Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Hi from Norfolk

I'm not a Morgan owner yet but am gathering information to be able to make an informed choice. I'm trying to determine the differences between a 4/4 and a plus 4. I already own a classic MG from the 60's and would ideally like a similar era Morgan. But with wooden frame and unprotected steel chassis I'm a bit weary about making my first entry into Morgan ownership with a car of this age. Otherwise an early to mid 90's car would be a second choice (down to budget of approx £20,000) with a treated ash frame. I believe galvanising came later in the 90's. So my question is what are the differences between the 4/4 and plus 4 for a 90's era Morgan. Engine? Dimensions? Hoping to learn a lot from this forum.

Although the +4 is probably the most popular - many of us love our 4/4s and would not change them - reliable Ford engine, low tax/insurance, and high MPG - still plenty of power for cruising and even on the track - if you get competitive the engines can be tweaked. Cheaper than a +4 and so you can get a newer/better spec. car. Make sure it is galvanised and wood-treated. Beware very low-mileage cars - they may have spent most of their life idle and so need hoses etc. replacing - go for one that has done at least a couple of thousand miles per year. That`s my 2 pennorth. No doubt other more experienced and learned TMers will disagree.

Early to mid-90s car:
4/4 has 1800 Zetec Ford (from late '93 on i.e. '94 MY) and narrower o/a width, approx 4'9". Earlier car will have 1600 CVH with fuel injection. CVH FI was fitted for approx 3 years, with carb before that. Can't tie down specific change dates. Ford 5 speed gearbox.
+4 had Rover 2.0 litre first M16, then T16. M16 [i]can[/p] be prone to head gasket failure at rear of engine every 30k miles. Car wider (by around 7"), but uncertain whether that applied to the M16. M16 had Rover LT77 gearbox, M16 had Rover R380 box. Again change date not is variable.
Agree with Phil on the mileage. Buy on condition, though.
Galvanised chassis was optional. Standard came in around late '97, which also included stainless bulkhead and inner wings, plus "long doors". There was an extra 2" built into the cockpit at that time to meet needed space for air bag operation (air bags optional), plus a variety of other changes.
Good luck with your search.
And: Welcome to TM

Welcome to TM. Also not an owner (yet, but give it another 24 days....not that I have a calendar up counting down the micro seconds), and I have gone for Plus 4 (new though coz I’m a duffer with spanner’s n stuff). Number of reasons including longer distance comfort/pace and a slightly wider body for passenger comfort in particular...
All on TM are great at support n guidance n opinion to help you form your own....
HB

Take your time go and have a look at several garages even if its a B&B trip. Have you got this months magazine . A mog will pick you .

If I was looking for a 90’s Morgan, I’d definitely try and push the budget and go with a post 97 4/4 1.8 Zetec engined Mog

You then have every recent body improvement

Thanks for the replies. When I bought my MGB it was easily seen where the weaknesses (i.e rust) were. It was fairly obvious. With the wooden frame of the Morgan hidden away beneath the panels I imagine it is difficult to determine it's condition.
Looks like a late 90's car would be better but then more ££s. May have to up my budget!
I have no problems with spanners. I've rebuilt and resprayed my MG over the years. But the years do take their toll as far as crawling under cars is concerned!

And the Zetec is quite capable of being tuned up to +4 power levels relatively easily at a later stage if you so wish.

Should be able to get a good one for around £23,000 if you're patient.

Here’s one that might be in budget ?



https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/dealer/be...-ford-1-8-2003/

Welcome - there is a very good buyers guide in the rear section of this book buyers guide written by Phil Benfield of the well respected Allon White dealership I found it most useful when buying my first Plus 8 he has been in the Morgan trade since God was a boy.

The book itself is a good read if you like the histrionics of the marque.
Good luck with your choosing, there are plenty of owners in Norfolk/Suffolk that would help you I'm sure. JohnV6 has many years experience for instance.

Stick to your guns if you have your mind set on an earlier car - just look at the fun TBM is having in his recently acquired 1972 model from Allon Whites. Condition is everything irrespective of year as cars of this era will have most likely been rebuilt at least once.


p.s. There is a slightly older 4/4 4 seater for sale on here that's well worth consideration. here