Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Super Sport identification

I’m trying to look up information to determine if a ‘61 Plus 4 I’m going to look at is a Super Sport model. The photos I’ve seen shows dual Weber carbs but I don’t know if that alone would indicate it’s a Super Sport. I can’t seem to find any other information regarding Super Sport identification. Any other identifying details I should look for?

Joe

You can check the chassis number against those listed in the relevant volume of Ken Hills books.

Drop me a PM and I could send a scan if you don't have a copy

Final say so would rest with the factory records but I understand that that could take a bit of time!

Arwyn

Joe

As Arwyn says a check on the chassis number is only infallible way of knowing the provenance of a +4, and due to rebuilds etc many do not have the original chassis number visible.

There are so many +4s with Dual Webers that claim to be Super Sports models , but did not leave the factory that way. It may a recreation of an SS , and there s nothing wrong with that if you are not a stickler for originality, but it will affect the price.

There were about 50 SS models with the low line body, and these are generally the genuine article, but the factory also built a similar quantity of high line bodied cars which are also know as Super Sports models (but not by the purists!)

In addition to the dual Webers I would also look at:

The exhaust manifold , it should have a 4 long primary pipes which join into 2 , and both pipes exit through the chassis (the hole needs elongating) and they join into a Y piece just before silencer . Again due to wear and tear it is quite possible that the original manifold has long been replaced of course.

the cooling system. Does it have the extended pipes from the radiator back to a header tank on the bulkhead?

It should have a cast alloy rocker box cover , possibly with LawrenceTune cast into it. If it only has the standard TR steel plate item, I would beware.

All the other SS mods are hidden rom view (head work , cam )

Send us some photos and details (via PM if necessary) and we will try to sort it for you.

as Arwyn & Andy has said only real way to know is with chassis no & factory records.
but
webers should be 42DCOE
alloy Lawrencetune rocker cover
pipes to and from radiator to flat header tank on bulkhead
oil cooler under rad
4 branch exhaust
alloy body (although not all were)
72 spoke wire wheels
140 MPH speedometer

if you want to PM any info can try to help

Thank you everyone for the information. I'll have to go see the car and check the chassis number. I've tried to post some photos of the exhaust system but it tells me the files are too big. They're only about 300 kb so I'm not sure what the problem is.

Joe

I've been looking at the photos of the car, which, as I said, I can't seem to post, and several things seem to indicate that it's a SS but others say no. It seems to have the proper Webers, the correct exhaust, 72 spoke wheels and the oil cooler below the radiator. I can't see the where the radiator hoses go in the photos. It does not have a 140 mph speedometer and Ian indicated. However, in digging around the old interweb I found this one (https://www.bonhams.com/auction/257...sportschassis-no-4828-engine-no-ts82104/) which sold at Bohnams in 2020 for over $100,000 and its speedometer only goes to 110 mph, just like the one I'm looking at. I'm guessing Bonhams verified that it was a Super Sport. It also has an Offenhauser valve cover. That, I suppose, is the biggest item that makes me think it's a make believe Super Sport.

I'm just going to have to wait until I get the chassis number I guess.

Joe

Looks like the Chassis Number is 4658. I checked on the Morganville Registry and it does not appear there.

I think that chassis no. is too early to be a factory Supersport. the first one on my list is 4749.
where are you located? is this the red car at Beverly Hills?

Hello OCJoe,

One of our Dutch friends Machiel Kalf, will have chapter and verse on the SuperSports, and probably some helpful thoughts on the car you are looking at even if it's not a 'true' SS.

Send me a PM and I'll put you in touch or look in Miscellany at the end of the monthly Morgan Historic Register article, I'll tell him to expect you!

Have Fun
Andy

Hi Ian,

Morganville has several’61s listed with close chassis numbers. And yes that’s the one I was looking at.