented to this extent is rarer still, its history file is simply one of the most wonderous we've seen. Should you desire one for your collection, it would be hard to find a more compelling example.

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About Ranmore

Ranmore was established in 1983, originally known as Royce Service & Engineering. For over 40 years, we have been independent masters, specialising in the sale, maintenance and complete restoration of classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars.

More recently, we have broadened our offering to include the sale of eclectic and interesting sports cars, predominantly British although not exclusively, but always special.

Most recently, Ranmore has also become an Official Morgan Retailer. Morgan is a wonderful British manufacturer that represents 21st-century coachbuilding, an intoxicating blend of tradition and technology that sits perfectly alongside our other offerings.

Our showroom is located in Betchworth, in a glorious setting in the Surrey Hills and perfect territory for enjoying the special motor cars we offer.

For the well driven.

Mileage is stated as recorded on the vehicle's odometer and is not independently warranted unless specifically stated.

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