Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) About to pull the trigger

Hi All,
I am about to pull the trigger on a 1995 Plus 4 and have a few questions.
As the Galv Chassis was launched in 1995 and this IS a 1995, what are the chances of it having a non Galv Chassis? Is there a way I can check easily? Chassis number register etc?
Are there any things I should scrutinise before parting with the cash? It is low mileage and looks to be in good condition, but always good to know things to check.
Also, any other general advice before purchase?
I generally see that the rover engined models are well thought of, but any pearls of wisdom will be more welcome now than after I have bought it
Thanks for your input

My Plus4 year 2000 is galvanised...has stainless steel bulkhead and inner wings.

This car also has the Rover T16 engine as opposed to the earlier M16 engine. Check which engine you have the earlier M did have the water pump as part of the cam belt drive whereas the T16 has water pump running on a separate auxiliary belt.

If it has a mild steel bulkhead, check the foot wheel corners and below the line of the wing from underneath.

Worth seeing it on a ramp if possible to check the chassis for dings, cracks and rust.

Check the sill boards for damp / rot.

Always worth checking how well the doors close - in case of worn hinges. Unlikely to be ash problems on that era as it will have been cuprinol treated from new.

Our previous Morgan was from 1985 and definitely pre-galvanised chassis - there were no problems on that one up until 8 years ago when we traded it in on the current car. However, we know of a year 2000 car that has had a crack in the chassis.

Hi have a look at Allon white site Morgan dealer who has a guide written to buying a used Morgan ,very useful.
Good luck.

The galvanising should be obvious, the zinc should show as a grey metal on the chassis as you often see on industrial fencing.
It should be an M16 car.
The body might be mild steel or ali. Take a small magnet to check. The bulkhead / firewall is mild steel and as said can rust. If it has a tool box on the bulkhead check for rust under the mat the tools sit on. That is the part of the car supporting the steering wheel shaft so rust isn't good.but it can be fixed.

Check it steers straight with no Malvern dance at c 60 mph. Does it brake in a straight line?

I thought that I read somewhere that Rover engines are not E10 fuel compliant. Not an issue of course for as long as more expensive E5 is available or if you use an additive that is also cat compliant (if it has a cat that is)

All good stuff. I will check all the above.
I got the Allon White guides and will take with me.
I have a refundable deposit on it pending viewing, so I should be OK.
I just know these things always look better in the pictures.

A little concern on the E10 fuel compliance! Does anybody else know about this?

If you look a few pages back on the “Maintenance and Servicing” forum, there is an E10 posting dated 20/8/21 originated by Swordfish and if you scroll down and look at my posting on that, it refers to a document that was issued by a Morgan dealer. It said that all 4 cylinder Rover engines from the 1990s are not compliant.

Hi Jonnymac, my +8 is a March 1994. The galvanized chassis was an optional choice at that time which I took advantage of. It remains solid as a rock.

If a 95 car there were a range of changes for the 1995 model year.

+8 Chassis and galvanised as standard
R380 Gearbox came about this time to. If hand brake is on the drivers side it is the R380 - generally a better box than the LT77
The wings / body is wider due the +8 chassis.

Most of these changes came in late 94 so it should have them.

It will be the T16 rather than the earlier M16 engine and will have a CAT.

I have a 1995 +4 4 seater it’s a great car.