The Morgan Plus 8 is a sports car built by British car maker Morgan from 1968 to 2004 and again in revised form between 2012 and 2018. Its instant and enduring popularity has been credited with saving the company and keeping the company famous during the 36 years of its manufacture. Among Morgan enthusiasts, it is deeply associated with Peter Morgan, the owner-chairman behind its design.
The development of the Plus 8 was led by Maurice Owen, an engineer taken on specifically for the role. The Plus 8 prototype was based on a modified chassis from the Plus 4, altered to accept the Rover alloy block 215 cu in (3.5 L) V8, purchased from GM-Buick in 1967. Plus 4's Moss gearbox was carried over and the Salisbury 7HA axle was uprated with a limited-slip differential. The chassis was developed in stages to accommodate gearbox changes in 1973 and 1976, 1995 the body widened in 1976 to accommodate the widened chassis and the wings widened to accommodate larger tyres to handle the increasing power and trend for lower profile and wider tyres. The original 1968 Plus 8 was 57 inches (1,400 mm) wide and the last was 64 inches (1,600 mm) (with an optional "widebody" at 67 inches (1,700 mm)) From the 1960s and (according to all auto magazines) through the 1980s for acceleration between 20-80mph, the Plus Eight was the fastest-accelerating UK production car.[1] To this day, early Plus 8s are the prereenial winners in that 1960-1970 class in the UK.
In 2002/2, Morgan created a "LeMans Edition" with similar exterior feature to the 1960s Plus 4 LeMans winner.
In 2003, Morgan created a 35th year "Anniversary Edition" of the Plus 8.
Following the discontinuation of the Rover V8, production of Plus 8 ended in 2004. A revised Aero, powered by a 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine, was placed on an Aero chassis, with Aero 8 suspension, axles, brakes, steering, gearbox, and altered wings *was introduced in 2012, They also called this model "Plus 8" and it was sold concurrently with the Aero 8 from that date until the elimination of the Aero line-up in 2020.
In 2014 Morgan created another edition called the Plus 8 'Speedster' models based on the later Aero configuration noted above. It began as a limited edition, but production was not limited to then60m originally advertised. This limited run forwent the traditional roof in favour of a small fly screen and hidden roll bars behind the front seats. Pitched as an entry level Plus 8 model they went on sale for £69,999.[2]
In 2021, Morgan announced another limited edition run of 10 Plus 8 'GTR' models painted to look like the two Morgan racers (both called "Big Blues"), though the original Big Blue had the Rover V8 configuration and equipment, but were powered by Corvette engines.
Engines
4.0 litre V8 engine in a 2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition
The original Plus 8 engines were Rover V8s that became available when fitted to the P5B saloon.[3] Morgan was actually the first of a succession of sports car makers- including the likes of TVR and Marcos- to use the engine.
The prototype Plus 8 (identifiable by two small bonnet bulges near the centre bonnet hinge) used a Buick 215 V8 engine but the production Plus 8 was launched in 1968 using Rover's production engine, a re-engineered version of the Buick 215 motor (renamed the 3.5 L by Rover) with a compression of 10.5:1 originally fuelled by two SU HS6 carburettors. The high 10.5:1 CR was only usable because 5* (101 octane) petrol was then still available. By 1973, the Rover 3500 saloon was available with a manual 4 speed gearbox and this engine/gearbox configuration was adopted by Morgan although the compression dropped to 9.25:1 with a resulting drop in power. With the adoption of an improved version of the engine developed for the Rover SD1 in 1977, compression increased to 9.35:1 and power increased slightly. After 1981 the engine was fueled by two Stromberg CD175 carburettors, which increased the power as the SUs were not a perfect match for the engine. There is a substantial leap in power if the earlier mentioned carbs are swapped out for a Holley 390 or preferably, a Weber/Edlebrock/Carter 500.
At the end of 1983, the company offered an EFI version using a Bosch L-Jetronic based system. With the added power (204 bhp (152 kW; 207 PS)) and low weight, the Plus 8 was, according to the magazine road tests of the day, able to best a Porsche up to 90 mph (140 km/h). However, power kept dropping from then until the end of production in 2004. In 1990 a 3.9 L version of the engine was fitted and that used the Lucas 14CUX fuel injection system. All Rover/LR Plus 8 versions between 1976 (Sd1)and GEMS are very easy to upgrade to much greater power. They can draw on the British, American and Australian aftermarkets. Very popular engines with easy parts or upgrades sourcing.
In 1996, the Rover 4.6 L engine became an option, still using the Lucas 14CU fuel injection system. From 1998 the overseas model began to use the GEMS fuelling system and by 2000 all Morgan Plus 8s were fuelled by the GEMS system as used on the Range Rover P38a between 1994 and 1999.
On the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Morgan introduced a new edition of the Plus 8 roadster, powered by a 4.8L BMW V8-Engine. At the same show, Morgan also introduced an electric version of the Plus 8 roadster - called the Plus E - which is powered by a Zytek 70 kW (94 bhp) 300Nm electric motor.[4]
United States sales
For almost two decades during the 1950s and 1960s, North America took the greater bulk of Morgan production. Popularity in the UK and Europe had greatly fallen during that era. The era ended with the advent of the strong emission and structural laws. Luckily, the failure of the modern looking +4+ and the arrival of the powerful Plus 8 rekindled interest in the home market in the whole line.
