Lot details
Registration No: DVL 710
Chassis No: G1874
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced at the 1936 London Motor Show the Morgan 4/4 is still in production to this day. The Malvern Company's first four-wheeled / four-cylindered design (hence the name), its full-width Z section steel chassis was reinforced with box-section crossmembers. Bodied in lightweight aluminium over an ash frame, it employed independent 'sliding pillar' front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and four-wheel drum brakes. Initially powered by an 1122cc Coventry Climax engine allied to Meadows four-speed manual transmission, the 4/4 switched to a 1267cc Special Standard OHV unit and Moss gearbox in 1938. As well as bringing more grunt (up from 35bhp to 40bhp), a circa 80mph top speed and greater reliability, the new drivetrain renewed an acquaintance with Standard's Sir John Black (who had produced the patent drawings for H.F.S. Morgan's original 'three wheeler' model in 1910). A formidable competitor, suitably tuned versions of the lightweight sportscar notched up class wins at the Phoenix Park Grand Prix (1937) and Le Mans (1938, 1939). After the hiatus of World War II assembly recommenced in July 1945 only to be halted some five years later when supplies of the Special Standard powerplant finally dried up (the four-pot was a victim of Standard's 'one engine policy' itself a reaction to the government's unrelenting 'export or die' edict). Believed to be one of just 249 Series I 4/4s made between 1946 and 1950, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Finished in red with black leather cloth upholstery, the Morgan is said to have been off the road for thirteen years by the time it entered the current ownership in 1983. Tired but apparently complete, the 4/4 was subsequently "dismantled and restored from the chassis upwards over several years". Treated to a new radiator and front suspension, it further benefited from a hydraulic brake conversion (in place of the factory-fitted rod / cable operating system) and more modern instrumentation (though, the originals are included in the sale among sundry other spares). Reportedly "stored in a dry garage since completion" and "started etc", a change of circumstances has meant that 'DVL 710' is not currently MOT tested. As such, some re-commissioning may be advisable prior to road use. A rare survivor, this very late Series I 4/4 promises exciting motoring in the best Morgan traditions.

PLEASE NOTE: The owner has informed us that a new full tonneau cover will be with the car.