Sell Your Morgan

The classic Morgans: 4/4, Plus 4, and Plus 8

The 4/4 is the longest continually produced Morgan: in production since 1936, with interruptions, and the archetypal 'classic' Morgan for many. The Plus 4 added displacement and performance and is well known among keen drivers for its Triumph TR-derived engines. The Plus 8, produced from 1968 with the Rover V8 derived from the old Buick blocks, gave Morgan an unexpected muscle car status. On classic markets these cars are regularly undervalued, because the price gaps between specifications (wide-body, factory options, period conversions) are wide and not familiar to every buyer.

The auction format brings together buyers who know these details: wide-body or standard, brogue leather, mahogany dashboard, original Smiths instruments, the correct wheel and tyre choice. A Plus 8 with the 3.5-litre Rover V8 and proper documentation reads differently to a later 4.6-litre conversion, and that difference deserves context.

Aero series and modern Morgans

The Aero 8 (from 2000) and the subsequent Aero SuperSports and Aero Coupe represent Morgan's effort to modernise the formula without betraying its essence. With BMW V8 engines, an aluminium superformed body, and a chassis with contemporary handling, they form a category of their own. The new Plus 8 (2012-2018) and the Plus Six (from 2019) follow similar logic.

At Octane, sellers of these modern Morgans find a community that values the balance of handwork and modern engineering. The auction format ensures that a well-specified example with proper documentation receives bids that do the car justice, rather than a quick deal for whoever calls first.

Provenance and factory records

Morgan Motor Company keeps excellent factory records. Based on the chassis number, the original specification, build date, and first owner can usually be traced. At Octane we strongly recommend obtaining these data in advance and including them in the listing. For buyers it makes the difference between hesitation and confident bidding.

Woodwork and chassis bonding

The characteristic Morgan construction with an ash wood frame bonded to a steel chassis demands specific attention. The ash has a lifespan, and the bonded panel work can come loose if the wood has been exposed to moisture. When selling, state whether the woodwork has recently been inspected or replaced by the factory or a specialist (Morgan dealers and dedicated restorers). Documented woodwork replacement counts toward the price. On the Aero series the story is different: there the focus is on superformed aluminium panel work and the bonded aluminium chassis structure.

Engine and mechanicals by model

• 4/4 classic: Ford four-cylinder across multiple generations (Kent, CVH, Zetec, Sigma). Ask about service history, head gasket history, and any rebuild records.
• Plus 4 (classic): Triumph TR2/3/4 engines. Leak points at the timing cover and oil pan are worth checking.
• Plus 8 (1968-2004): Rover V8, 3.5 to 4.6 litres. Head bolts can loosen on later versions; ask about cooling system work, ARP studs, and service invoices.
• Aero 8 and later V8 models: BMW M62 or N62 V8. Well known and dependable when serviced. Check valve stem seals on early M62 engines.
• Plus Six (from 2019): BMW B58 straight-six turbo. Modern and reliable; standard servicing is enough.

Originality, specification, and handmade detail

Morgan owners can usually retrace every order option on their car: leather colour, dashboard finish, factory wide-body, instruments, wheels, and tyre size. A Morgan with factory build notes or a chassis ID plate confirming specification is clearly preferred over a car with an unknown history. Original colour combinations, especially classics such as Connaught Green with biscuit leather, can fetch substantially more than a later respray in a non-standard colour. Gather the original factory document or request a history report and include it in the listing.