To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Essen
event, 11 - 12 April 2019.
Estimate:
€50.000 - €75.000
- Built to competition specifications for the 1976 24 Hours of Le
Mans
- Non-standard 'Traco' Oldsmobile 215-cu. in. engine with a
Triumph TR8 rally-spec gearbox
- Numerous unique modifications for racing
- Offered from over 30 years of single ownership
- Raced, driven and enjoyed throughout its life
Throughout Morgan's colourful history, the firm's cars have
contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans on a handful of occasions, and
Andy Garlick of the UK-based racing team, Team Normog, sought to
try his hand at the event in the 1970s. Noticing a change of rules
by the Automobile Club de L'Ouest to make entry easier for
production sports cars, Garlick thought Morgan's Plus Eight could
be competitive and ventured to Morgan's factory at Malvern Link to
discuss his ambitious plan with factory representatives, including
Peter Morgan himself.
Two cars were agreed to be built but unfortunately, the ACO changed
its rules again, rendering the Plus Eight ineligible for Le Mans.
However, as of the winter of 1975-1976, the cars were already under
production. Garlick and Team Normog decided to forget about the
project, but John MacDonald of I. & J. MacDonald, the Morgan dealer
of Lanchester, Durham, in the UK stepped in to see the project to
fruition, and only one car would be built.
According to Morgan factory records, chassis no. R8112 was
completed by the factory on 24 June 1976. Further records show that
it may have returned to the factory for further development,
leaving again on 2 July 1976. Further factory records show that it
was fitted with a non-standard 'Traco' Oldsmobile 215-cu. in. V-8
engine and a special gearbox (said to be from a Triumph TR8
prepared for rally use).
Its aluminium bodywork and wings were finished in black paint with
the interior trimmed red leather with a red tonneau cover and black
convertible top and side screens. The car was also fitted with
15-in. wire wheels with centre-lock hubs shod in Avon tyres, front
disc and aluminium rear brake drums and dual circuit non-servo
brakes, a roll cage and aluminium floor boards, making for a
bespoke, race-ready build. Allegedly, at its time this was the
widest Plus Eight ever built and the only one with wire wheels.
First registered in the UK with registration no. OTN 4 on 1 July
1976, John MacDonald used the car himself for about 2,000 miles on
the road but unfortunately the engine failed and the block was
destroyed, necessitating a replacement. Another Oldsmobile block
was sourced but with conventional solid lifters. Later sold to
David Johnston after a few competitive outings, Johnston continued
to race the car after MacDonald converted the gearbox to a
close-ratio five-speed.
Passing through Paul Edwards and Charles Windridge in 1986, the
suspension was rebuilt to include negative camber, Panhard rod,
adjustable Gas-Spax dampers and anti-brake tramp struts, and
Windridge competed with the car in the MSCC Morgan Challenge in
1987 before selling it to John Worrall, a well-known Morgan
dealer.
Worrall sold it to the consignor in Sweden that same year.
Following an engine rebuild during the winter of 1987-1988, which
included fitting a new camshaft, the Morgan's locking rear
differential was replaced with a limited-slip differential and
ventilated discs with four piston callipers and the front and new
disc brakes at the rear, replacing the original rear drums.
Raced in several events in Sweden, it was predominantly used as a
road car there before being placed into storage. It would be a
wonderful car for either vintage racing events or simply to drive
and enjoy on the open road. Boasting a unique story and
specification, it is difficult to imagine a more exciting Morgan
for the racing enthusiast.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/es19.