Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Trad Plus 8

I owned a 3.5 Plus 8 through the 90's before transferring my allegiance to TVR's for a number of years. I'm through that now but still have an insatiable desire for another Morgan. I really want another V8, but can't justify the later BMW versions so it narrows it down to a late 'trad' model. I'm drawn to this car which is for sale at New Elms, but I'm hesitant about substantially modified examples. Does anybody know this car or have any thoughts? Thanks. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294660062164

Welcome to TM, dezzn. There will be other members who know more about the Plus 8 than I do. But the equipment and the technical upgrade read very well at first glance. And the price also seems reasonable. A very nice car in that colour combination. I'm a fan of the aluminium wheels anyway. In addition, there is obviously a complete history of this car, which at least visually appears to be well maintained. Of course, one has to ask the question about accidents or similar incidents, just as we had a lot of fun cars in the Eifel last year that became a victim of the flood.

I suspect that this will have been specified from new by New Elms and maintained by them throughout its life. They like to go for fast road versions with uprated engines and suspension. I would have bought a similar Plus 8 from them (went for a Roadster instead) and was impressed with their stock and with their service commitment. You have probably got a good one there.

John Eales and Rutherford are about the best in the business. Most of the other stuff is standard for a 2001. Looks a bit of a bargain to me.

Dezzn

I don't know this car but it is very similar to my own, so I can make some (hopefully) helpful comments:

Don't worry too much about the mods, most of us make small changes throughout our ownership to "improve things" and the mods here are both sensible, and will add to the enjoyment of the car.

1 The blue rocker box covers are a trademark of a John Eales engine. This is the late spec GEMS engine with integrated ignition and feeling controlled by the ECU. (Which means it is compliant with all current Low Emission Zone regs including London)
It might be an idea to ask for the spec, John Eales always supplies a dyno sheet with his builds, which should be in the history file. About 245 to 255 bhp is about right. Any more than this and you are getting into "race" specs which might affect drivability.

2 The overall impression of the car is that it is very tidy, with a lovely interior. In my opinion the roll bar is too intrusive into the luggage space, but you might like the additional protection it provides.

3 The bigger brakes are sensible and David Rutherford is a past master at improving the handling of Morgans, so his mods will be sensible and appropriate. It does not appear to have an alloy radiator , that might be something you will need to budget for in future as these cars are marginal on cooling , especially this last summer.

4 My only real concern would be the lack of use. At 33,000 miles in 21 years it has hardly been run in, so I suspect a period or two of inactivity. Look carefully at the past MoT and service records. Budget for a few seals and parts needing replacing as a result (My own car which is only 2 years older has now done 74,000)

5 A lot of people insist on wire wheels for the "classic look", this makes the unsprung weight much heavier, the alloys are much better in this respect and you will notice in improvement in handling if you ever get the chance to drive wire/alloy wheeled cars back to back. The only drawback is that it restricts you to 15 inch rubber , when there are some better tyres available for 16s.

6 The price is indeed quite reasonable , I would have expected £40k +

As Andy and Brian have said this is a really good car at a good price and from a reputable dealer, it won't be around for long is my guess.

It’s a real beauty, great colour combination, I like it. Is this the same blue as +8Rich’s V8 ?

New Elms are an independent (as opposed to main) dealer. I took my car there for servicing a month or so ago, they do a good job and are nice people to deal with. The cars they had in stock at that time all looked to be well presented.

The same Craig but with the Morgan Lightweight Alloys.

Very nice