2016 Morgan ARP4

Highlights

• Rare Cosworth-powered ARP4

• Just one owner from new

• Numerous optional extras

• Under 13,500 miles

• Morgan Sports Car Club member-owned

Overview

For many, the brand name Cosworth conjures up images of fast Fords, Essex sea fronts and a healthy dose of oversteer around a roundabout, or perhaps it brings back memory from the halcyon days of DFV-engined Formula One cars; whatever the association you may have with the Cosworth brand, we’d almost put money on the fact you didn’t think of Morgan.

Yes, Morgan; that wonderful low-volume, hand-built sports car company based up in Malvern. The same Morgan that utilises modern innards with body shells that looks virtually unchanged since the 1950s. The Morgan that… well, you get the gist.

The story goes that Cosworth were nearing the end of their YD Duratec production program, with a number of engines available for sale. Morgan purchased 50 of these engines, and chose to plant them into their successful Plus 4 model to celebrate 65 years of Morgan ‘4’ production; a project which turned into a considerably larger undertaking than first envisioned.

Whilst on the surface the ARP4 (Aero Racing Plus 4) may look similar to a standard Plus 4 with some racy bits added, the reality is far different. The standard rear leaf sprung axle has been replaced with a solid rear axle on coil springs - the same setup as used on the Roadster racing models, whilst the brakes have been upgraded with cooling ducts in the front, and Spax adjustable dampers are used all-round. Inside, the dash has been redesigned, and ‘Sports Seats’ have been fitted, by which we mean some additional lower bolsters have been added-on to the usual seats(!)

Elsewhere, the chassis and bulkheads were painted gloss red for all 50 cars, the handbrake was re-located, soundproofing was added throughout, and numerous other model-specific touches make the ARP4 a true collector’s item amongst the Morgan fraternity.

Finished in matte red against gloss-black wheels and a cream interior, this example cuts a mean and purposeful figure thanks to its various bulges, ducts and aggressive stance, and has the performance figures to back up its aggressive appearance.

Purchased new by our vendor from the supplying dealer, this example has covered under 13,500 miles in its lifetime, including trips to the continent, Sunday drives and other long-distance journeys. With its rarity and low mileage, along with several optional extras including power steering, this is one for the avid Morgan enthusiast who wants more grunt and a little Cosworth - sorry, COSSEH - power for his or her weekend toy.

History and documentation

• Registered 03 Mar 2016

• Service invoices as follows: Apr 2016 @ 1,084 miles, May 2018 @ 6,533 miles, Mar 2022 @ 10,536 miles, Oct 2023 @ 12,150 miles

• Of particular note is the last of those listed which was carried out by New Elms, a Morgan specialist, and included new hard chrome 'king pins', uprated springs and AVO shock absorbers, a new battery, a full service and geometry alignment and the rectification of factory build issues

• Owners handbooks

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two key fobs

• Current MOT expires 30 May 2025 with an advisory for slight play in the inner steering rack bushes

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• The private registration on the vehicle is not included in the sale, and the car will revert to an age-related registration

• This ARP4 benefits from a number of optional extras, including gloss black wheels, electric power steering, red brake calipers and LED front spot lamps

• The front offside wing was replaced under insurance after a deer hit the car whilst in France - paperwork for this is included in the gallery

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The model-specific interior of this Morgan ARP4 presents in excellent condition throughout, on account of its one careful owner’s fastidious nature 

• Both sports seats show some light patination to the leather, but no rips, tears or damage that we could see

• Elsewhere, the driver’s door card exhibits a large scratch, and there are a few other ‘usage’ marks noted on the leather dashboard top, high-traffic areas and along the central transmission tunnel

• The original clock has been relocated to the passenger side of the dashboard with an oil pressure/temperature gauge taking its place; this looks very OEM and is in keeping with the car’s aesthetic

• There are a number of small scuffs to the door panels

• The original steering wheel has been removed and replaced with a MOMO item, but will be re-installed for the next owner

• The seller reports that the (expensive!) electric power steering which has been installed is well worth having, particularly with the stickier tyres on the ARP4 as it assists low-speed manoeuvrability and enables use of the smaller replacement wheel

• We’re told the double-lined canvas hood is water-tight, whilst the mechanism operates smoothly and lines up well

• An aftermarket battery isolator switch has been fitted for both security and ease of long-term storage

• There are no reported faults with any of the electrical systems
  
  

Exterior

• Overall, this aggressive-looking Morgan presents in very good condition

• PPF has been fitted to the front end, radiator cowl and leading edge of the rear arches

• The aforementioned offside wing replacement is a slightly different shade of red

• The lower bumper ‘chin’ spoiler was damaged in a pheasant strike 

• Elsewhere, there is a small dent on the NSR wing, a larger chip on the radiator cowl, and the usual smattering of stone chips and light usage marks are present

• Looking closer, we also noticed some pitting to the windscreen surround, light marks on the race-style mirrors, and some dents on the leading edge of the side-exit exhaust

• Other than a few small dents as mentioned, the bodywork is straight throughout, the top-hinged bonnet lines up well, and the doors close without fuss

• Up above, the folding canvas roof is in exemplary condition with no cracks, clouding or damage noted to the plastic rear screen

• Under the sculpted arches, the three-piece Image wheels are finished in gloss black, and are free from any kerb rash or damage, save for a small chip on the OSR wheel

• All four wheels are wrapped in high-performance Nankang rubber

• In general, this is a very well-kept example of the exceedingly rare performance-focused Morgan

Mechanical

• This is where things get really exciting for this classically styled sports car

• 2.0-litre Cosworth ‘YD’ Duratech dry-sumped engine, tuned to 225bhp with throttle bodies and a carbon airbox

• Five-speed manual gearbox from Mazda - arguably an upgrade on the usual Ford unit

• Rear-wheel drive

• Under the centre-hinged bonnet, everything looks to be in good order with no leaks or issues noted, though it looks like there is a little overspray/ paint transfer on the foam intake filter

• The seller has modified the exhaust to exit at the side, aft of the driver’s door, but the original centre-exit system will come with the car

• Other than the above exhaust modification, and fitment of the aforementioned oil temp/pressure gauge, there are no other modifications from the factory spec

• The vendor reports the car to be in excellent health, and notes that he avoids short journeys, preferring to make sure the car is driven up to full temperature

• Full dealer servicing through Berrybrook Morgan
  
  

Summary

With just 50 built to celebrate a milestone for Morgan, and with the legendary Cosworth badge on the engine, the ARP4 was always going to be a collector’s item. For many, this is the ultimate iteration of the Plus 4 - retaining the classical looks and quirks but with performance-oriented underpinnings, a sonorous inline-four with throttle bodies, and an altogether more aggressive attitude that would shock many passers-by and enthusiasts alike.

Offered for sale by the one-and-only owner from new and with a well-documented history, this is an opportunity not to be missed for those looking to obtain arguably the pinnacle of the Plus 4 line-up of its era.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Exmouth, South Devon.