Lot details Registration No: EKF 992 Chassis No: 4/4 554 Mot Expiry: March 2020
- Purchased by its previous keeper whilst a student and dry stored for forty-five years (1969-2014)
- Treated to an extensive, photographically documented, 'chassis up' restoration and just 120 miles since
- A real 'labour of love' that still retains its original Coventry-Climax engine, VSCC eligible, MOT'd till March 2020
Further Info:
Morgan made its name with its fearsome brand of three-wheelers and the 4-4 (later 4/4) was its first four-wheeled creation (4-4 signifying four wheels and four cylinders). Launched in 1936, it was initially powered by an 1122cc OISE four-cylinder Coventry Climax engine, but this was superseded in 1939 by a 1267cc Triumph unit driving through a Moss gearbox. It proved deservedly popular and, by 1939, 663 Two-Seater examples had been produced. Like its earlier brethren, the 4-4 was quick to prove its worth in competition contesting such blue ribband events as the Tourist Trophy (1937) and Le Mans 24 hours (1938, 1939). Indeed, Prudence Fawcett and her co-driver Geoffrey White won their class and finished 13th overall during the 1938 running of the latter event.
Built in late 1938 and first road registered by Liverpool Council on January 1st 1939 (or so its 'EKF 992' number plate would imply), chassis 4/4 554 belonged to Barry Hill of Bubwith, Yorkshire some twenty-one years later. Passing through the hands of Mrs Douglas Howard, Tony Kaye, Robert Ray, David Pearson, Colin Ruddock and Tony Brooks in relatively quick succession, the Morgan was acquired by Peter Elliot of York on August 22nd 1969. Aged just seventeen at the time, Mr Elliot reportedly funded the purchase with a £10 loan from his father! Despite keeping the car for the next forty-five years, he scarcely used it. Only sold to a family friend due to a change of circumstances, the Morgan had been well preserved by decades of dry storage but still required restoration.
Completely stripped down, the 4-4 had its chassis sandblasted and repaired with a new front crosshead, rear trunnion and offside chassis leg all of which were sourced from Morgan specialist G.E.E. Ltd. The original Coventry Climax engine was overhauled by Park Engineering Company of Malton and fitted with a new camshaft courtesy of Newman Cams. Kenzies Coaches Limited of Royston restored the bodywork, while marque dealer / aficianado Melvyn Rutter rejuvenated the differential. Much of the original ash frame was reused but the clutch, exhaust system, tongue and groove wooden floor, steering box and front shock absorbers etc were renewed. The drum brakes were relined and wheels refinished and shod with fresh tyres. The original Solex carburettor was exchanged for a more efficient SU one.
Having covered just 120 post-refurbishment miles, this rare and decidedly smart Morgan 4-4 Series I still requires further running-in. Eligible for Vintage Sports Car Club events as well as those held by the Morgan Sports Car Club, 'EKF 992' is accompanied by a large history file, several albums of restoration photos and MOT certificate valid until March 2020.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035