Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Mog noob saying hello and considering a classic +8

Hello gentlemen,

I wanted to make an introduction and say hello to the group. I'm new to Morgans as far as ownership goes but definitely not new to British sports car or vintage car ownership in general. I've had several Triumphs, MGs, a couple big Healeys and a Lotus Elise along with several classic Bentleys and happen to make my living fixing high strung Italian cars so I'm not afraid of keeping machines humming. Anyhow, I've recently sold my '65 Healey 3000 and am also considering putting my TR6 and Elise on the market as well and getting myself a Plus 8. As it happens, there is one I've fallen in love with up at Northshore Sports Cars outside of Chicago. It's an '87 and was originally sold in Italy. The proprietor of the dealership (this is an official Mog dealership, by the way), Norbert Bries, imported the car himself and has described it to be in very nice driver-level condition. Being that I am not familiar with some of the structural intricacies of these cars, I would like opinions from the group on what I should be careful to look for on this particular car when I fly up to look it over and drive it. Also, I'm interested to hear if any of the eagle-eyed among you can pick out any deficiencies through the photographs. I did notice the little "Morgan" emblem on the rear bustle back is missing and the headrests on the seats are shown in one photo but not the others, so I would want to know if those are still present. Otherwise, any input would be greatly appreciated. I believe he is looking to get around $60K USD for the car, so I am interested to hear perspectives on price as well.

Here is a link to the car: 1987 Morgan Plus 8

Many thanks in advance for your help!

Aaron

Hi Aaron,
Welcome to the Morgan world, the car looks nicely patinated and in good order.
The headrests are removable, some like to drive with them others without, I guess Norb will have taken them off for photography purposes.
Some of our North American cousins will vouch for Norbs reputation, I believe he's well respected and an experienced Morgan man.
Check the woodwork, Norb will assist if he wants a sale.
If it's spent it's life in Italy and America there shouldn't be a problem.
I had a double fuel filler plus 8 and I think on that iteration of the 8 MMC left the script badge off, basically nowhere to put it cos of the filler.
I'm sure as an experienced classic car man you'll know whether you like it when you drive it. Perhaps a contact with mog south group lance Lipscomb in the Chicago and Illinois area may assist?
Mogsouth.com

Btw not familiar with North American car prices, but 48000 miles is not a lot for a 30 year old car. No doubt 60k dollars is the start point, negotiable I assume.
Good luck

Looks nice but you really need to get see it in the metal to judge.

i think this car should have originally twin pipe exhaust??

I'm not an +8 expert but as you are quite familiar with British sports cars you know the usual risk areas amyway. The major difference to standard cars is the ash-frame of the Morgan cars. Check there is no wet or dry rot on the ash frame.

Aaron, not sure where you are, but I have had three Plus 8s, two mid 80s cars, and still run my 1986. I am available by phone pretty much all the time, should you want to give me a call. 407-322-5060. If you get the answering machine keep talking. I screen the calls now because of the political pollsters.

Cheers,

Hi Aaron,

I have a 1993 Plus 8 with 18,000 miles on it. I've owned it for 4 years. It's a great car. I suggest you check the chassis was galvanized and I believe in 87 MMC had started to treat the wood with Cuprinol (to preserve the wood).

I rebuilt my front suspension a couple of years ago with hard chromed king pins (for longevity) and I installed steering bearings, so the steering is not as heavy. Also installed a panhard rod, new shocks and brake reaction bars for better handling and braking. Ask Norbert if anything has been done to the one you are looking at.

$60K is a good price starting point for a Plus 8, then negotiate somewhat.

I'm in Nashville TN, where are you?

Didn't think galvanised chassis were introduced as early as 87?

www.allonwhite.co.uk produce a useful guide as to what to look out for when buying a used Morgan.