Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - What model is this??

Hi,

Nice to be here, this is my 1st post:

I'm thinking of buying a Morgan from an acquaintance. I have the reg number and it's in my garage at the moment as I asked if I could keep for a week or 2 to give it the once over. Problem No.1 is I can't work out what model it is. Its 1st registration was October 1969 and has 4 seats,1600cc engine. It runs OK but needs work, handbrake won't latch, external mirrors are falling apart, Propshaft tunnel cover is badly worn, Steering wheel is split and the engine looks like it needs a good service, new brake fluid cylinder, oil filter. Various other TLC things but I'm an ex MG Owner so I'm OK with mechanics and have a garage near me that was good with my 1990 Jaguar XJS.

So I'm looking for the actually model number (is there any Identification anywhere on the body or engine?

Problem number 2 is working out an offer price. I've come across a few auction sales (sold now) which give me an idea but I really need to nail down the cost of replacement parts and availability. Oh and one last thing: I have lived in France for 20 years so would need to change the reg to French (I know the routine for doing that), and I would need to get it passed the French MOT or control technique (CT) as it is called here - needed every 2 years so I will need to check what the CT garage says in relation to it's age.

Any help, thoughts on the above?

Thanks

Yes it should have the Ford 5 bearing pushrod 1600 crossflow (Kent) engine. Given its popularity spares should not be an issue at all. Parts and tuning equipment are readily available from Burton Engineering in the UK. Kent 711M blocks were used as the basis for Lotus twin cam and Cosworth BDA engines. I believe there are several Morgans fitted with the former although not ex factory.[/quote]

Correct in so far that it should have a Kent engine- usually a 2737 prefix block with a chambered cylinder head. 711M blocks were fitted from 1971 onwards

Incorrect to say that the Twin Cams and the BDA's used the 711M blocks. They used the 701 block (sometimes called the L or Lotus block due to a large L cast into the block). The 711M block is approx 7/16" taller than a 701 block so will either need a modified front cover or a fair old bit of machining to convert them for twin csm usage

Arwyn