The year is 1965. Swinging London pulsates with a youthful energy, miniskirts are the rage, and the Beatles reign supreme. In this vibrant era, British carmaker Morgan Motor Company offered a slice of motoring charm with the Plus 4, a lightweight sports car known for its exhilarating performance and timeless design.
Body Color: British Racing Green & Pale Yellow
Engine Size: 2,138cc Triumph Inline-Four
Transmission Type: Four-Speed Manual Transmission
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History and Background: A Legacy of Performance
To understand the Plus 4 Plus, we must delve into the established Plus 4. Introduced in 1950, the Plus 4 offered a more powerful alternative to the Morgan 4/4. Its trump card? A potent Standard Triumph engine, typically in a twin-carburetor configuration, that provided a significant horsepower boost. The Plus 4 quickly gained a reputation for spirited performance and nimble handling, thanks to its signature Morgan trait – a lightweight construction achieved with an ash frame and aluminum panels.
Design and Styling: Hints of Aerodynamic Evolution
Unlike its well-documented sibling, the 1965 Plus 4 Plus remains shrouded in mystery. Details emerge primarily from grainy photographs and fleeting mentions in car magazines. However, these glimpses paint a picture of a car that could have been a game-changer for Morgan.
The most striking aspect of the Plus 4 Plus's design is its potential embrace of aerodynamics. Photographs hint at a more aggressive stance compared to the standard Plus 4. The addition of a rudimentary front splitter and a more pronounced rear spoiler suggests Morgan might have been exploring ways to improve the car's high-speed stability and handling.
Performance and Capabilities: A Speculative Leap Forward
While specifics are scarce, speculation about the Plus 4 Plus's performance is a captivating exercise. Theories range from a bored-out version of the existing Triumph engine to a completely different powerplant, possibly sourced from a competitor. This could have pushed the car's performance envelope even further, offering an even more exhilarating driving experience.
Interior and Features: A Touch of Refinement?
The Plus 4's focus was always on driver engagement. However, some sources suggest the Plus 4 Plus might have offered a slightly more refined interior experience. This could have included upgraded seats with improved bolstering for spirited driving, revised instrumentation for a more modern feel, or even the inclusion of rudimentary weather protection features like a removable tonneau cover.
Legacy and Popularity: A Reminder of Innovation Unbound
Despite its unfulfilled potential, the Plus 4 Plus serves as a crucial reminder of Morgan's constant pursuit of innovation and performance. It begs the question: what if? What if the Plus 4 Plus had overcome its hurdles and graced the roads? The car's potential impact is a matter of speculation. It could have solidified Morgan's position at the forefront of lightweight sports car performance. It might have attracted a new generation of enthusiasts seeking an even more extreme driving experience.
Restoration and Modification: Keeping the Dream Alive
Since the Plus 4 Plus never went into production, restoration in the traditional sense isn't possible. However, the car's concept continues to inspire some enthusiasts. Today, a small but dedicated group modify existing Plus 4 models, attempting to recreate the imagined design and performance of the Plus 4 Plus. These enthusiasts meticulously source period-correct aerodynamic upgrades and potentially explore performance modifications to capture the spirit of the phantom car.
Collector's Market and Valuation: A Hypothetical Influence
Due to its non-existence, the Plus 4 Plus doesn't hold a traditional place in the collector's market. However, the car's historical significance and its "what if" factor could potentially influence the valuation of highly modified Plus 4 models that aim to embody the spirit of the Plus 4 Plus. A meticulously crafted Plus 4 Plus tribute car, historically documented and boasting period-correct modifications, could potentially fetch a premium among Morgan enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the car's unique place in Morgan's lineage.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Inspiration
The 1965 Morgan Plus 4 Plus remains an enigma, a tantalizing glimpse into an unfulfilled path for Morgan. While the car itself never graced the roads, its story serves as a testament to Morgan's spirit of innovation and a reminder that not all automotive dreams come to fruition. The Plus 4 Plus's legacy lies in its ability to spark curiosity and inspire creativity within the Morgan community. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of automotive excellence, even in its unfulfilled forms, can leave a lasting impact.
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