Morgan Plus 4 | |
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1963 Morgan Plus 4
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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.
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.