Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Asking for a friend

One more thing to consider. For a short time, the 4/4 had an 1800 Zetec. I would have to look up the years, but this was around the time of the Runabout, so early 2000s.

Budster has this engine as I recall, and it's only a few bhp behind the 2L Plus 4 Zetec, and probably the best 4/4. It will also be within budget if you can find one.

I have never driven a 4/4 sport and came across one for the first time at Life's Motors in for a service and Matt spoke highly of them, what is it that makes them so desirable?

regards

John

An early fuel injected CVH. Hardly used, so there are likely to be all sorts of problems will appear once he starts to use it properly (as Phil said).
For a little less he could have my early Zetec engined car from 1993!!



I'd agree with that! The right car will find him

When I thought a Morgan might suit ME, I went on the www, found the then MSCC DG and asked the question "WHICH MORGAN" though more importantly in the hope of receiving well informed feed back I took time to write a resume of my motoring experience and ideals for that which suits others for whatever reason may not suit ME. I ended up with a wonderful +8 which has filled the bill for circa 20 years, however I ever had an eye for the 4/4 as perhaps the best balanced machine overall and in terms of power to weight ratio for a bit of FUN.

On the other side of the coin, for effortless no strain touring the continent then the +8 comes into it`s own.

NOT that either can not be made fit into the others shoes as many have done and will continue to do, though perhaps best to closer define ones OWN priorities...?

I wish your friend the best of luck in his choices.

A useful purchase would be Mr Wellings` book if still available - money very well spent. (Mine`s a pint, Dave!)

Blimey Phil, I'd have expected a plate of curry and chips at Curborough as well as a pint for that recommendation!
Agreed on the book

4/4s the way to go. More and more places are have speed check areas. Anything with a bigger engine is wasted! Unless you want to go racing with it.

John

It is a combination of features , as usual .

1 That 1.6 Ford Sigma engine is a peach. It loves to rev , it pulls relatively well for a 1600cc even from low down but after 2500 rpm when the cams come in it really flies , it will return over 40 mg even driven "con brio" , and it is tuneable if you do feel the need for some extra horses.

2 The 4/4 is a more nimble car due to its smaller dimensions , lighter weight , and a chassis that it is in pretty good balance , so you can drive "tail out" or very tidy at will. Tail slides can be provoked at will and caught so easily.

3 The lighter weight means it stops well with the same brakes,.

4 It was only available in a relatively small number of colour combinations but each of them suited the car well, and kept the cost down.

Although I don't own one , I have driven several (including the National Trust special) and they were all good.

If only only I had space for a second Morgan in the garage , that would be the one.

Had my 4/4 since 2011. Comments
1) It needs more torque, for every day driving. But once you get it “spinning” it really goes(remap helps) Be prepared to use the gears.
2) Bit of work on the suspension needed mainly shock absorbers.
3) whatever you do change the tyres from the continentals, unless you like driving as if on ice.

The 4/4 is sort of the original 4 wheel morgan, imho the best balanced & will hold it’s own against some surprising competition.
Oh & I love it.

The questions I would ask first:

What will the car be used for, local weekend driving, touring, fun days at the track,etc?

Is the owner a tinkerer and mechanically minded or just wants to drive and leave maintenance to someone else?

Does the prospective owner know Morgans and been acquainted with them?

That will help determine the sort of Morgan in the price range.

My 4/4 is a blast and in many respects my favourite, the car I work on the most adapting to my style and enjoyment and owned the longest. The +8 is my touring Morgan great for long distances blasting up the Mountain roads and dealing with the Freeways, requires a degree of hands on, etc. The M3W is just total fun but definitely hands on and not for the faint of heart or those who don't know Morgan.