Rare 1980 Morgan +8 Turbo, 0K miles, agnificent
Up for bid is a wonderful example of a rare and special car. If you're interested in this listing, ou already know that Morgan cars are hand built by a small gang of super-craftsmen in Malvern, orcestershire, ngland and have been since about 1936. (Each louver in the bonnet is individually hand-stamped). As I understand it, here came a time when U.S. emissions and safety regulations precluded the importation of these brilliant motorcars, nd a small specialty firm in Los Angeles, Isis," modified a small number (reported by various sources to have been as few as 40) Plus 8s by beefing up safety features and converting them to run on propane. For an additional $2,500, he lucky buyer got his already stout V-8 turbocharged. This is one of those special cars. It runs like a scalded cat and makes absolutely glorious noises.
The propane conversion means the car is totally clean - zero emissions. Propane's 105 octane means the 9.4:1 compression ratio is perfectly compatible with the Rajay turbocharger's 6-psi boost. There's no need for water injection or other detonation protection. It produces no carbon so spark plug life is longer, nd there is no liquid fuel running down cylinder walls into the oil so engine wear is reduced. Refueling can be accomplished easily at any number of LP stations, ut the car comes with an extra auxiliary tank in case you get caught short and, f you must, conversion to regular petrol is a relatively straightforward matter.
This car is in excellent condition. Everything works (almost) - the hand-brake is about useless and needs adjustment. I haven't bothered to mess with it as it is my habit to keep the car in gear at rest to make absolutely sure it doesn't wander). It is stock, ndamaged, nd unmolested, nd shows the mild degree of patina expected of a very well maintained 35 year old driver's car. The engine, lutch, nd gearbox work exactly as they should. The turbocharger is a hoot. The body is almost all aluminum (the only exception I can find is the cowling under the windscreen. There is no rust or wood rot (yes, hey still make the frames out of Ash wood).
Recent maintenance includes new Yokohama Avid Touring S tires (less than 400 miles on them), ube, il, nd filter, new battery, istributor cap, otor, park plugs, oolant flush and replace, eplacement of engine drive belt, ront crankshaft seal replacement, new intake "valley pan" manifold gaskets and valve cover gasket, new wiper blade sets, rear differential service. This was done by the previous, eticulous, wner in 2013 (less than 1000 miles ago). The car comes with all supporting documentation. It also comes with an original owner's manual, Blaupunkt radio, beautiful key fob, adge bar and badges, great tonneau cover, eautiful side curtains, nd a fine looking convertible top in excellent condition.
To me, he car runs and drives perfectly, t has amazing performance, nd nothing on four wheels is better looking.
Obviously the car is sold as is. I invite and welcome questions and inspections. Transport is your expense, f course, ut I will cooperate in making it as easy as possible.
Thank you for your interest in my auction and my very special car.