Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Considering getting an 1960 4/4

Hi,

I'm a new member of this forum, and was hoping I could be bold and ask for some advice regarding getting myself a Morgan. First some background: I have not been really much into cars, but have fallen for the Morgan look. Specifically the typical round bonnet and the wings. So I'm looking into getting one. Partly because I want to have something in the garage to tinker with and partly for enjoying driving one for small trips (Sunday trips ). Since wanting to both tinker, and getting something affordable I'm looking into a vintage that needs partly or full restoration. Have no experience with Morgans or any kind of car restoration - but consider myself fairly handy and enjoy to learn.

For a few months I've been looking at a specific car that has been for sale. It's located on the other side of Norway from where I live. Was hoping someone could add some insights to what they can see from the pictures.

Here is the advert (in Norwegian): http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/object?finnkode=40180583
Here are all the images: http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/viewimage?finnkode=40180583

Quickly translated the advert has the following information:


Any insights or comments would be greatly appreciated. More specifically I have these questions:

• To me it seems like a Series 3 model with Ford 105E motor. Can anyone confirm?
• Based on the images can anyone see any obvious problem areas?
• Any comment on the suggested price? (Which would equal to $23.000 and £18.2000 and €18.000 with today's rates)
• The engine displacement in the advert says 1991 L - that cannot be correct can it?
• Is it possible to tell from the images if it needs a full restoration (full strip down, most likely needing new wood and extensive metal work)
• Parts availability for this model? Original? Aftermarket? (I will be attempting to keep it as original as possible).
• Possible to estimate cost of parts needed? (Expected minimum cost of restoration)

I like this car because has the looks (obviously, its a Morgan ), it needs some work, has four seats (not a must, but would be nice to take the whole family on trips now and then), and the price is close to what I can afford and still be able to put more work and parts into it.

Many thanks for your time.

Kind regards,
Frode

Hi Frode and welcome! What you have here I think is a plus 4 four seater which was fitted,and still is, with the Triumph TR3 motor. You'll find there's a lot of rot and rust underneath that paint and I think you will end up spending at least the purchase price again to get it right.

Hi
I looked at that car as well but decided to go for something newer. Its been on the market for a long time and let's be honest you will not see another Morgan being sold so cheaply in Norway. Most things can be fixed and it sounds you want to do it yourself. The one area you really need to check is the ash frame.

Im sure you could get the price down a lot probably under 100k since it's been on the market for so long.

Where do u live in Norway I'm in trondheim.

I would check the rust on the bulkhead. That could mean a serious rebuild though gomog has a fix.

http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/restoration.htm

Hi Frode
Welcome. Looks like alot of work needed there. I know Norwegian prices are high but that seems a bit steep considering the condition. I work in Stavanger and hope to have my Mog there in the summer, happy to meet and discuss morgans any time.

Andy

Hi Frode and welcome.

Looking at the photographs of the car - the bulkhead looks very corroded, you can buy stainless steel ones but it involves a lot of work.
The area below both doors appears to be corroded quite badly from the inside so the Ash frame has been or is wet and possibly rotten. A reasonable quick guide is to check the security of the small nails holding down the aluminium plate on the door entrance. A good firm grasp of the leather covered section in the same area will give you a good indication also. Personally if I were buying one of this vintage I would need the covering of this section removed for a close inspection of the metal corrosion and the rot to the frame. Ash frames or parts of frames can be made by yourself or supplied by companies such as Harpers in UK.

Impossible to judge the condition from photographs these are first impressions only. Looking at the Chassis and particular attention to any joining section areas is important as a chassis change is a lot work. A ramp inspection with someone in your Morgan Club would maybe be a good idea.

Good Luck

Hei Frode. Welcome to the forum. Gi to www.veteranborsen.se. If you want an old Morgan you will find one there that seems to be ok.
it may be smart to be a part of the Norwegian morgan environment if you want to buy an Morgan. You can get good advice there. www.fjordmog.no. AS Insignia have a very Nice excempel from 2007 but that car costs more.
Driving Morgan is Happiness.
Best regards
Karl Åge Wikstrøm

Looks like a project - also looks like a suspicious "puddle" under the car in one of the shots. Could be coincidence....

Hi Frode, Welcome to the forum.
Ask yourself do you prefer driving to tinkering. As this one looks to need an awful lot of tinkering.

Looks like a dog from the photos.