Lot 157

Amelia Island 2017

1961 Morgan Plus 4 Roadster

A Gentleman's Collection: The Pride & Passion of Orin Smith

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$51,700 USD | Sold

United States | Amelia Island, Florida

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Serial No.
76180
Engine No.
TS76180ME
  • Factory left-hand drive; delivered through Fergus Motors in New York
  • Chassis and ash wood frame “remanufactured” by the factory in 1992 with restoration completed in the States
  • Previous enthusiast ownership for 20 years
  • Equipped with an authentic Triumph TR3 engine

90 bhp, 1,991 cc Triumph OHV inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed Moss manual transmission, sliding-pillar front suspension with coil springs, solid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension, and hydraulically assisted Girling front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.

Addendum: Please note that this title is in transit.

Stephanie Smith acquired this handsome Morgan Plus 4 through the Smiths’ longtime advisor, Tom Rossiter of New Jersey, in 2012. It bears a plate on the cowl identifying it as having been delivered through the famous Bob Fergus Motors of New York. The car had subsequently been acquired by a West Virginia enthusiast in 1992 from the Morgan Works at Malvern Link, Worcestershire, as a chassis and complete wooden body tub. An aluminum skin was installed over the wooden body frame, with a scuttle-mounted roll bar, both a folding windshield and two Brooklands racing windscreens, and the dashboard fitted with restored cream-toned instruments. A correct top was installed and remains present today, along with a tonneau cover and side curtains. The result of this extraordinary effort is nothing short of superb.

In the course of restoring the car to original condition, a few sensible modifications were made, including the installation of fiberglass fenders, to prevent any further rust issues; a Super Sport-style air induction scoop on the bonnet; Super Sport-style seats with modern safety belts; and an aluminum shield to deflect any gas leakage from the carburetors away from the engine. The car retains a Triumph TR3 engine, the block stamping on which matches the original serial number stamped in its proper location on the bonnet hinge, and exhaling through correct steel exhaust. Additional modifications for regular, enjoyable use included a battery cut-off switch, a fire extinguisher mounted under the bonnet, and an electric fan. The front disc brakes were by this time correct to a Plus 4, and are assisted here by Toyota dual master cylinders, a common and accepted later upgrade well-regarded by Morgan enthusiasts.

An excellent driving example, much loved by Mrs. Smith and by all who see it, this car is one of the most fun in the Smiths’ collection. It would be ideal for a summer lake house or for enjoying on an everyday basis, as it offers the best of traditional British construction and performance to a happy new owner.