1953 Morgan Plus 4 Flat Rad (SOLD)
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Can't begin to express how rare and desirable this vehicle is.....funny because it is a perfect blend of two of my own favorte cars....my show winning '53 Flat Rad and '64 Plus 4 four seater. Hence, this car for sale (mine are NOT!!!!) offers the ideal combination.
A rare bird, indeed. My books on the subject show 183 LHD +4 Flat Rads built from 1950 to 1953 and how many were four seaters? A general rule of thumb is 10% of Morgans (of the era) being four seaters. Rare..VERY.
And, sure, while looking a bit ponderous with the top and side curtains on, cover the back seat with a full tonneau and they are as sleek as any two seater Moggie. BUT with the ability to carry two extra full sized adults. They are certainly not jump seats (my son, 6'3" and 250 pounds can fit in the back of my '64).
These were the first Morgans to have hydraulic brakes (yes, they stop) and the big torquey 2.1 liter Vanguard engine....in this, to TR2 specs. 90hp, tons of torque, easily capable of 100 mph and will cruise all day at a comfortable 80-85mph. Bring it up to Supersports spec (bigger wet liners and pistons, a cam, head work, headers, and twin Webers) and get 120-130hp. As in my own four seater...and hit 115 or more mph. VERY exciting.
This car is in show condition, such delights as folding windshield, has its very rare bumpers, new top and side curtains, luggage rack (four people AND baggage) nearly bnew interior (and nicely trimmed with door pockets, quality mats, excellent detail work), a perfectly preserved and restored example and one of the finest (and most versatile) older sports cars we have ever had for sale.
Ya see, Morgans since 1954 have had the famed 'waterfall' grille and, to be candid, all look the same. From a 1954 to a 2003. Just subtle differences. But the Flat Rad evokes a wonderful pre war esthetic and makes this car just about the ideal compromise. Will leave ANY T Series MG in the dust, much more robust which its sold-as-a-rock Moss gearbox and Salisbury back axle, the TR engine can boosted to any horsepower an owner can conceive (110? 120? 130? A lot more?), fun to be able to take a family of four to a show AND have room on the luggage rack for chairs and a cooler, is eligible for vintage racing in the Northeast (without a roll bar), and with its weather equipment and optional heater, ready for a cruise 'cross the country. All reasons I take my own 4 seater to Quebec on vacation twice a season (it loves to snack on crepes).
