Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms "The Times" newspaper prize Morgan

Hi,
Do any TM'ers have any information regarding the 4/4 that was offered as a prize by The Times newspaper.
The car was registered in 1985 presumably when new.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I've just done a search of The Times digital archive for "Morgan 4/4" for 1984-1986 but the only hits are in the classified ads. No mention of a competition prize at all I'm afraid.

What information lead you to believe that one was offered?

~iw

Is that the red one showing as just sold on Allon Whites web site by chance?

That must be it. "B817 MLL", first registered 18 Feb 1985: Morgan 4/4 at Allon Whites

"1.6 Ford CVH engine with 5 speed gearbox. Originally a 'Times' newspaper prize. This is a great entry into Morgan ownership."

I think they are mistaken, the only competition I can find The Times running in the eighties is Portfolio and the top prize for that was £2,000. Perhaps it was some other publication?

~iw

Yes you are both correct.
Allon Whites had it for sale as a "Times" prize.
I have checked through Miscellany for 1985 as I thought there may have been a reference to the car as a prize but could find no mention of it.

It's an intriguing claim but I can't find any evidence to support it.

Mind you, given the waiting lists back then perhaps I was searching the wrong years and the actual competition had been in 1975!

~iw

Good point Ian.
I am at Allon Whites next week and will ask JB where his information came from.
I would imagine it was told to him by the seller of the car.

Let us now what they say. I suspect that it could well have been a competition prize but the exact source has become confused over time.

Now sold.

Hi the mystery is now solved. The 4/4 was a prize offered by the Sunday Times newspaper. The prize was to win a classic car and the Morgan was one of the cars but almost ten years old by then hence "classic car".
To quote the Times "This amazing car is a prize that hopefully you will treasure, and will return you to the days of classic motoring"
The prizewinners collected their cars in 1996 on Saturday 16th November at 12 midday.
The 4/4 had sculptured seats that although were individual and could be dropped forwards to allow access to the rear parcel shelf looked like the old one piece bench seat when in the upright position.
Ian perhaps you could make a new search of the archive now that we have a positive date?