Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: R8744
MOT: Exempt

• Originally supplied new to Japan in need of a complete restoration
• Supplied with a NOVA declaration and ULEZ compliant
• A rewarding project

Although Rover's attempts to acquire Morgan in 1966 had proved fruitless, it nevertheless granted the sportscar manufacturer access to its newly acquired, ex-Buick lightweight aluminium V8 with a view to cementing a supply contract. Hired by the Malvern works to assess the powerplant's merits, race engineer Maurice Owen lost little time in shoehorning one into a Morgan Plus 4 chassis. With trials of the resultant prototype successfully undertaken in 1967, the Plus 8 debuted at the following year's Earls Court Motor Show. Built along familiar Morgan lines, its ladder frame chassis was equipped with independent 'sliding pillar' front suspension, a leaf-sprung rear axle and disc / drum brakes. Supported by an ash frame, its swooping bodywork looked as traditional as ever but gave no clues as to the new model's performance potential. Initially equipped with a four-speed Moss gearbox but later Rover four- and five-speed units, Autocar magazine found even the earliest Plus 8 capable of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and 124mph.

Offered here is a ‘barn find’ that was supplied new to Japan and has only recently been imported from there. In need of complete restoration, it represents a great opportunity to tailor a Plus 8 to your own specification, for performance, ULEZ compliancy or as a stock build etc. Believed to be a 1980 model, chassis R8744 is fitted with engine 39123A. The odometer displays 12,651km but this cannot be warranted. Wearing a fantastic patina, there are remnants of its past that can be seen in the well-worn and faded Morgan Club Deutschland and Morgan Sports Car Club of Japan decals and plaques. The front screen and rear bumper come with the car but will need reinstalling. The same goes for the Soft-top hood frame. The original registration documents and owner’s handbooks etc. are not available, however, a NOVA declaration has been made and is on file.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760