2001 Morgan Plus 8

Highlights 

• 190bhp, 3.9-litre V8

• In excellent condition throughout

• Specialist and main dealer service history

• Low mileage

• Available for viewing on the PistonHeads Auctions stand at the Annual Service event at Bicester

Overview

Morgan really has achieved something quite extraordinary. Founded in 1910 by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan, the Morgan Motor Company has managed to hold on tightly to its over century-long heritage whilst still producing hugely capable modern sports cars. It's a dichotomy that is as impressive as it is admirable.

Instantly recognisable, the very soul of Morgan is present in every car produced. From those early three-wheelers to the latest Supersport with its modern BMW underpinnings, you definitely know a Morgan when you see one. And it's exactly that perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship mixed with the latest technology that makes them so damn popular, where decades of development meets timeless design. But equally charming and endearing as the company's latest output are the earlier models, like the wonderful Plus 8.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and this particular tasty treat was baked for a whopping 36 years between 1968 and 2004, and then again from 2012 to 2018. It's an impressive production run that just goes to show the lasting appeal of these cars.

The Morgan Plus 8 has always been a classy looking fellow but it also has the performance to match its looks. Weighing less than a tonne thanks to its ash frame and aluminium body and powered by the ubiquitous Rover V8, it’s a spritely so-and-so that still delivers today.

This particularly lovely example features the 3.9-litre, fuel-injected version of said V8, which means a peak power output of 190bhp, which in this car is more than enough. In excellent condition throughout and with decent service history Y877 SVR has clearly been cherished. 

It's a great, low mileage example of a modern classic Morgan that reportedly starts and runs effortlessly and sounds wonderful so if you're after a characterful British roadster but are a bit apathetic towards the omnipresent MGs then this could be just the ticket. Tally-ho!

History and documentation

• 2001 model year

• V5C present and correct

• In current ownership since 2022

• First registered 08/06/2001

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• Morgan Motor Company EEC Certificate of Conformity

• Speedometer replacement in 2003 (between services 3 and 4) with supporting documentation

• Service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: first service at 1,358 miles (2001 – Morgan Motor Company), second service at 2,298 miles (2003 – main dealer), third service at 3,975 miles (2004 – main dealer), fourth service at 1,454 miles (2005 - specialist), fifth service at 2,703 miles (2006 – specialist), sixth service at 5,802 miles (2007 – specialist), seventh service at 8,523 miles (2008), eighth service at 9,025 miles (2009), service at 21,183 miles (2016 – specialist), service at 23,239 miles (2017 – specialist) 

• Numerous supporting invoices and receipts for work done - the seller reports that the documents cover the full service history and repairs of the last 20 years

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 19/09/2025

• 38,785 miles from new

Interior

• The blue leather and wood veneer interior is in excellent condition throughout with only minor patina and signs of use, mainly to the door cards where the handles rub

• The vendor states that the original leather has been conditioned regularly and both seats have been re-stuffed for extra comfort and support on long journeys

• Stitching replaced and leather last reconditioned in February 2025 

• Moto-Lita steering wheel (the original is supplied)

• The vendor informs us that everything works perfectly

• The dashboard looks good and appears to be undamaged

• Carpets and over mats are wearing well and appear clean and dry

• The engine bay looks tidy and has not been overly-detailed

Exterior

• The paint and bodywork is similarly well-presented

• There are no signs of any damage

• The car is apparently free from rust

• All body panels and shut lines appear straight and true

• All of the chromework, including the rear luggage rack, looks to be in fine shape with no pitting

• The dark blue hood is in excellent condition and appears to fit perfectly

• The original 16” Morgan centrelock alloy wheels present beautifully and are free from marks aside from a small area of damage to the lip of the nearside front

• Tyres are all Continental Contipremium Contact 2s that the vendor states are in excellent condition, including the full-size spare

• The underneath looks to be clean and free from damage or obvious corrosion

Mechanical

• 190bhp 3.9-litre Rover V8 engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox 

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.8s

• 125mph top speed

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts and runs effortlessly, sounds wonderful with that great V8 burble and still has the original exhaust system retaining the distinctive Plus 8 notes!

Summary

More capable than you might think, surprisingly comfortable and easy to drive fast, a good Morgan Plus 8, which this one definitely appears to be, is a gem of a car that is as rewarding to pilot as it is to admire. With excellent support and a vibrant scene, owning and maintaining a Plus 8 is a doddle too and the thought of melting down to Biarritz or Monaco in this V8-powered beauty with the top down is an incredibly alluring one, wouldn't you agree?

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 Portishead, Bristol.

Please note that the car will be on display at the PistonHeads Annual Service on 9 August 2025 at Bicester Motion.