1953 Morgan Plus 4

Morgan Plus 4 (Roadster), 1950-1969

The Morgan Plus 4 was in production from 1950 to 1969. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car seating two or four adults.

The Plus 4 was intended as a performance derivative of Morgan's new 4/4 four wheeler. It sat on a wider and longer chassis, and was the first Morgan to use hydraulic brakes. The earliest Plus Four models featured a separate radiator grille with chrome surround, and these are rarely seen today. Under the bonnet sat a 2088cc engine taken from the Standard Vanguard, and related to that used in the previous Triumph Renown and Roadster models. For 1953, Morgan restyled the nose of the car, fitting a cowling which has been replicated on almost every Morgan since. At the same time, a Triumph TR2-specification 1991cc version of the engine was fitted - and these cars are covered in a separate model history document. The Plus Four family would continue to 1969. The total production run would amount to 4584 cars - production only ceasing as Triumph stopped production of the engine after the TR4 gave way to the six cylinder TR5.

Body off restoration is common, both to replace the ash frame (many are now Cuprinol treated, not the case in period), and to effect repairs to the chassis where the box sections corrode. Mechanically, there's little to go wrong with a Plus 4, and the world of Triumph specialists will be able to help with things like service items and spare parts.

If the later Plus 4, subsequent Plus 8 or slower 4/4 don't appeal as alternatives - and let's be honest, they're the obvious choices given that Morgans appeal to brand loyalists - you could try the Triumph TR family. They might not look so antiquated, but the drivetrains will be similar and the weather protection perhaps slightly better. An MG TF1500 would also be an interesting alternative. If you want something that shares the mechanical componentry, the older Triumph Roadster 2000 offers similarly vintage appearance alongside an arguably more practical body package.