1987 Morgan Plus 8

That said, all the knowledge in the world of Morgan and the Plus 8 in particular are made redundant simply by looking at this car. Beautiful, isn't it? Certainly one of the most attractive cars to have graced the pages of these features for some time. Combined with the pre-A Porsche 356 coupe that is this issue's other Editor's Choice feature, we've got a couple of real beauties to pick from this month!

It's that same beauty that, in my opinion at least, makes purchasing a Morgan more an emotional decision than anything else. You don't buy one of these cars for active fuel management, in-built sat nav, curtain side airbags or any of those other modern and 'practical' considerations. You buy it simply because it looks stunning and it's entertaining to drive.

Having said that, it does require some compromise from the driver, as the driving position isn't the most comfortable in the world, the gearstick doesn't fall easily to hand and the traditional Morgan suspension, while a delight on good roads, can be bone-jarring on anything else.

Accept this and you're in for one of the most enjoyable drives you're likely to encounter. However, should you wish to 'soften' things, the AVO shocks all round can be adjusted, but this does take some of the fun out of the experience.

Being a post-1977 example, this Plus 8 also features the lightweight aluminium body panels (still over the old-style ash timber frame) instead of steel. The Indigo Blue exterior is in as-new condition, having been repainted in 1998. The cream leather interior and blue carpet is all new, too. The matching cream mohair hood and Everflex tonneau cover is also in top condition, and this car features a number of extras like wind deflectors, CD/radio, exterior door handles, burr walnut dash, lockable glovebox and a luggage rack.

The fuel-injected Rover 3.5lt V8 has been made more suitable for Australian conditions by the addition of an enlarged aluminium radiator and heavy duty fan. The distributor has been upgraded with high performance leads and new tyres have been fitted to the factory 15" aluminium wheels.

Most Morgans from this era were exported to the US and, curiously, Germany, who have a particular penchant for the products of Malvern Link, so a good RHD example like this one is a relatively rare thing. The speedometer shows 54,000 miles travelled.

Vendors, Global Classic Cars, only bring in a small number of Morgans annually, so if you miss out on this one, you may have to wait a while for another to come in. The car is fully Australian complianced and registered. Global can also arrange delivery for interstate purchasers.

They say that money can't buy happiness. In this instance, I beg to differ.

Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model:Morgan Plus 8
Year:1987
Dealer:Global Classic Cars
P.O. Box 805
Cleveland, QLD, 4163
Viewing by appointment
only.
Ph: 0417 862 248 or
Email: [email protected]
Price:$93,700 + ORC's
0-100 kph:Around 7.5 seconds
Best point:Flawless condition
Worst point:Not cheap
Recommendation:One of the best classic
Morgans available
Trivia:190hp in the Plus 8's lightweight roadster body not enough for you? You could take it to Bill Fink's Isis Motors in the USA, who will, for a fee, replace the standard Rover 3.5lt V8 with a stonking 6.0lt LS2 V8 out of the latest Chevy Corvette. Add four-link, coil spring rear suspension and you've got 400hp and a 0-100kph time of under 4 seconds.