Morgan Plus 8

Morgan Plus 8

The 1968 Morgan Plus 8 represents one of the most delightfully eccentric propositions in automotive history: a car that paired cutting-edge engine technology with construction methods dating back to the early twentieth century. When the Triumph TR4 engine that had powered previous Morgans became unavailable, company patriarch Peter Morgan secured supplies of the all-aluminum Rover V8, an engine originally designed by Buick that had been acquired and refined by the British firm. The marriage of this lightweight, powerful engine to Morgan's traditional ash wood and steel body proved to be inspired.

The Rover V8 in its initial 3.5-liter form produced 160 gross horsepower, a massive increase over the four-cylinder it replaced. More importantly, the engine weighed virtually the same as the old four, thanks to its all-aluminum construction, meaning the Plus 8's handling balance was maintained while performance was transformed. The V8's torque delivery was smooth and progressive, ideally suited to the Morgan's flexible chassis, which worked best when treated with respect rather than brute force.

The Plus 8's construction followed methods that had changed little since Morgan's founding in 1909. The body sat atop a steel ladder chassis with Z-section side rails, and the body panels were hand-formed from steel or aluminum sheet over a frame of seasoned Belgian ash wood. Each car required approximately six weeks to build, with individual craftsmen responsible for specific aspects of construction. This hand-built approach meant that no two Plus 8s were exactly identical, each bearing the subtle signatures of its makers.

The front suspension used Morgan's signature sliding pillar design, a system dating back to 1910 that provided minimal suspension travel but surprisingly good ride quality on smooth surfaces. The rear featured a live axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs, a thoroughly traditional arrangement that contributed to the car's distinctive handling character. The steering was direct and unassisted, and the four-speed Moss gearbox (later replaced by a Rover five-speed unit) had a characterful, mechanical shift action.

Driving a Plus 8 was unlike anything else in the automotive world. The low-cut doors and minimal windshield provided an extraordinarily immersive experience, with wind, weather, and engine noise combining to create a sensory overload that modern cars deliberately suppress. The V8's burble at idle, its instant throttle response, and the progressive buildup of power made every drive an event. On twisting country roads, the Plus 8 was genuinely fast, its light weight and responsive engine compensating for the chassis's inherent limitations.

The Plus 8's production run eventually extended from 1968 to 2004, making it one of the longest-produced sports cars in history. Throughout this period, the basic design changed remarkably little, with updates limited to engine specification changes, improved braking, and minor comfort enhancements. Today, early Plus 8s like the 1968 models are among the most sought-after Morgans, combining the model's most raw driving experience with the cachet of being first-year production examples.