In the US, a way was found to keep importing Morgans after 1974. From 1974 to 1992, all imported Morgans (of which 98% were Plus 8s) to the United States were converted to run on propane as fuel to pass the U.S. emissions regulations.[5][6][7]
When the Rover Group re-certified their V-8 engine for use in the Range RoverSUV sold in the U.S., Morgan made a gasoline-powered +8 available with the same engine in the same tune and with the same anti-emission devices.[citation needed] As safety regulations continue to change, Morgan was again challenged in 2006 to meet the new structural requirements announced by the NHTSA in 2000. A request for an exemption to the law on airbags was refused and the importation of traditional (classic) Morgans ceased.[8]
Gearboxes
1968–72 Moss gearbox, a 4-speed manual transmission with synchromesh 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
1972–77 Rover 3500s, 4-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission used in the Rover 3500S saloon
^"Reprint of Car & Driver article, January 1977". Morgancars-usa.com. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
^"AUTOS ON MONDAY/Collecting; The Mystique of the Eccentric Morgan - New York Times". The New York Times. 5 April 2004. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
^Lorne M. Goldman. "madeintheusa". Gomog.com. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
^"NHTSA Denial of application for a temporary exemption from air bag provisions of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection". Federal Register. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
External links
Motor Trend
Gentleman's Quarterly
January 29, 2023
morgan, plus, sports, built, british, maker, morgan, from, 1968, 2004, again, revised, form, between, 2012, 2018, instant, enduring, popularity, been, credited, with, saving, company, keeping, company, famous, during, years, manufacture, among, morgan, enthusi. The Morgan Plus 8 is a sports car built by British car maker Morgan from 1968 to 2004 and again in revised form between 2012 and 2018 Its instant and enduring popularity has been credited with saving the company and keeping the company famous during the 36 years of its manufacture Among Morgan enthusiasts it is deeply associated with Peter Morgan the owner chairman behind its design Morgan Plus 8Morgan Plus 8OverviewManufacturerMorgan Motor CompanyProduction1968 2004 2012 2018AssemblyMalvern Worcestershire EnglandBody and chassisClassSports carBody style2 door roadsterLayoutFR layoutRelatedMorgan 4 4Morgan 4PowertrainEngineRover V8 OHV3 5L Rover V83 9L Rover V84 6L Rover V8BMW V8 DOHC4 8L BMW V8Transmission4 speed manual 1968 77 5 speed manual 1977 2004 6 speed manual 2012 present 6 speed automatic 2012 present Optional DimensionsWheelbase98 in 2 489 mm Length146 in 3 708 mm Width57 5 67 0 in 1 460 1 702 mm Height52 in 1 321 mm Curb weight1 876 lb 851 kg ChronologySuccessorMorgan Plus Six Contents 1 Design 2 Engines 3 United States sales 4 Gearboxes 5 Gallery 6 References 7 External linksDesign EditThe development of the Plus 8 was led by Maurice Owen an engineer taken on specifically for the role The Plus 8 prototype was based on a modified chassis from the Plus 4 altered to accept the Rover alloy block 215 cu in 3 5 L V8 purchased from GM Buick in 1967 Plus 4 s Moss gearbox was carried over and the Salisbury 7HA axle was uprated with a limited slip differential The chassis was developed in stages to accommodate gearbox changes in 1973 and 1976 1995 the body widened in 1976 to accommodate the widened chassis and the wings widened to accommodate larger tyres to handle the increasing power and trend for lower profile and wider tyres The original 1968 Plus 8 was 57 inches 1 400 mm wide and the last was 64 inches 1 600 mm with an optional widebody at 67 inches 1 700 mm From the 1960s and according to all auto magazines through the 1980s for acceleration between 20 80mph the Plus Eight was the fastest accelerating UK production car 1 To this day early Plus 8s are the prereenial winners in that 1960 1970 class in the UK In 2002 2 Morgan created a LeMans Edition with similar exterior feature to the 1960s Plus 4 LeMans winner In 2003 Morgan created a 35th year Anniversary Edition of the Plus 8 Following the discontinuation of the Rover V8 production of Plus 8 ended in 2004 A revised Aero powered by a 4 8 litre BMW V8 engine was placed on an Aero chassis with Aero 8 suspension axles brakes steering gearbox and altered wings was introduced in 2012 They also called this model Plus 8 and it was sold concurrently with the Aero 8 from that date until the elimination of the Aero line up in 2020 In 2014 Morgan created another edition called the Plus 8 Speedster models based on the later Aero configuration noted above It began as a limited edition but production was not limited to then60m originally advertised This limited run forwent the traditional roof in favour of a small fly screen and hidden roll bars behind the front seats Pitched as an entry level Plus 8 model they went on sale for 69 999 2 In 2021 Morgan announced another limited edition run of 10 Plus 8 GTR models painted to look like the two Morgan racers both called Big Blues though the original Big Blue had the Rover V8 configuration and equipment but were powered by Corvette engines Engines Edit 