Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) new or used Plus 4

Hi all,
my first post here, after a lot of reading for the last year or so.
I'm tempted to buy a Morgan and have read a lot about the differences between the several types here on TM.

After looking at a few, I've come to the conclusion that the later type Plus 4 is probably the way to go, these seem to have a bit more interior space than earlier ones. I tried to sit in a '94 Plus 8 this week and couldn't even get my knee under the steering wheel without getting stuck completely.

However, I have only one dealer relatively nearby, and therefore do not have the possibility to try a lot of different models / model years.
Can anyone of you confirm my assumption that a late plus 4 would be the 'roomiest' model? I'm not looking for a comfortable car with perfect seating and a lot of space (have a daily driver that suits those wishes quite well) but would like to have enough comfort to go on weekend trips and be able to convince my wife to join me... Heated seats would help there as well

Also, are there -apart from the new engine- other differences between the latest version (2014-) and the one before? Any clear reasons not to choose for a good used one and opt for new?

Thanks,
best regards,
Thomas

Hi Thomas.
Long door cars were from mid 1997, and from then, the cockpit size is the same, except in the 3.7 Roadster which has a wider transmission tunnel.

The shallow dashboard, which was between 2003 and 2007 provides most upward adjustment of the steering column.

The 2.0Litre Duratec is more tuneable and more economical than the 2.0Litre GDI.

You might consider crossing the Channel to Kent and looking at Brands Hatch Morgan.

HI Thomas & welcome to the forum.

Hunting is part of the fun, but it does bring frustration as well. As Dave says, the cockpit tub size was standardised across the Traditional range, with just footwell room suffering from the 3.7 gearbox size.

There really is no substitute for a sit-in and first hand look, and I'm aware that an aftermarket company near to Morgan offer a quick release steering wheel boss, although despite asking for one over the New Year, they haven't been able to supply one yet..

Then there's hoods...another choice...and colours....and interiors....and wheels...the list goes on and on.

Treat yourself to a couple of days over here, maybe visit the factory for a tour and then try a dealer as Dave suggests.

Either way, good luck..!!

Hello Thomas, and welcome to TM. I bought a second-hand Plus 4, 4-seater, five years ago and have never regretted it. The car had done 11400km (now 34800km) and was a very acceptable price. 2.0l Duratec.

To me four seats is a real advantage. Occasionally I have people sitting in the back (ever mindful of maximum loading!) but the big plus is that the rear seats easily accommodate overnight bags, and there is no faffing about with luggage racks and straps.

My height is 1.7m and shoe size 39. I say this because my previous car was a Caterham which fitted my driving position precisely, Steering wheel almost at arm's length with the closely adjacent pedals presenting no problem as long as I wore driving shoes. The Morgan took a little getting used to after that, especially as the steering wheel seemed very close. But now with the seat pushed right back and a small cushion in the lumbar region I find it very comfortable. Some friends (taller and a little older) when getting in the car find it awkward to bend the trailing leg enough to complete the manoeuvre.

I have had heated seats fitted. It is an all-year-round touring car. My wife loves it and enjoys driving it. I hope that helps and encourages your wife to join you (the secret to this is let her drive as much as she wants to and enjoy being a passenger yourself!).

Hello Thomas,
Welcome to TM.
I have a 1993 +4 T16 and although I am 1,88m tall, I have no problem fitting in my car. Sometimes, when using the clutch, I did bump my left knee against the dashboard lighting dimmer control but I've solved that by removing the dimmer control button.
As already suggested: have a look at Brands Hatch Morgans (I did).

Another alternative if steering wheel clearance is an issue is to fit a Moto Lita offset one, although it does feel a bit weird if you encounter hair pin bends at speed!

Thank you all for your feedback. It is good to know that basically all 'modern' traditionals are more or less the same size, only difference being transmission tunnel.

One other question: have the seats changed, regarding adjustment, seat height etc over the period from +/- 2005 up to now? Any configurations to avoid or kook after? Has heated seats been an option during al these years or is that limited to recent model years? Is it easily retro-fitted if a car does not have it?

A trip to Brands Hatch sounds appealing, but the tips regarding engines, interior space and seating Ifind here help me anyhow.

Hope to join you Morgan owners soon. I have no doubt more questions/info-sharing will follow...

Thanks for your help.
As you mentioned, looking for a car and doing research/reading into it is part of the fun.
Thomas

The seats from 2003 - 2007 with the shallow dashboard had tapered spacers which were at chassis rail height at the front - so 2.5cm, and half that at the rear. Obviously over time, owners may have removed or changed them, but removal gains that much space.

From 2007 and the deeper dash there were no spacers, but a protruding nut under the runners means that there is some distortion which stiffens the adjustment. On my 2017, I've added some shallow spacers (around 1cm) to level the runners, because I'm short so I don't need space between the seats and steering wheel.

Heated seats can be retro fitted.

Before buying my +4 2000 mod I found the guides from Allon Withe useful, see link:

https://allonwhite.co.uk/used-morgan-cars-for-sale-uk

Hi Thomas!
If you need any help or want to view any of our cars we would make you as welcome as possible here at Berrybrook. We have both types of Plus 4 here to try.
I am 6'4 and (slightly) over weight! I have no worries in the Plus 4, however, i do notice the difference slightly in the 3.7. That said, with power steering I don't need as much leverage to move things around!!
Anyway, if you need any help please get in touch