Chassis No. P2216

Engine No. V105ME

The Morgan Plus Four introduced at the 1950 Earl's Court Motor Show, marked a significant upgrade for the Morgan Motor Company after World War II. It featured a more powerful 2,088 cc engine from the Standard Vanguard, replacing the 4/4 model's 1,267 cc engine. The chassis was widened and strengthened, with a longer wheelbase enhancing stability and handling. Hydraulic brakes, a first for Morgan, improved braking performance over earlier mechanical systems.

This car, one of 117 Drophead Coupes with the early style "flat radiator," is believed to have the most extensive period racing history of its type. Between 1951 and 1959, it competed in 29 events including the Prescott Hill Climb, Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, Exeter Trial, RAC International 6 Hour Rally, Lands End Trial, Edinburgh Rally, and at Silverstone. During these events the car achieved multiple victories and accolades, demonstrating exceptional performance both as a private entry and part of the factory racing team.

During its racing career, the car was returned to Morgan in 1954, where it was "modernized" with a new cowled front-style radiator, a Triumph TR2 engine, and Cam Gears steering. Its original owner, John Moore of Shelsley Beauchamp, sold the car to Jimmy Ray of Liverpool in 1955. The car was then sold to Miss Margery Salmond of Bearsden in Glasgow, whose brother was driving the car when it was in an unfortunate accident in 1965.

The car remained untouched until 1972 when it was discovered, alongside another vintage Plus 4, by a Morgan enthusiast searching for parts for his Plus 4. As a well-informed enthusiast, he recognized the car registration, KNP 5, as having participated in many period races and decided the car needed to be saved. After purchasing the two cars, the owner spent the ensuing years gathering parts until the comprehensive restoration was completed in 2005, bringing the car back to its former glory. Beginning with the chassis, a new frame was sourced to serve as the ideal foundation for the detailed restoration. Finished in Oxford Blue, the car proudly retains its distinctive flat radiator, just like when it was new. The detailed history file accompanying KNP 5 provides a thorough accounting of the restoration process.

As proof of the level of work completed and its historical significance, this Morgan was shown at the 2018 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, earning a first-in-class award, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in 2019. The car has been featured in Morgan racing historian Jake Alderson's books, Morgan Sports Cars, The Early Years, and Morgan Sports Cars, The Heritage Years. In total, both books dedicate over 45 pages to the car, including numerous period photographs.

As offered today, this 1951 Morgan Plus Four Drophead Coupe is a wonderfully restored example of this rarely-seen variant. With an intriguing race history dating back to its earliest days, this car would be an excellent addition to any collection of post-war English icons, a welcome participant at numerous events, or perhaps with a start number and necessary competition logbook, leading the pack on track once again.