Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Photo Gallery 'Esmeralda' (purists look away now).

2017 was a busy year for me and Esmeralda, a steep but very enjoyable learning curve. I make no apologies for the occasional modifcation during the restoration, most of the resto had already been done in the U.S. prior to my ownership. Approx 90% of the wooden framework had been replaced as was the tinwork where neccessary.

To keep costs down I did the Deep Brunswick Green paintwork myself in cellulose. A young local trimmer did the black leather seating for me but everything else has been done by my own fair hands.

There are still various bits to do but for now I am enjoying driving her on the Lincolnshire roads even though I have to play dodgems with the potholes.

Regarding modifications, I know that a lot of people who restore classic cars prefer to maintain originality where possible and I respect and admire their tenacity with such projects. My car however has an alternator fitted for improved efficiency, and a bonnet mod to allow air filters to be fitted to the standard S.U. carbs. I still cannot understand why the TR engined Plu4s where sent out with no air filtration system. I know there is another mod available which allows the original bonnet to be used but it has potential problems (air starvation).

If anyone has had an attack of the vapours whilst perusing the pics then I can only refer you to the posting title.

Nev.

Looks a great job to me.

Well done and warmest congrats - you should be very proud!

Thanks for posting and for the pics.

Hi Nev,
Great job! Well done.
I can understand purists wanting every nut and bolt to be as they were when they left the factory but if you intend to use your classic and give it another lease of life, updating it to make driving a pleasure rather than a chore, is OK in my book!
John

A classic understated look! Congratulations!!

Delightful... truly delightful.

As to the lack of air filtration in day past, I suspect it was done so better to enjoy the intake "roar" and with the belief that air filters restricted airflow and so blunted performance.

Top work indeed.

Peter,
The lack of air filters on the TR Plus Fours was a necessity because there was no room under the bonnet for the standard TR air filters. The Morgan factory did produce a weird-looking filter/nozzle but it is nearly impossible to balance the twin carbs when this contraption is used. The previous owner took it off and when I re-installed it the car ran rougher and slower, and the bonnet was banging against the contraption.

Peter Morgan said that the Plus Four didn't need air filters unless it was driven in Saudi Arabia, and I have come to agree with him. I have fitted simple bug screens instead of the air cleaners and I try to avoid gravel roads. My 56-year-old engine has travelled 90,000 miles with only one re-build (but several carb rebuilds) and runs strongly.

Beautiful car, Nevbag. Judging from the white toggle switches it's probably a 1961, same as my car.

It's good to have a few purists who maintain absolutely original cars, but I strongly believe that upgrades are necessary to keep our cars going strong 50+ years after they left the factory. In particular if the upgrade was available on later Morgans, such as radial tires, bucket seats, five-speed gearboxes, alternators, etc., then by all means. Fortunately there are so many upgrade options available for our old Plus Fours that they will be running strong for the rest of the internal combustion era. (If necessary I'll convert to electric.)

Simple wire mesh filters were used extensively in my youth...a long time ago!

They were really effective - we used to spray light oil on them to catch dust.