1986 Morgan Plus 8

Morgan Plus 8 (Roadster), 1968-2004

The Morgan Plus 8 was in production from 1968 to 2004. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car seating two adults.

The Morgan Plus 8 was a simple idea really. It grew from plans to replace the Plus 4 after Triumph gave notice that supplied of its four cylinder engine would soon be ceasing. Morgan looked for a replacement - and found it in the form of the versatile Rover V8. The chassis and body were widened slightly to allow the engine to be fitted, where it was linked to an uprated version of the Plus 4's Moss gearbox and a Salisbury rear axle. From 1973, Morgan adopted Rover's gearbox from the 3500S, buying complete engine and transmission units meant money was saved. It gained EFi in 1983 and grew to 3.9 litres in 1990 alongside the Range Rover, while from 1996 it gained the optional 4.6 from the Range Rover and by 1999 was running on modified Range Rover P38 engine management. Discontinued in 2004 as Rover ceased production of the V8, it was replaced by the Ford V6-engined Morgan Roadster.

Buyers shouldn't be worried by the concept of body off restorations - ash frames do rot, as do the steel chassis. If it's had a recent rebuild, the car will be more desirable. Check the chassis for box section corrosion, while it's good to remember that ash frames from after 1986 were Cuprinol treated at the factory for longer life. Many owners have taken additional steps too. The Rover engine is reasonably hardy, but valves and cams can start to wear after around 100000 miles, and head gasket failures aren't unknown. Later cars, particularly 4.6s, can suffer from dropped cylinder liners - so check the history file thoroughly.

The Morgan Plus 8 is a hard as nails British sports car and only similar cars will satisfy potential owners. Consider a Triumph TR6 or an Austin Healey if you're looking at an early Plus 8, while from anything post 1980s an equivalent V8-engined TVR will give you the same thrills in an arguably more sophisticated package. Retro designs like the Spartan will ultimately disappoint, while the Gilbern Invader and Reliant Scimitar offer a more civilised day to day package with the same sharp performance.