There was a discussion here about a year ago about Shiela Hancock's Morgan. I presently own that car, chassis B1798. She first registered it 2 Jan 1969 as VYL-364G--it is a 4/4 four seater in ivory with black leather. I bought it from the old Morris Stapleton Motors in London on 5 Jul 1974 and have owned the 38 years since then. My wife and I have driven it all over most of Europe and the US. I'm just now finishing its third extensive restoration--frame off, every nut and bolt replaced, alternator, electronic ignition, racing cyl head and cam, stainless headers, etc. I have painted the wings black and installed correct painted wire wheels, fresh hood, tonneau and side curtains. Should be on the streets of South Carolina in October.
Ian, Thanks for the photo. I knew it had a radio installed previous to my buying it because the antenna was still installed, but it wasn't present when I took ownership and I didn't know where it was mounted.
Hello everybody. This is my first posting to Talk Morgan. I was the second owner of Sheila Hancock's Morgan 4/4 4 Seater Morgan. The car's registration was VYL 364G and I Googled it this Christmas just out of curiosity to see what had happened to my beloved Morgan and found it here. The car was purchased from Stapletons Morgan dealer in London for around £1100 in the early 70's and the name in the log book was Sheila Ross. I drove it home to Leicester, where I was living at the time. The car was in need of mechanical and cosmetic attention. I booked it into the Morgan factory Repair Shop through the then Sales Director, Mr.Day. I took it down to the factory and arranged for the gearbox and clutch to be stripped and rebuilt, it was in bad shape. The engine was checked out and everything was given a thorough going over, new brake linings fitted, new tyres, shocks and silencer. A new duck hood was made to order with the normal rear window and additional rear side windows to each side. Bosch headlights, which were the latest at the time, were fitted. Finally, the car was completely repainted in the the original oil based paint, colour Royal Ivory. I collected the car 6 weeks later and she looked truly amazing. My wife had the car for daily use and I used it whenever I could on the weekends. Sadly, the safety of our two small children, who were accommodated in Britax (Red) Safety seats of the era in the back, began to worry us. The possible mounting points were not that secure. I debated keeping the vehicle but was unable to do so and I sold it to a Morgan dealer near Solihull. All this is from memory and I will have to dig through old files to see if any further detail can be found. By the way, the original leather strap was black leather with a brass buckle. I wish the current owner many more happy years of fun Morgan driving.
Very interesting thread,....I feel a certain kinship towards Allan's car (B1798); due to the fact that it undoubtedly shared shop-floor space within close proximity to my own 4/4 (B1800) during their buildup.
Bert & B1800 "Tis well enough to know how much to know; and when to know, not to know, too much."