Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Hello from a danish pre-owner

Hi,

Been following Morgan since I first met the company in 2010 at the Geneva Carshow, where was invited in to plant myself into a 3-wheeler and pretty much left my petrol heart there. So I actually thought for 6 years my first Morgan would be the same.

But now I decided to go for a +8 (for starters)... Tried it, loved it.

And here I would appreciate some advice.

What should I be on the lookout for before buying? Also, do I need to be aware of things concerning originality? I'm currently looking at these to models:

http://www.bilbasen.dk/brugt/bil/morgan/plus-8/35-2-seater-2d/2845380
http://www.bilbasen.dk/brugt/bil/morgan/plus-8/35-2-seater-2d/2911493

Do anyone have some words of advice for a first time Morgan investor?

Thanks for listening to a rookie - and hopefully for a little advice

70's +8's so structural condition of classis, inner wings and bulkhead as well as wood work around sills and door posts is what I would look at first.. They are liable to rot and rust badly as not very well protected from the elements if original..

Hello

You might like to talk to Stephen Sommer , a Danish friend of mine who imported a +8 from the UK a few years ago. He has a rather nice +8.

Regarding your choice , I seem to remember that you are almost certainly forced to consider older models due the prohibitive tax situation in Denmark. This means that the cars already in your country are likely to be getting a few miles (or kms) on them, therefore it is important to make a choice based on condition and not price.

Firstly take someone who knows Morgans with you, they can spot the points that others might miss.
Secondly don't be fooled by the paintwork, it is what is underneath that is much more important, the condition of the chassis, the woodwork, the metalwork in places that are not readily visible that are vital to a healthy car. This is again where someone who has prior knowledge is so useful.

After the major "structural" items , look at the interior , has the leather been well cared for? Is the dashboard looking neat and tidy? Are the hood, side screens , and tonneau cover all in good serviceable condition?

Lastly make sure that you give it a long test drive. Look for oil pressure, there should be something on the gauge , but don't be alarmed if it is not a lot , this is a high volume rather than high pressure oil system. Listen for any top end noises from the engine. Does the oil look clean? Look for the clutch to take up the drive without any shudder, and make noises. Listen very carefully for any clunks from the back axle.

Lastly do you like the colours of the paintwork and the interior? If not find one that you do, but as above, overall condition is much more important than colours so if you find a perfect example that is isn't quite to your taste , it will be a much better buy than one that is pleasing , but with several problems

Good luck

I may be wrong but I believe the 1974 Plus 8s still had the 4 Speed Rover Gear box. Both of these adverts show it a 5 Speed. Perhaps both have had a gear box swap?? Or its a error on the advertisers part. I think the 5 Speed Rover box didn't come into the spec until 76 or so. Also, I think 190 BHP is a bit optimistic for a 3.5L. Realistically it is something less.

I had a Moss Box 71 Plus 8 and loved it. Light and agile and quick. Sold it because of the 4 Speed box, too busy at highway speed. Now have a 86 Plus 8, 5 Speed. Better on the highway but not as quick.

Cheers,
Mark

Both cars from the pictures show a 4 speed gearbox lever (lift ring for reverse).

and the first one ,at least is advertised as being with the original 4 speed box

Thank you guys for all inputs. That was Quick!

Yes, taxation in Denmark is quite the hefty algorithm.

Approx 150% on top of Car Price incl. VAT (25%) for a brand new car. That means a M3W is 6-700.000 kroner, or £75k.

When a car reaches 35 years - its hole different ballgame, so 1981 is currently that magic year.

Both cars are 4 speed. Yellow is sold by the Danish importer / service guy.

The Carsite BilBasen auto tags the car with specs - often from recent models, so info should mostly be taken frem the text.

The car will choose you! Enjoy the search

Welcome and enjoy the search.