Lot 112

London 2014

1964 Morgan Plus 4 Plus “Eggbert” by E.B. Ware

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£128,800 GBP | Sold

United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom

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Chassis No.
A5558
Engine No.
CT23992ME
  • The fifth of only twenty-six examples produced
  • Just four owners from new
  • Formerly the personal property of Morgan legend G.B. Sterne
  • Numerous recent concours accolades

105 hp, 2,138 cc inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual synchromesh transmission, independent front coil-spring suspension, solid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,438 mm

The Plus 4 Plus (or +4+) was Morgan’s attempt at introducing a souped-up model that incorporated modern styling, closed coachwork, and fibreglass construction all at the same time. The Plus 4 Plus was introduced at the 1963 Earls Court Motor Show, and it was not greeted by the anticipated warm reception. Accordingly, production of the model ceased at just 26 examples over three years, which was just over half of the anticipated production run of 50 cars. Although the streamlined coupé body was a radical departure from the traditional models produced by the Morgan Motor Company, it boasted a weight of only 816 kilograms and a top speed around 185 km/h, as well as more interior space and legroom.

This 1964 model year example, chassis A5558, left the Morgan factory on 24 December 1963 as the fifth Plus 4 Plus of the twenty-six examples ever to be built. The Morgan was destined for Sterne’s Garage in Vancouver, British Colombia. As a U.S.-specification example, it came equipped with wire wheels, disc brakes, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and it was finished in black with a red leather interior.

The original owner of the car was George Beatty “G.B.” Sterne, who was arguably known as “Mister Morgan” of Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. In late-1956, Sterne became the official Morgan concessionaire for all of Western Canada. To promote the Morgan brand, G.B. and his son, Bob, competed in hundreds of races at dozens of tracks and reportedly accumulated hundreds of trophies under their belts.

Chassis A5558 would remain the property of Mr Sterne until 18 June 1974, when it was sold to Dr David Reid, of Princeton, British Columbia. The mileage reading at the time was approximately 23,000, and it continued to be regularly used by Dr Reid after he repainted it in Robin’s Egg Blue.

Dr Reid retained the Plus 4 Plus until 5 April 2004, when it was purchased by Dennis Glavis, of Morgan West in Santa Monica, California, with approximately 43,000 miles showing on the odometer. A full restoration commenced, with all work performed by Pierre Brun, of Morgan Westorations in Santa Monica. The exhaustive work was completed in April 2007, with the car now being finished in a flattering two-tone scheme of black and red and featuring a red leather interior. It was then dubbed “Eggbert” by Morgan West.

A string of concours showings in California commenced between 2007 and 2013, with numerous accolades bestowed on the car, including Best of Show at the MogWest Concours in Morrow Bay, California, and Best in Class at the Los Angeles, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Newport Coast, Beverly Hills, Dana Point, and Greystone Mansion Concours d’Elegance. This Plus 4 Plus is offered in excellent condition, and it is supplied with a tool kit, a Plus 4 owner's manual, and a substantial binder of reference material.