1959 Morgan Plus Drophead
‘Drophead’ is a 1950s term British car manufacturers once used to describe a car with a well-made convertible top and fixed windows (instead of ‘roadsters’ that had side curtains and effortless tops). Jaguar’s dropheads had existing roll-up windows, whereas Morgan’s are sliding glass panes in chrome frames that can be removed and stowed in the car, as they are in our pictures. The sophisticated top that Morgan provided on the dropheads had three different positions available to drive in. The top could be up, or just the front portion could be opened like the picture. Plus, the rear window is zippered so that it can be opened. Or, the entire top could be folded down. The window frames attach to the top of the doors when weather protection is needed. This body style was Morgan’s most expensive when new and is not often found today.
This car was delivered in the San Francisco Bay Area when new, even though it was right-hand drive. I lived an easy life in NorCal until coming to Colorado several years ago. Some Morgans had English Ford engines, but the vastly more popular choice was the same engine as the Triumph TR-3, which this car has. In addition to more power, it makes sourcing parts far simpler. The machine has recently been fully serviced, and recent work included rebuilding the carburetors. Given its low mileage and the benign climates where it’s lived, the body & frame are in excellent condition. The car has always been Red/Black and was recently repainted in its original color, and a new leather interior & top were professionally installed.
Owned by a significant all-British classic car collection, this Morgan has been well maintained and just had its service updated with recent tires, a new battery, fuel pump, and wheel alignment. It is a delightful sports car to enjoy, with its right-hand drive that forces you to acclimate to shifting with your left hand! The vehicle comes with its original tools a file of past services and will impress any knowledgeable Morgan enthusiast.
