Morgan +4

Morgan Plus 4

1963 Morgan Plus 4
Overview
Manufacturer Morgan Motor Company
Production 1950–1969
4,584 produced
1985–2000
2005–present
Assembly Malvern, Worcestershire, England
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door convertible
Layout Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related Morgan 4/4
Morgan Plus 8
Powertrain
Engine 2088 cc I4 (Standard)
1991 cc I4 (Triumph)
2138 cc I4 (Triumph)
1995 cc 1985-1988 I4 (Fiat)
1988-2000 I4 (Rover)
2005-present: 2.0L I4 (Ford)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 96 in (2,438 mm)
Length 145 in (3,683 mm)
Width 56 in (1,422 mm)
Height 52 in (1,321 mm)
Curb weight 1,848 lb (838 kg)
1,848 lb (838 kg) (Super Sports)

The Morgan Plus 4 (or +4) is an automobile which was produced by the Morgan Motor Company from 1950 to 1969. It is a more powerful and, in the case of the earlier cars, slightly longer version of the company's 1950 4/4 model. The Plus 4 was revived in 1985 and filled the gap between the 4/4 and the Plus 8 until 2000; it was again revived in 2005.

History

After World War II Morgan had re-introduced their 4/4 model fitted with a 1267 cc Standard engine. This continued in production until 1950 when it was replaced by the larger Plus 4 announced at the 1950 Earl's Court Motor Show.

The Plus 4 at its introduction was fitted with a 2088 cc engine based on that used in the Standard Vanguard, installed on a strengthened 4/4, chassis with a wheelbase lengthened by 4 in (102 mm). Hydraulic brakes, at first all drum, were fitted for the first time on a Morgan.

In 1953 a higher performance version was announced with the 1991 cc I4 engine as used in the Triumph TR2. The radiator grille was now surrounded by a cowl that blended into the bonnet. Front disc brakes became an option in 1959 and were standardised in 1960. From 1962 the engine was the Triumph TR4 unit, which increased displacement to 2138 cc.

In 1955 the less powerful 4/4 model re-appeared in phase II form. The 96 in (2,438 mm) wheelbase of the Plus 4 was adopted by the 4/4 when it reappeared in 1955, after which the two cars were for most purposes the same length and width.

Also at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show.

On display at the official Morgan stand the very unofficial Morgan +4 Ashley Sportiva Coupe developed by the then Swiss Morgan Importer.

Details are displayed on the Morgan +4 Ashley Coupe Story website. (see below in External Links)

Body Styles.

Body styles available were a 2 seat sports, 4 seat sports and more luxurious 2 or 4 seat drophead coupé (4 seat coupé 1954-1956 only).

One of the interesting quirks of the Plus 4 was that the engine cowling fitted so closely to the engine that there was no room for an air filter. Some owners stretched cheesecloth over the carburettor as a field-expedient.

Competition use

A racing version, the Plus 4 Super Sports was available from 1962 with tuned engine and lightweight body.

Chris Lawrence and Richard Shepherd-Barron won the 1601-2000cc GT class at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Plus Four.[1] The class winning car, chassis number 4840, was originally registered XRX 1 in 1961, then changed to TOK 258 from late 1961 through mid-1964 (at least different 4 Morgans have carried the TOK 258 registration number). It was sold by Chris Lawrence to A. Dence in 1964 and the registration was changed to JHX 142B.

Performance

A TR3 engined two seater car was tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1958. It was found to have had a top speed of 100.3 mph (161.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 27.1 miles per imperial gallon (10.4 L/100 km; 22.6 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1017 including taxes of £340.[2]

See also

Morgan +4+

References

  1. ↑ 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans Results and Competitors - Class Winners, www.experiencelemans.com Retrieved on 31 January 2012
  2. ↑ "The Morgan Plus Four". The Motor. January 1, 1958.
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