Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Morgan Plus 4 Super Sport
s/n 5122, eng. No TS82376ME
Two-Tone Primrose and Black with Black Leather Interior

Morgan’s famously anachronistic sports cars represent the quintessential British motoring experience. Seen as outmoded even by the 1960s, the cars were actually developed continuously, with changes incorporated over the years to keep the cars technically abreast of contemporary developments in key areas, even if other areas, most famously the ash framed bodies, remained as traditional as ever. With that in mind, although the Plus 4 appeared similar to the 4/4 of the interwar years, updates such as the latest Triumph TR4A powerplant (with 105hp instead of 38hp as in the 4/4 or 68hp in the early Plus 4), and front disc brakes, ensured that the Plus 4 was still sporting, thirty years after the 4/4’s heyday.

Despite their old-fashioned appearance, the Plus 4 was dynamically very capable, and the cars successfully competed in SCCA events and in GT racing, including a 13th overall finish at the 1962 Le Mans. The most sporting variant was the Super Sport, introduced in 1961. It featured a tuned engine , aluminum bodywork, and more aggressive seats. Very few were built, approximately 95 Super Sport roadsters in all.

This particular car is a California car from new. A matching numbers example, it is one of a handful of cars fitted with cream gauge faces, a feature that Morgan used for a very limited time. The car has a Lawrence tuned engine with Weber carburetors, aluminum bodywork, oil cooler, wire wheels, alloy sump, and tonneau cover. It was originally dispatched 31 May 1962 to Lew Spencer Imports in Los Angeles, California and retains its black California license plate. It is believed to have had three owners from new and has invoices dating back to the mid 1960s, showing that it was owned by a Jay Winfield in 1966, and a William and Anita Banse in 1968. The car’s current owner purchased it from Ms. Banse in 1988 and undertook a comprehensive frame-off restoration to award-winning standards.

The car’s current owner is a Super Sport enthusiast, having owned and restored three. Upon completion, the car was shown extensively, winning its class at Morgan N/S California and placed second for Best in Show. The car was also shown Santa Barbara, Palos Verdes, Newport Beach, LA Concours, Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive Concours, San Marino Motor Classic, and others.

Cosmetically, the car still presents well, although it is showing some patina. There is a small area of surface cracking showing in the paint on the radiator shell, and a few other surface blemishes to the paint, but it presents very nicely overall, with good luster and generally crisp presentation. The chrome is very good, with only light wear and aging, other than the lower part of the windscreen frame, which shows some pitting. The glass and lights are excellent.

The interior is in very nice condition. The leather trim has nice patina and is in excellent shape overall. The wood steering wheel is excellent, and the wood dash trim is very nice overall, although there is one crack. The instruments and switches are excellent, including the unusual cream-faced gauges.

The engine compartment is tidy and presents as a nice older restoration. It is very clean and attractive in its presentation, with polished alloy valve cover and impressive Weber carburetors. The unique Super Sport hood bulge is a unique detail that signals this car’s purposeful intent. Close examination reveals some signs of aging such as some peeling paint on the engine block, and some deterioration to the finish on the exhaust manifold, but the overall presentation is very nice and consistent with a high level driver.

The car is a pleasure to drive, with a visceral, stimulating experience coupled with surprising performance and an impressive chassis. Ergonomically, the car easily accommodates a driver over 6’ tall. The engine is well tuned and provides acceleration that compares quite favorably with this car’s contemporaries, including the Porsche 356 and Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The exhaust noise is raw and on the loud side, giving the car a purposeful feel that makes any drive an occasion. The brakes are capable and stop the car evenly, and the transmission shifts well, with a straightforward robustness that suggest durability rather than fragility. The steering is precise, the body well-controlled, and the entire experience thoroughly sporting. This is likely a result of a careful conversion from lever shock absorbers in the rear to Konis on all four corners. There is no doubt to the driver that this is a proper and capable sports car, yet it feels like a product of the period during which it was built.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a very rare Super Sport with excellent integrity and history. One of less than 100 examples built, this car has been in California new and has history almost back to new. A black plate California car with matching number, it has excellent integrity and was comprehensively restored. It is a pleasure to drive and just as it was when new, it is a remarkably capable and high-performing car compared to the competitors in its price and displacement range.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608