- Light, agile chassis
- Impressive dynamics
- Excellent steering feel
- Economical 2.0-litre Ford engine
- Poor ride quality
- Awkward ergonomics
Overview
Released in March 2005, the Morgan Plus 4 was a two-seat Roadster with a canvas roof. Hand-built in Warwickshire, England, the rear-wheel drive Plus 4 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The Plus 4 was withdrawn from sale in Australia in 2007 due to non-compliance with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), but ADR-compliant models returned in 2011.
Compared to the related 4/4, the Plus 4 was distinguished by its more powerful engine, wider 6J spoke wheels (5Js for the 4/4), wider ‘low-line’ mudguards, fully louvered bonnet and running boards with tread rubber.
Duratec 20 engine
Manufactured by Ford and shared with the Mk.2 Focus , the 2.0-litre ‘Duratec 20’ engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, cast-iron lined cylinders, fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods, a one-piece cast crankshaft, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.
Body and dimensions
Australian-delivered Morgan Plus 4 models had an aluminium body (including the scuttle) on a galvanised steel Z-boxed chassis with ash (wood) cross members. The Plus 4 was 4010 mm long, 1610 mm wide, 1220 mm tall and had a 2440 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 890 kg.
Suspension
The Plus 4 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.
July 2005 production changes
From July 2005, the Plus 4 had a ‘quick-fit’ soft-top canvas roof with a revised 25-degree windscreen. The new soft-top provided better sealing of the sidescreens due to the firm cant rail in the roof folding structure, while access to the rear parcel shelf was also improved through the fitment of a quick release lever.
Other changes introduced for July 2005 production included lighter aluminium fuel tanks (previously steel), stainless steel kingpins for greater durability and flocking material in the tool trays to reduce noise on rough surfaces.
Visually, these post-July 2005 models could be identified by their ‘Le Mans’ filler cap (like the 1962 Le Mans Morgan Plus 4 class winner) and clear undercoat for body protection (previously black).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus 4 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 106 kW at 6000 rpm | 187 Nm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Morgan Plus 4 consisted of dual front airbags.
Features: Morgan Plus 4
Standard features for the Plus 4 included 15-inch centre lock spoke wheels with 195/60 6J x 15 tyres, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, an electrically heated windscreen and a polished walnut dashboard. While the centre lock spoke wheels were fitted as standard, bolt-15 alloy wheels were available as a no cost option.
Lower front sports seats with leather upholstery were initially offered as an extra-cost option, but were fitted as standard from July 2005 production.
Post-2007 models were fitted with a radio and CD player as standard (previously optional).
2011 Morgan Plus 4 Sport
In 2011, the Plus 4 was available in a Sport variant which was differentiated by its black wire wheels and omitted the rear bumper overriders.
Brochures
- Brochure: Morgan Classics: 4/4 1600, Plus 4 and Series 1 Roadster (February 2009)
- Brochure: Morgan Classics: 4/4 1600, Plus 4 and Series 2 Roadster (May 2012)
Related links
