1952 Morgan Plus 4 'Flat Rad' Roadster

Registration No: PKN 28
Chassis No: P2459
MOT: Exempt

• Comprehensively restored by the renowned TT Workshops in 2007-2008
• Invoices on file accounting for some £24,000 worth of restoration expenditure
• Current ownership since 2023 and much improved cosmetically since purchase
• Offered with a history file including a selection of restoration images

First seen in 1950, the Morgan Plus Four was a larger and more powerful derivative of the company's 4/4 and remained in production on and off for seventy years. Until 1969, it was powered by the four-cylinder engines found in the Standard Triumph ranges, which were mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with well-spaced ratios. The rakish body was mounted on a variant of Morgan's familiar Z-section chassis, underslung at the rear. The independent suspension was by sliding pillars and coil springs at the front and a live axle on semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Braking was by drums all-round and steering by a Burman cam-and-sector system. As tested by Autosport's John Bolster, the 100bhp 1,991cc Triumph-engined Plus Four would accelerate to 60mph in 9.6 seconds and on to a top speed of a whisker under 105mph.

This charming specimen was registered on 5th December, 1952, and has had seven recorded keepers from new. Its paperwork history runs back to 1997, with MoT certificates confirming its presence on the road in the late 1990s. In 2000, it had the good fortune to be acquired by one very sympathetic owner who would keep it until 2017. Not long after he purchased it, he had the engine overhauled for £2,000, and in 2007 he delivered the car to TT Workshops for further renovation. TT removed the body and overhauled the Morgan from the chassis up. The steering box was refurbished, the suspension and brakes were rebuilt with new parts, the clutch was relined and the engine and wiring received close attention. Additionally, the wheels were refurbished and the body was resprayed in its attractive dark green, with some work also being completed on the wooden frame. The work was a real labour of love, totalling some £24,000 by the time the car emerged in 2008.

Having been brought up to an especially high standard, the Morgan was enjoyed across two ownerships for some 7 years, but when the vendor bought it in 2023 it once again required improvement. He performed a thorough service and overhauled the fuel system, which was sufficient to make the engine run on song. He then undertook some cosmetic detailing, while the interior was substantially renewed with new carpets, a new dashboard and a new rev counter.

All the Morgan needs now is an owner who will drive it spiritedly once again. It represents a highly useable example in a particularly pleasing condition. The 2008 repaint has mellowed but remains very smart and show-worthy, while the lovely leather upholstery exhibits a very agreeable patina. MoT certificates, invoices and photographs of the 2007-08 overhaul testify as to how well looked-after this car has been, and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy proper, old-fashioned sports motoring. The present V5C and restoration images are also included.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452