4 0 litre V8 engine in a 2003 Morgan Plus 8 35th Anniversary Edition The original Plus 8 engines were Rover V8s that became available when fitted to the P5B saloon 3 Morgan was actually the first of a succession of sports car makers including the likes of TVR and Marcos to use the engine The prototype Plus 8 identifiable by two small bonnet bulges near the centre bonnet hinge used a Buick 215 V8 engine but the production Plus 8 was launched in 1968 using Rover s production engine a re engineered version of the Buick 215 motor renamed the 3 5 L by Rover with a compression of 10 5 1 originally fuelled by two SU HS6 carburettors The high 10 5 1 CR was only usable because 5 101 octane petrol was then still available By 1973 the Rover 3500 saloon was available with a manual 4 speed gearbox and this engine gearbox configuration was adopted by Morgan although the compression dropped to 9 25 1 with a resulting drop in power With the adoption of an improved version of the engine developed for the Rover SD1 in 1977 compression increased to 9 35 1 and power increased slightly After 1981 the engine was fueled by two Stromberg CD175 carburettors which increased the power as the SUs were not a perfect match for the engine There is a substantial leap in power if the earlier mentioned carbs are swapped out for a Holley 390 or preferably a Weber Edlebrock Carter 500 At the end of 1983 the company offered an EFI version using a Bosch L Jetronic based system With the added power 204 bhp 152 kW 207 PS and low weight the Plus 8 was according to the magazine road tests of the day able to best a Porsche up to 90 mph 140 km h However power kept dropping from then until the end of production in 2004 In 1990 a 3 9 L version of the engine was fitted and that used the Lucas 14CUX fuel injection system All Rover LR Plus 8 versions between 1976 Sd1 and GEMS are very easy to upgrade to much greater power They can draw on the British American and Australian aftermarkets Very popular engines with easy parts or upgrades sourcing In 1996 the Rover 4 6 L engine became an option still using the Lucas 14CU fuel injection system From 1998 the overseas model began to use the GEMS fuelling system and by 2000 all Morgan Plus 8s were fuelled by the GEMS system as used on the Range Rover P38a between 1994 and 1999 On the 2012 Geneva Motor Show Morgan introduced a new edition of the Plus 8 roadster powered by a 4 8L BMW V8 Engine At the same show Morgan also introduced an electric version of the Plus 8 roadster called the Plus E which is powered by a Zytek 70 kW 94 bhp 300Nm electric motor 4 United States sales EditFor almost two decades during the 1950s and 1960s North America took the greater bulk of Morgan production Popularity in the UK and Europe had greatly fallen during that era The era ended with the advent of the strong emission and structural laws Luckily the failure of the modern looking 4 and the arrival of the powerful Plus 8 rekindled interest in the home market in the whole line In the US a way was found to keep importing Morgans after 1974 From 1974 to 1992 all imported Morgans of which 98 were Plus 8s to the United States were converted to run on propane as fuel to pass the U S emissions regulations 5 6 7 When the Rover Group re certified their V 8 engine for use in the Range Rover SUV sold in the U S Morgan made a gasoline powered 8 available with the same engine in the same tune and with the same anti emission devices citation needed As safety regulations continue to change Morgan was again challenged in 2006 to meet the new structural requirements announced by the NHTSA in 2000 A request for an exemption to the law on airbags was refused and the importation of traditional classic Morgans ceased 8 Gearboxes Edit1968 72 Moss gearbox a 4 speed manual transmission with synchromesh 2nd 3rd and 4th 1972 77 Rover 3500s 4 speed all synchromesh manual transmission used in the Rover 3500S saloon 1977 95 Rover LT77 5 speed all synchromesh manual transmission 1995 2004 Rover R380 5 speed all synchromesh manual transmission 2012 6 speed manual transmission 6 speed automatic transmission optional Gallery Edit 1969 model 1993 model 1976 model with the uncommon hardtop and aftermarket Minilite wheels 2003 model 2012 2013 model 50th Anniversary Edition MMC 11 at the Geneva Motorshow 2018References Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Morgan Plus 8 Simister John 24 March 2009 Morgan 4 4 Sport v Lotus Eco Elise Evo co uk Retrieved 25 June 2011 Morgan Plus 8 Speedster Review Carwitter com carwitter Fuelling the passion PDF Octane pp 71 76 The New Morgan Plus E Retrieved 2014 08 27 Reprint of Car amp Driver article January 1977 Morgancars usa com Retrieved 25 June 2011 AUTOS ON MONDAY Collecting The Mystique of the Eccentric Morgan New York Times The New York Times 5 April 2004 Retrieved 25 June 2011 Lorne M Goldman madeintheusa Gomog com Retrieved 25 June 2011 NHTSA Denial of application for a temporary exemption from air bag provisions of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No 208 Occupant Crash Protection Federal Register Retrieved 25 June 2011 External links EditGoMoG Workshop Manual Motor Trend Gentleman s Quarterly Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Morgan Plus 8 amp oldid 1133310262, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
