1921 Morgan Grand Prix

Registration No: DP 4847
Chassis No: 4456
MOT: Exempt

• Very rare sporting 'Grand Prix' model Morgan
• Current ownership since 1995
• Powerful MAG V-twin OISE engine overhauled
• Original Reading area registration number
• Sensibly upgraded for 21st Century motoring

First appearing to the public in 1910 at the Olympia motor show in London, W.F.S Morgan launched his three wheeler, single seater design to the public. Although great interest was shown in these cars, it was the 1911 two-seater model that featured such luxuries as a bonnet and a windscreen and this in turn became the iconic design associated with the marque to this day. Although originally conceived as a low cost 'runabout' using minimal materials, the brand aimed for the more sporting market and its competition pedigree was eventually cemented when in 1913 it won the Cyclecar Grand Prix at Amiens France with W.G McMinnies at the wheel. This success inspired the launch of the Grand Prix model that same year. The Grand Prix was the first Morgan with the iconic domed radiator and was based around a lightweight tubular steel chassis equipped with independent ‘sliding pillar’ front suspension. The car featured a single rear wheel driven by twin chains and two-speed gearbox. Available with a variety of JAP, Blackburne, Anzani and MAG engines, the latter featured OISE valve-gear. An expensive choice, the Swiss-made V-twins were renowned for their smoothness and powered the Grand Prix on until 1926, when the design evolved into the 'Aero' and 'Sports' models.

Although little is known of its early history, the vendor has advised that the previous owner of 'DP 4847' was an engineer aboard an oil tanker and used the ship's well-equipped engineering workshop and lengthy periods at sea to completely refurbish the car throughout the 1970s. The car was enjoyed by the restorer up until 1995 when, due to ill health, the decision was made to sell the car to the current owner who has continued the upkeep and sensibly modified the car to make it as usable as possible. Upgrades include the fitment of a Bosch Dynastart, an auxiliary fuel tank and electric SU Pump to increase the fuel capacity available alongside the original 2 gallon tank and the clutch has been re-lined with modern friction materials.

On inspection, the car was started by the vendor from cold quickly via the Dynastart and settled to a steady idle with adjustment of the hand throttle and advance / retard settings. The vendor has advised that he has recently completed a 140 mile journey in the car to an event and is more than confident in the car's abilities within the limits of its advancing years. During the refurbishment, the car was repainted by hand in the attractive original colours of Red and Black which has matured very gracefully and the Black leather bench seat has also aged, so overall the car now displays a fantastic patina that simply cannot be replicated without years of sympathetic use. The owner is now offering the car for sale due to a change of lifestyle which has meant the reluctant reduction of the size of his collection.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430