Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Hello from a new forum member

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Welcome Nick. I've had my plus 8 since Feb and driven her most days commuting. I self maintain and upgrade/repair/fettle to the best of my abilities, as do many Morgan owners-part of the joy of ownership. I am currently commuting to a contract in and around Twickenham, Richmond ,Barnes and Kew so would be happy to meet for a coffee/chat. Email contact sent
Regards
Phil

Nick

Welcome to TM.

Some advice about the choice between a +8 and a Roadster.

If you drive at all within the new proposed extended ULEZ , I would go for a Roadster as the old +8 is not compliant and you will be be paying the charge for every incursion, I think Twickenham is well outside but just in case you venture East at all.

Secondly much depends upon your feelings about older tech v newer. The Roadster is a more modern car, with a DOHC 4 valve per cylinder engine which is fuel efficient, low on emissions and noise (unless you go for some rorty silencers) It will be newer inside , but it will have all the modern electronics typical of todays cars, some of which can be frustrating.

The +8 is based on the Rover V8 engine , which is only a push rod , 2 valves per cylinder, but produces a wonderful melodious exhaust which is a pleasure to drive with. It produces torque much lower down than the Roadster, so is a great touring car as you rarely need to change gears , unless you want to hear that V8 soundtrack. However these cars are getting on a bit now , so everything is that bit older and will be showing some signs of wear.

Try to test drive a good example of each , and you will immediately see and feel the differences between them.

Now the really difficult bit comes with choosing which one within each model. However the usual golden rule applies , buy on condition and a a well maintained example, which will serve you well. Regarding colour (body and upholstery) it is very much a personal choice , the right car will find you.

There are many Roadster experts here but I will try to give my version.
The Series 1 with its ST220 engine and Getrag box is very well liked by all
The Series 2 had a lower power engine for emissions and a different box, so didn't tick as many boxes for some
The Series 3 with the 3.7 Cyclone engine is well liked for power and a 6 speed box , but the dashboard can be a Marmite issue for some.
Very late versions of the 3.7 car had a 5 Link rear suspension which helps to tame a rear end that can be a handful with the 3.7 engine.

+8
With 35 years of production you have a great deal of choice
Carburettors or fuel injection? Very early cars with Moss gearbox are getting valuable now, this was followed by the 4 speed Rover models (spares getting difficult now. Post 1977 the cars got the Rover 5 speed LT77 box and a wider body.

Fuel injection came in with the "Flapper" Bosch Hitachi system in the late 80s , followed by "Hotwire" or 14 CUX early 90s , and finally "Sagem" Lucas Gems on the very late cars (2002/3 to end)

It is generally agreed that there is a "sweet spot" around 1997 to 2002/3 when the Long Door cars came in , this gives stainless steel bulkhead and valences, the 3.9 version of the V8 with 14CUX and a distributor , R380 box and Dana Spicer rear axle (the drive train is very robust indeed)

This just skims the surface of the models, if you do find a car you like post again, as this is such a small community the chances are that someone here knows it and can give you more information.

Nick, in addition to Andy G's very good comments, if you intend to do some continental touring, the Roadster may be easier to live with as more cities are restricting entry to high emission vehicles and E10 petrol may cause fuel system issues in early +8 cars

Good luck in your search

Welcome. I am sure you will find lots of information and advice on TM.
I also recommend the MSCC - you will get the monthly mag to see what dealers and private sales have to offer. They will also put you in touch with your local centre where they will be happy for you to pick whatever brains they may have. This is what I did before I got my 4/4 sport and it saved me a lot of hassle (and money!). You can join online.

Welcome & good luck. I am sure a car will find you.
I prefer the roadster S1, we tour a lot in Europe having driven down as far as Sorrento.

Welcome to TM!

For the Morganitis the most important comment is on many posts - "the car will find you".
I was looking for a V6 or V8 similar than you do.
Ended up with a +4 fourseater and I am happy as the additional space is wonderful.
There are a number of Roadster Fourseaters out there - those must be great!

Curious to see the car that found you...

Miklos

Don’t bother with all those V6 and V8’ s, get a 4/4 with a 1.6cc Sigma engine

No LEZ or ULEZ issues here- 2003 +8 anniversary 4.0 Gems Sagem. Also consistently returning 27-30 mpg. 🙂

Totally agree about the 1.6 Sigma, best Morgan I have owned for driving fun. I have owned a 1997 T16 +4, 2002 +8, Two 2008 +4’s and now a 2012 4/4 Sport and the Sigma engines car is a delight.

My only regret (and thinking maybe I need to change) is the lift the dot hood. The Chemo has left me with very weak hands and joint pain (plus the cancer is in my bones so it’s not just the chemo) and I need an easy up hood but that’s not the cars fault.

BR
Colin

Colin, very sad to hear that. I love the trad hood with all its foibles. However, respect to you for persevering with the Morgan in your situation