Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1998 +8?

Hi guys,

You may remember, that my beloved Geoffrey found his sudden end on a tree. The repair costs turned out to be higher, than what the insurance was willing to pay, so I decided to take the money and let Geoffrey go.

Over the last weeks I had considered quite some (classic) vehicles, but, somehow, I can‘t get away from the beautiful lines of a Morgan.

Now, I found a 1998 3.9 +8 with 49000km on the clock, that seems to be a very fine example, which is only being driven during the warm season. The car is only 35km away from me and I already see myself driving around with it

But, before geting too enthusiastic… is there anything special, that I should pay attention to, any known „weak“ points, especially with the 3.9l engine. At the moment, the car is at my Morgan dealer for the yearly maintenance, so I will take the opportunity and pay him a visit (with the OK of the owner, of course).

Sunny greetings from Luxembourg and thanks for your feedback,
Ivo

Brilliant news Ivo congratulations the 3.9 is reckoned to be the best Plus 8 engine, I've had two and still own one they are a sweet engine and trouble free in general and you'll love the rumble.

Sounds like a great car and I concur with Richard, with that model you also have the updated chassis as per all the later Trads.

As Richard says the 3.9 engine is a good solid reliable engine, with regular oil changes and maintenance it should last a long time. The other thing I like about my 3.9 is the ability to fettle and upgrade to your requirements. You will find plenty of info and help here on GOMOG in the Plus 8 Specific section:

http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/plus8index.html

Ivo, I think you may have found a new car

Ivo

1998 is the around the crossover between short and long door cars. Obviously the long door cars have the stainless bulkhead and inner wing valences , which are preferable , but I would not let that dissuade you if it proves to be a short door.

As others have said the engine is pretty bombproof, the R380 gearbox is not the fastest shifter but again is pretty bomb[proof as it will take the torque of a much more powerful car (Holden Monaro 5.7 V8) , the Dana Spicer rear axle is also from the same stable , so the drive train is the least of your worries.

The chassis will be galvanised , so no rust , but just check that all is straight and true underneath, and that everything looks to be well fastened.

Is it in the original exhaust? If so budget for a new system quickly , as the silencers from this period were very restrictive, and the cast-iron manifolds not much more than a joke. You can release a lot of restriction by going to a "Librands" type system . not cheap but very worthwhile.

I would look for evidence of overheating (an alloy radiator can help cure this ). Try to ensure that all the electrics look good and have not been tampered with.

Other than that it is just the normal things , condition of the paintwork and upholstery , do you like the colours, and just a general "feel" ie: has the car been "loved" during its ownership.

Good luck , and send us some pictures.

Thanks for your replies

And here come some news…
Today, I had a look at the car. On the downside, at the moment, I don‘t know the maintenance history, as it is at my dealer for the first time. On the upside, the current owner, lets do „everything, that has to be done, so the next owner gets a worry-free vehicle“. The car is „in pieces“, covered with protection blankets, so I can’t go with the the first impression, but I had the opportunity to talk to the mechanic who also used to work on my car. Until now, all brake pads and the rear brake cylinders have been replaced, the radiator was sent in, to be refurbished and the heater box from inside the cabin, is out for de-rusting and repainting.

It is the long door model. The body is steel (I was hoping for aluminium), but rust-free. No oil leaks, the underbody (metal and wood), the (stock?) exhaust, as well, as the king-pins are in good condition. The original paintwork and the interior are OK, but require a little love and care. All in all, one can see, that It is a driver‘s car. The owner is an old lady, who sells the car, because she could not handle the old type hood anymore. But she will stay with Morgan… she now bought a new 3.7 Roadster, with the new type hood.

The asked 55000€ are not necessarily a bargain, but we all know the prices for good +8‘s, don‘t we. The colour it is British racing green… I‘m already planning how to add some yellow elements without having to repaint the entire body (the wings will reman green).

At the moment, my heart beats for two cars. This +8 and a 1958 Austin Healey 100-6 BN6, with a 3 litre 124hp engine from the BN7, the Healey has been completely restored four years ago and it is since then owned by a friend of mine who sells it now, because he got himself a… Morgan (3.7 Roadster). Now, I‘m looking forward to drive both, then I will know, what to do.

Sunny greetings,
Ivo

Good luck Ivo whatever you decide.

SteveT ran a lovely Healey for a while but came back to Morgan if that helps!!

Thank you Dave

Although they are very different, I always liked the look of both. The Morgan, more, though…
Two days ago, the decision almost fell for the Healey and suddenly, this +8 pops up. Destiny?

My heart beats for both, a bit more for the Morgan. My head says Healey, because of it‘s known history.
Under the line, it is 50/50. I‘m certain, I will know, after having driven them.

The car does appear to have an earlier style dash than the 98 and 99 plus 8's in NZ , check that the bulkhead is stainless and see how she drives I would say.