Fantasy Junction

Description

2005 Morgan Roadster
SA9RA260650A11083
Connaught Green and Bare Aluminum with Green Leather 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 philosophy, the Morgan has remained a stalwart corner of motoringdom, where true, dyed in the wool anglophile enthusiasts could be assured of an unadulterated, uncompromised, motoring experience, often enhanced by the latest engines and brakes. In a Morgan, these enthusiasts are ensured a thrilling and very pure driving experience that instantly reminds the driver of times when just going for a drive was an occasion.

One of the most significant changes in the Morgan story occurred nearly fifty years ago in 1968, with the introduction of the Plus 8. Where previous Morgans were powered by various (and sometimes coarse and anemic by modern standards) four-cylinder engines, the Plus 8 had the Buick-derived aluminum Rover V8 which weighed not much more but produced considerably more power and torque. This was one of the earliest applications of this engine in a British car (along with the P6), but its eventual reliability, continuous development, and fairly compact dimensions (for an American designed V8) meant that the engines ended up in everything from MGs and Triumphs to 35 years of service in a variety of Land Rovers.

When the production of this engine finally ended in 2005, the Plus 8 was still being manufactured, still using this engine, and so Morgan turned to Ford for a reliable and widely available V6 powerplant of similar output to the old Rover V8. Weighing less than the V8 and placed in the otherwise identical car, the V6 provides exciting performance even by modern standards, yet the traditional construction, styling, and craftsmanship is as good as if not better than ever. Power output on early +8s was limited to 160 horsepower, which was increased to about 205 with a 5500rpm redline. However, the V6 unit as supplied in this Roadster produces 225 horsepower with a 6700rpm redline.

Because Morgan is such a small company and the cars are produced largely by hand, there is significant flexibility to individualize cars, and this particular car has been artfully treated in this manner. Almost every aspect of the car’s appearance can be custom tailored, from the top and upholstery, to the exterior detailing, trim, and accessories. This particular car has painted fenders with bare aluminum center panels, complemented by matching dark green interior and weather equipment. Additionally, it has a vintage type dashboard with center instrumentation, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and eared spinners, all of which add to the vintage appeal of the car. From the factory it was equipped with air conditioning, and a overdrive ratio 5th gear. The original DOT compliant components, including universally marked dashboard, airbag steering wheel, and earless spinners are included. The car also has uninstalled radiator grill stone guard and lambswool lined leather bonnet retaining straps. Having covered just 3,000 miles from new, this example is essentially unmarked, and is a 50-state legal DOT/EPA compliant car.

This one-owner car is cosmetically excellent and essentially unmarked above and below. The paintwork and exterior detailing is done to high standards and show essentially no wear or aging. The stainless wire wheels are beautiful, as is the chrome and other bright trim. The piped leather and wool carpet are quintessentially British, as is the wood dash and steering wheel. All are in excellent, near new condition, as is the engine compartment.

The driving experience is fascinating. In some respects, the age of the car’s design is obvious, but it does not feel like an old car. The mechanical components are modern and fuss-free in their operation, with a user-friendliness that reflects their newness. This is particularly true of the engine, gearbox, clutch, and brakes. But the view, driving environment, steering, and visceral sensations are very much like a classic car, and the car represents an enjoyable and very unique combination that is hard to find any and other car, regardless of whether it is old or new. Certainly it feels reliable enough to drive every day, yet still has the specialness and sense of occasion of an old car. The chassis and suspension are solid, with a coherent feeling that is missing in older British cars. The performance is genuinely exciting by the numbers, and downright thrilling because the driver sits so close to the ground and because of the low cut doors.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a Morgan Roadster that is like new. Uniquely optioned and equipped, this example is likely the only one like it. Included with the sale is a photo documentation of the build process. These cars are quite rare to begin with, and finding one as uniquely equipped as this is even more difficult. The rarity of these cars has always ensured that their values remain strong, making this an economically responsible purchase as well. The car comes with airbag steering wheel, side curtains with canvas bag, sun visors, rear view mirror, a set of spinners without ears, stone guard for grille, and leather bonnet retaining strap.

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