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Morgan Plus 8 3.5 Liter V8 1968

Allmän beskrivning : 1968 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster
s/n R7662, engine no. 4810720
Light Blue with Tan Leather Interior

Even in the 1960s, Morgan’s cars were regarded as charmingly reminiscent of a bygone era of motoring. Separate fenders, sliding pillar suspension, the use of “weather equipment,” and traditional ash framed body construction were features unavailable in virtually any other car of the period, yet Morgans possessed an enthusiastic following of diehard enthusiasts which remains today.

The basic design of the Plus 8 dates back to the 4/4 of 1936, a car which remains in production even to this day. In 1968, an eight cylinder version of the car was introduced, called the Plus 8, featuring the alloy block 3.5 liter Buick-Rover V8 which saw so much success in British cars ranging from MGs to Land Rovers. The Plus 8 remained in production as long as this engine did, and it was only in 2005 when the engine was finally discontinued that the Plus 8 was repowered with a Ford V6 to create the V6 Roadster, which naturally is still in production today.

Upon its introduction, the performance of the Plus 8 was earth-shattering. Indeed, its power to weight ratio and limited slip differential made it the fastest-accelerating British production car into the 1970s. Always hand-built with the ability to personalize extensively, the Plus 8 remains a compelling statement for the driving enthusiast looking for an incomparable experience.

This particular Plus 8 is a beautifully-executed one-of-a-kind example that reflects the vision and attention to detail of its builder. Constructed with exposed rivet details, leather strapping, and raw aluminum features, this fighter cockpit aesthetic is an homage to the joy of open-air vintage motoring. Records and receipts detailing both extensive mechanical and cosmetic work show expenses exceeding $55,000.00 from 2012 to 2016, when the car was thoughtfully and cleverly curated by its current owner in its stunning light blue exterior with aircraft inspired interior.

Mechanical improvements performed on the car include a comprehensive engine rebuild (2016) new wiring harness, new brake booster, new brakes including new wheel cylinders, shoes, rotors, calipers, and lines as needed, new axle seals, new shock absorbers, roll bar installation, new lamps, hoses, various electrical components replaced, instrument services, new custom made radius rods, rebuilding the shifter, linkage and adapting a new mount system for improved shifting. Further engine work was performed on the intake manifold and carburetor, engine timing, and improved fuel delivery.

Additional work performed on the car includes a multitude of beautifully hand formed parts including specially machined wheel center caps to match the recently refinished cast wheels, unique louvered rear panel, unique front fog lamp mount, painted roll bar, dual fuel fillers, aluminum bomber-type bucket seats, custom upholstery, new toggle switches, custom turned steering wheel center, and a host of other spectacular “Jules Verne” custom touches.

The car presents beautifully. The paint was done to high standards with excellent gloss and is nicely offset by beautifully finished alloy wheels. The chrome trim is in very nice condition throughout with the various glass, lenses, and polished aluminum features showing very nicely. In addition to the leather hood strap other touches include a nicely finished rear view mirror mounted low on the cowl, matching leather roll bar padding, and a beautifully finished wood and aluminum Moto Lita steering wheel. Lucas tribar headlamps and Marchal fog lamps with yellow bulbs are in superb condition and reflect the “every detail matters” philosophy that went in to this car’s build.

Because so much of the interior of the car is visible from outside the car, the interplay between the two was an important part of the owner’s vision. The exterior is clean and is punctuated by a few beautiful details while the interior is an intense mixture of materials and textures, all beautifully crafted into a coherent whole. The dominant material is raw aluminum. The floors, sills, center console, and dash are made of aluminum, with no upholstery or carpeting, giving the car a purposeful and focused aesthetic. Brass details and accents are beautifully made and complement the tan leather applied to the seats, inner door panels, roll bar, and shift boot. A pair of chronographs is mounted to the glovebox door, while the rear package shelf has hinged storage compartments and, honoring vintage racing traditions, an exposed display of 8 spare spark plugs. The ring-ventilated seats are covered in rugged textured tan leather, which has been dyed to a satisfying patina, adding to the vintage charm of the interior. Competition style wide seatbelts completes the performance theme.

Under the center-hinged hood, the power and heritage of the V8 engine is instantly revealed with beautifully finished finned Rover-labeled valve covers and very nice finishes throughout. The contemporary Edelbrock carburetor and intake system have been properly dialed in to the engine and offer a pleasant, modern update to the clean and tidy engine compartment. The underside of the car is clean and nicely maintained though not to show standards. Portions of the riveted aluminum theme continue under the rear and front sections of the car as well. All components appear to be in sound condition with evidence supporting recent replacement of suspension and brake components. The side exit exhausts with Magnaflow mufflers are beautifully made and offer an indication of the car’s character when underway.

The car starts easily with an unmistakable V8 soundtrack that sounds American in all the right ways. Throttle response is superb and as far as performance is concerned, an invoice from Morgan West from the engine freshening summarizes it nicely. In addition to clinical descriptions of tasks like installing a new thermostat and filling the engine with coolant, a line on the invoice simply states: “test drive car—note: it is extremely fast.” Carburetion is spot on and the gearbox works well, with effective synchromesh and good linkage. The clutch is easy to modulate and the car is streetable and user-friendly. Brakes are effective, the chassis is stable and competent, and the steering is communicative, linear, and free of slop. The car feels light on its feet and has an intense character that makes it very evocative and thrilling to use. It comes with its original spare wheel which can be mounted in lieu of the louvered cover on the back of the car, in addition to a thick file of invoices from the build.

This Morgan is a true one of a kind creation. Beautifully rendered, both cosmetically and mechanically, and absolutely thrilling to look at and drive, the car maintains the essence of the Plus 8 but delivers it with a unique and intoxicating intensity that is difficult to find in the motoring world at any price.

http://fantasyjunction.com/cars/2129-Morgan-Plus%208%20-3.5%20Liter%20V8

1968 Morgan Plus 8 3.5 Liter V8 is listed såld on ClassicDigest in Emeryville by Fantasy Junction for $78500.

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