1952 Morgan Plus Four Drop Head "Flat Rad" Coupe

1952 Morgan Plus 4 Drop Head Coupe

Chassis no. P2281

Engine no. T815222ME

34th of 117 'Flat Rad' Plus 4s built

1,991cc, OHV, 100hp Triumph TR3 inline four

Moss four-speed manual transmission

Restored

Delivered new to Fergus Imports in New York, it was only a few years before it was sent back to the factory for an upgrade to the new, 100hp Triumph TR3 motor that it retains today. Much of its life was then spent in a California collection enjoying careful storage and minimal use. In 2004 it was acquired by Tyler Phillips of Mirror Lake, New Hampshire with a mere 700 miles on the clock.

An extensive restoration was carried out by California marque specialists Madera Concepts and Morgan West. Bridge-of-Weir supplied new hides for the seats which were redone by Clarence Latham of Maine. Chrome was replated by Mickey Dupuis of Holyoke, Massachusetts while the Oxford Blue body and Obsidian wings were finished and stripped by Micky Borlois. Backed by a chassis record signed by none other than Peter Morgan himself, this little Plus 4 is certainly one of the best Flat Rads around.

Morgan's first four-seater, four-wheeled sports car—the 4/4—appeared in 1937. By 1950, the old motor was being phased out and a more powerful replacement was sourced. It was felt that a change of name was justified for the new model; 'Plus 4' was chosen and an old advertising slogan resurrected - 'fastest at the price'.

The Plus 4 represented a major step forward in the evolution of the Morgan sports car. Although the traditional chassis layout was retained—what else would one expect from Morgan?—the frame did undergo extensive alteration, gaining in both wheelbase and track dimensions while being considerably strengthened. The centrally mounted Moss gearbox was carried over from the 4/4.

With supplies of the old flat-fronted radiator and separate headlamps coming to an end, Morgan opted for a front-end makeover in 1953 that would eventually produced the rounded radiator cowl appearance that Morgan retains today. In the end, a mere 117 'Flat Rad' Plus 4s were dispatched from Malvern Link.

Dick Barbour Performance

678.897.4494

dick@dickbarbourperformance.com

Collector car financing available at competitive rates

Vehicle Disclaimer:

We make every effort to provide you the most accurate, up-to-the-minute information on all of our vehicles in our inventory. However, please do verify with us before purchasing that all the information is correct and up to date. Also, unless we take a deposit, any car is fair play and up for sale.