Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Opinions on 1966 aluminium 4/4

Just one caveat about the chassis record. When I did this for Bumble it took 'forever' and wasn't right when I got it.....

Why not ask the sellers if they still have the original engine?

Seems expensive to me compared to buying a later aluminium car.

Good luck

Yes, I realise that. but the value and appeal of the competition-oriented cars lies not so much in their originality but in their history and provenance - indeed the whole point about competition cars is that are modified by their owners. Taking a competition-oriented car, removing an upgraded engine and putting back an engine of the original type would in my view devalue the history and provenance.

If originality is important to you, and you are concerned about conserving the resale value of your car, I would suggest trying to find an original car would be a better bet.

John,
I am in Switzerland, The older the car, the easier it is to own. No smog check, less clear homologation rules, more freedom, for example with a non-original motor.
I am not interested in a modern Morgan, I want a vintage experience with its quirks, and, yes, shortcomings.

Tim,
I don't really want another engine. When I say I could do without it, it is solely because of inspection. But if I can pass it as is, I am all for it. It is all a matter of what gets through. I know for sure that the "cosworth" cam cover would raise red flags. But yes, I would prefer to keep it as it is, because it keeps its history, and because it is simpler for me.

As of now, I am waiting for a chasis number and I will see with Morgan about its original spec.

Got the chassis number. Don't know if I can post it here. I have sent a message to the factory.

George sorry I dropped out of the loop for a day. I bought mine in February last year. Excellent mechanical condition but the body and interior a bit rough - although perfectly serviceable and seen from a few metres distance it looks great. I have a friend here who bought a 1970 4/4 in good average condition for a similar price to mine about 2 years ago. So they are out there and definitely at a better price than is being asked for this one.

And originality does count for something when it comes to value. Also adding value is "competition provenance" - i.e. a recorded history of competition. But a 4/4 Competition does not necessarily have a competition history. It just means it had the more highly tuned Ford motor, although not as highly tuned as the one in the advertisement. And I can understand your concern about importing a highly modified car as it would almost certainly cause headaches in getting it registered.

Mine is my first Morgan and like you I wanted an old Morgan with a history and was lucky enough to find the right one. You won't be disappointed when you find one, especially with the aluminium body and comp spec motor. Link up to the Morgan Motor Co. email alert so that you are notified the moment one comes up for sale. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you Auster.
You sum it up perfectly.

-Likely too expensive,
-Might be hard to register,
-Not necessarily a competition history.
-Oh so sexy alloy body.

I might have to pass, but I have not given up just yet.