Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Early +4 buying advice

Hi

I am wondering whether an early Plus 4, either Standard Triumph or Triumph powered both with Moss four speed gearbox is a good entry into Morgan ownership. Ideally something well used that could be a fun road car, occasional production car trials and hillclimb/sprint in roadgoing form in historic classes. A rolling restoration of a car with low down torque, steel wheels and bags of character (patina/rough and ready!) and probably medium term body and chassis repairs/replacement.

This car set me thinking: https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2023-07-22/cars/ref-86-1955-morgan-plus-4-jg/ & https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1955-morgan-plus-4-nMM1Gn I did note damage round the sidelights suggest some thick filler and perhaps some body joints that indicate issues, so not sure when serious bodywork might be needed as well as any chassis work.

Thoughts?

What should I look for? How about spares, rebuilds and specialists for the Moss gearbox? I guess these cars are thin on the ground and the ones that are have been extensively restored to shiny show condition.

Any buyer’s guides out for early +4 cars please? I expect a rough but not solid car rebuild costs could exceed its value; would want something reasonably solid that could be DIY refurbishment and some DIY major repairs. I am currently rebuilding a 1961 MkII Austin Healey Sprite so happy to do plenty of work!

Cheers
Mike

PS anyone on here bought that car?

I've two Plus 4's - a 1968 4 seater and a 1955 4 seat Drop Head Coupe so I speak from personal experience rather than regurgitation of often incorrect articles which have appeared in print over the years

The Moss box is a fairly agricultural device but capable of tolerating a great deal of abuse. Lack of synchro on first gear takes a bit of getting used to. Billy Bellinger has some mods for the Moss box which have been race proved.

Be wary of a worn clutch operating sleeve in the Elektron bell housing - an engine out job and a £600 machine shop bill to put right.

Repair sections available for the body frame so DIY repair is feasible.

Steer clear of Drop Head Coupes as a first restoration project - body frames and panelling are very expensive - budget £12,000 for a panelled Coupe body frame.

The TR engine is very robust but is on the heavy side! There are a few mods you can do such as improvements to oil sealing etc. Parts are plentiful and cheap...ish

For a full engine rebuild budget around £1500 for parts and maybe £650 for machining.

Chassis were not terribly well rust proofed from new so expect chassis rot! A car which has had a new chassis is a bonus here. Check the crosshead for cracks where the bottom tube passes through the sheet metal pressing. If cracked, budget about £1250 for a new cross head.

Two types of chassis - trunnion from 1952 to 1955 and then a shackle chassis from 1955 to 1969.

Hope this helps

Arwyn

Thanks for the helpful and informative replies. My apologies for taking two years to respond.