Morgan Plus 4 Series 1 Roadster, 1954
Morgan Roadster
Morgan Roadster•
•64 views
Chassis No.: P3069
Auction: Monterey 2017
Auction date: August 19, 2017
Lot No.: S18
$40,000 | High bid
- Exterior: White
- Interior: Black
- Body: Roadster
- One of only a few transition models produced by Morgan in 1954
- The first cowl radiator type
- Twin upright spare wheels
- Headlamps shaped into front fender and mud guards
- Original wire wheels
- Heater
- Luggage rack
- English walnut dash
- Matching steering wheel
- Restored Smiths gauges
Known as the Waterfall Plus 4 for the early short cowl, tall grille and fender-integrated headlight design that marked the transition between the early style and what would become a more recognized design, this Morgan also features the desirable twin upright rear-mounted spare tires. To Morgan enthusiasts, this is a dream car, a rare specimen that comes along infrequently and lesser still in this remarkable condition with such attention to detail. The gleaming white paint, sparkling original wire wheels, lustrous English-walnut dashboard with restored Smiths gauges nestled within, matching steering wheel and optional heater and luggage rack are just the tip of the iceberg.
The black upholstery, like the rest of the car, exhibits a charm that only a British car can depict; the chrome dances against the contrasting color combination of simple black and white, and the emblems and details are impeccable. In terms of a Morgan to own, this is certainly one. The 1954 Morgans featured a heavily restyled body, much more modern and svelte compared to previous designs and a nod to things to come. The integrated grille, cowl and headlights morphed into a shorter, more compact design by 1955, marking the 1954s as a remarkably unique car in Morgan history.
Equipped with a powerful 1,991cc inline 4-cylinder engine as used in the Triumph TR2, the Plus 4 Roadsters offered a tremendously spirited driving experience and encouraged competitive driving. The construction of Morgan cars has changed only a bit since this car was built, the chassis and bodies being wheeled around on wooden trucks from shop to shop for completion. Morgan’s dedication to sustain how things have been done is commendable, inextricably linking all its cars through history. As such, cars that brought about change, especially those serving only briefly as transitional cars, are really unique. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a seriously interesting piece of Morgan history.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/303285/1954-morgan-plus-4-series-1-roadster/
