- Light, agile chassis
- Impressive dynamics
- Excellent steering feel
- Out-dated 3.9-litre Land Rover engine
- Poor ride quality
- Awkward ergonomics
Overview
Australian-delivered from July 2002 to 2004, the Morgan Plus 8 was a two seat roadster with a canvas roof. Hand-built in Worcestershire, England, the rear-wheel drive Plus 8 was powered by a 3.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The Plus 8 was first manufactured in 1968 and production continued until 2004. The 2002-04 models, however, were engineered to be compliant with US and EU safety regulations – with front airbags and a high-mounted stop lamp above the rear wheel – and therefore eligible for export.
Engine and transmission
Shared with the P38A Range Rover , the 3.9-litre pushrod V8 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, two valves per cylinder, Lucas electronic fuel injection with GEMS ECU and a compression ratio of 9.35:1.
The five-speed R380 all-synchromesh manual transmission was also sourced from Rover.
Body and dimensions
Australian-delivered Morgan Plus 8 models had an aluminium body (including the scuttle) on a galvanised steel Z-boxed chassis with ash (wood) cross members. The Plus 8 was 3960 mm long, 1630 mm wide, 1290 mm tall and had a 2490 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 972 kg.
Suspension
The Plus 8 had independent, sliding pillar front suspension with coil springs and gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers. Furthermore, the underslung live rear axle was suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs and lever-arm dampers.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus 8 | 2002-04 | 3.9-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man. | 140 kW at 4800 rpm | 305 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Plus 8 consisted of dual front airbags.
Brakes
The Plus 8 had 280 mm ventilated front disc brakes with four-piston AP Lockheed calipers and 229 mm rear drum brakes.
Features
Standard features for the Morgan Plus 8 included 15-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR18 tyres, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt adjustable steering column, electrically heated windscreen and a polished walnut dashboard.
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