Dezzn
I don't know this car but it is very similar to my own, so I can make some (hopefully) helpful comments:
Don't worry too much about the mods, most of us make small changes throughout our ownership to "improve things" and the mods here are both sensible, and will add to the enjoyment of the car.
1 The blue rocker box covers are a trademark of a John Eales engine. This is the late spec GEMS engine with integrated ignition and feeling controlled by the ECU. (Which means it is compliant with all current Low Emission Zone regs including London)
It might be an idea to ask for the spec, John Eales always supplies a dyno sheet with his builds, which should be in the history file. About 245 to 255 bhp is about right. Any more than this and you are getting into "race" specs which might affect drivability.
2 The overall impression of the car is that it is very tidy, with a lovely interior. In my opinion the roll bar is too intrusive into the luggage space, but you might like the additional protection it provides.
3 The bigger brakes are sensible and David Rutherford is a past master at improving the handling of Morgans, so his mods will be sensible and appropriate. It does not appear to have an alloy radiator , that might be something you will need to budget for in future as these cars are marginal on cooling , especially this last summer.
4 My only real concern would be the lack of use. At 33,000 miles in 21 years it has hardly been run in, so I suspect a period or two of inactivity. Look carefully at the past MoT and service records. Budget for a few seals and parts needing replacing as a result (My own car which is only 2 years older has now done 74,000)
5 A lot of people insist on wire wheels for the "classic look", this makes the unsprung weight much heavier, the alloys are much better in this respect and you will notice in improvement in handling if you ever get the chance to drive wire/alloy wheeled cars back to back. The only drawback is that it restricts you to 15 inch rubber , when there are some better tyres available for 16s.
6 The price is indeed quite reasonable , I would have expected £40k +
Last edited by MOG 615; 15/10/22 04:00 PM. Reason: additional material
