Vehicle Description
Chassis No. P2216
Engine No. V105ME
The Morgan Plus Four introduced at the 1950 Earl's Court Motor
Show, marked a significant upgrade for the Morgan Motor Company
after World War II. It featured a more powerful 2,088 cc engine
from the Standard Vanguard, replacing the 4/4 model's 1,267 cc
engine. The chassis was widened and strengthened, with a longer
wheelbase enhancing stability and handling. Hydraulic brakes, a
first for Morgan, improved braking performance over earlier
mechanical systems.
This car, one of 117 Drophead Coupes with the early style "flat
radiator," is believed to have the most extensive period racing
history of its type. Between 1951 and 1959, it competed in 29
events including the Prescott Hill Climb, Shelsley Walsh Hill
Climb, Exeter Trial, RAC International 6 Hour Rally, Lands End
Trial, Edinburgh Rally, and at Silverstone. During these events the
car achieved multiple victories and accolades, demonstrating
exceptional performance both as a private entry and part of the
factory racing team.
During its racing career, the car was returned to Morgan in 1954,
where it was "modernized" with a new cowled front-style radiator, a
Triumph TR2 engine, and Cam Gears steering. Its original owner,
John Moore of Shelsley Beauchamp, sold the car to Jimmy Ray of
Liverpool in 1955. The car was then sold to Miss Margery Salmond of
Bearsden in Glasgow, whose brother was driving the car when it was
in an unfortunate accident in 1965.
The car remained untouched until 1972 when it was discovered,
alongside another vintage Plus 4, by a Morgan enthusiast searching
for parts for his Plus 4. As a well-informed enthusiast, he
recognized the car registration, KNP 5, as having participated in
many period races and decided the car needed to be saved. After
purchasing the two cars, the owner spent the ensuing years
gathering parts until the comprehensive restoration was completed
in 2005, bringing the car back to its former glory. Beginning with
the chassis, a new frame was sourced to serve as the ideal
foundation for the detailed restoration. Finished in Oxford Blue,
the car proudly retains its distinctive flat radiator, just like
when it was new. The detailed history file accompanying KNP 5
provides a thorough accounting of the restoration process.
As proof of the level of work completed and its historical
significance, this Morgan was shown at the 2018 Hilton Head Island
Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, earning a first-in-class
award, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2019. The car has
been featured in Morgan racing historian Jake Alderson's books,
Morgan Sports Cars, The Early Years, and Morgan Sports Cars, The
Heritage Years. In total, both books dedicate over 45 pages to the
car, including numerous period photographs.
As offered today, this 1951 Morgan Plus Four Drophead Coupe is a
wonderfully restored example of this rarely-seen variant. With an
intriguing race history dating back to its earliest days, this car
would be an excellent addition to any collection of post-war
English icons, a welcome participant at numerous events, or perhaps
with a start number and necessary competition logbook, leading the
pack on track once again.
