Fantasy Junction

Description

1956 Morgan Plus 4 2-Seat Roadster
s/n 3521, engine no. TS82228ME
Ming Blue with Black Interior

Morgan’s famously anachronistic sports cars represent the quintessential British motoring experience. Seen as outmoded even by the 1960s, the cars were actually developed continuously, with changes incorporated over the years to keep the cars technically abreast of contemporary developments in key areas, even if other areas, most famously the ash framed bodies, remained as traditional as ever. With that in mind, although the Plus 4 appeared similar to the 4/4 of the interwar years, updates such as the latest Triumph TR4A powerplant (with 105hp instead of 38hp as in the 4/4 or 68hp in the early Plus 4), and front disc brakes, ensured that the Plus 4 was still sporting, thirty years after the 4/4’s introduction. Despite their old-fashioned appearance, the Plus 4 was dynamically very capable, and the cars successfully competed in SCCA events and in GT racing, including a 13th overall finish at the 1962 Le Mans.

This particular Plus 4 two-seat Roadster is a nice driver example prepped for spirited street driving or vintage racing use. It has known history back to the early 1970s when it was owned by Joseph Brackman in Indiana, who sold it to Rod Barnes of Kansas. The present owner purchased the car from Mr. Barnes in 2006. Both of the old Indiana and Kansas titles accompany the car.

The current owner, an avid vintage racer, used this Morgan in west coast historic racing venues. Recently the original TR-2 engine (no longer present) was replaced a newer TR-4 “high port” head motor which has just been comprehensively rebuilt with new 89mm sleeves and pistons from Moss motors. The head was also rebuilt with new valve seats by Hubbard Machine in Hayward, California. The ignition system was also updated with a Mallory Dual-Point distributor, and new alternator (converted from generator), and dual HR6 SU carburetors. An electric cooling fan has been added as well. The original bench-style seats are included, but Super Sport-style bucket seats have been fitted.

The car makes a good cosmetic impression. The paint is glossy and was performed to driver level standards with a few surface blemishes and orange peel. There are a few touched up blemishes and a small area of surface cracking on the front right fender. The chrome is in nice condition with minor swirls and light pitting. The glass is in good condition and the lights are excellent, including the Lucas headlamps.

The interior is also in nice condition, with nice upholstery and trim. The wood dash is in very good condition, as are the instruments, switches, and controls. The steering wheel is a lovely wood-rimmed Moto-Lita item.

The engine compartment is in nice shape, with a tidy presentation and a few technical updates including spin on oil filter conversion and Mallory ignition system. The engine has seen some selective refinishing work and is in nice shape while the remainder of the engine compartment including the firewall appear to be in nice unrestored condition.

The car starts easily and runs well. The motor is well-tuned and makes good power, which coupled with the gearing, provide surprisingly brisk acceleration. The gearbox works properly and the clutch has a nice positive feel. The steering and chassis respond promptly to steering input and the car has a visceral sporting feel that is the hallmark of the original sports car experience. The brakes are effective but pull the car to the right somewhat under heavy application.

Included with the sale is a jack, car cover, top, original seat (bottom and back) and floor mats, side windows, a three-point roll bar, several tonneau covers, five steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, a workshop manual, a can of touch up paint, and records to outline the work described above as well as other routine and preventative maintenance to keep the car in top running form.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608