[{"id": 6132509, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hi and Welcome to this auction of my wife\u2019s 1971 Morgan +8. First let me say that I am NOT a Morgan expert. My wife inherited the car when her father passed and my education in Morgans began in the fall of 2019 as I brought the car home from the airplane hangar it had spent the last several years in to begin preparing it for this auction. My goal was to get the car to a point to prove that it is a solid running example of a \u201cNarrow Body\u201d +8 and then pass it on to a new owner who could then decide if they wanted to fully restore the car or do the smaller things that would turn it into a solid driver. I am going to take a page from The Hack Mechanic\u2019s book and go through the car from top to bottom and list the good, the bad, and the ugly that I am aware of.\r\n\r\nHistory:\r\nThe car was purchased off the showroom floor of Automobiles of Italy (owned by Antoly Arutonoff) in Tulsa, OK by my wife\u2019s father in 1971. You would think that such a bright colored car would have to be special ordered, and it was, but by Antoly, not my father-in-law. While researching this car, I was put in touch with Antoly, who must be quite a character to meet in person, and this is what he remembered about the color combo: \u201ci remember having regrets that i didn\u2019t order the car in some bizarre color combo\u2026perhaps better sense did prevail!\u201d I wonder what makes a bizarre color combo in his mind. Anyway, Bob brought the car home and then just used it for pretty weekend trips to a nearby resort town or local errands around town. Bob always had both a Cadillac and a Lincoln for daily driving so the Morgan did not see much use. \r\nThis brings us to a point I am sure some of you are interested in \u2013 the car\u2019s mileage. Unfortunately, Bob was not much of a record keeper so there is no good paper trail to verify the miles. While I do not believe that the car has only done 14,500 miles as shown, I have good reason to believe it is not a lot more than that. Looking at one of the few receipts I do have on the car, Bob ordered a new speedometer cable along with other parts directly from Morgan back in 1991 which indicates that there may have been miles put on the car that were not registered due to a broken cable. The seats of the car were redone, and I believe the paint was touched up about this time as well. Another quote from Antoly (the capitalization and punctuation is just as he sent it in the email): \u201cYears later i was told the car was brought in with a very ratty interior; we didn\u2019t do that kind of work and i think the car was just in for a tune-up. Seems like someone told me the car didn\u2019t have many miles on it but the owner wasn\u2019t interested in selling. that\u2019s all i can tell you\u2014i might\u2019ve driven it up and down the street just.to feel it out.\u201d \r\nI started dating my wife in 1992 and it was that summer that I first saw the car. I do remember Bob commenting on the low mileage back then and I will have others that have anecdotal evidence on the mileage comment here as well, I hope. The earliest paper evidence I can find of mileage is a 2004 registration from the state of Arkansas showing 13,700 miles. At that time, the car was being stored in a climate-controlled warehouse as Bob was a beer distributor. He even got one of those car bubbles for it at one point. After Bob passed, the car was moved into an airplane hangar where it was started every 3 to 4 weeks and occasionally driven around the building to keep the fluids moving. In the 29 years that I have been around this car, I can honestly say it has been driven more in the last 18 months preparing for this auction than it was for the entire 27 years before that. Obviously, this is pretty light and circumstantial evidence for the mileage, but it is all I have so use it as you see fit. Regardless of the actual miles, this car will need some additional refurbishment in my opinion before it is ready for a long journey.\r\n(continued)", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1619621842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132533, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Body:\r\nOverall, the body is in very good condition. The car has never been in an accident that anyone in the family can remember and I see no evidence of repairs being done. There is a place on the driver\u2019s side of the rear bumper that seems a little deformed like the someone eased backward into something. It does not appear to be a real hit of any kind. There is some rust bubbling the paint on the passenger door as shown in the pictures. The metal floorboards also have surface rust as shown but are very solid. I have left them as they are so the new owner could see exactly what shape they were in and address the issue in their preferred manner. I have been told that only about 50 of the +8\u2019s came with these metal floorboards. The wood is solid and strong but there is damage under the driver\u2019s seat incurred by some kind of undercarriage strike by a rock or other debris. This is also shown in the pictures. The only good thing about the damage is it does show that the wood is solid and not delaminating. The body was undercoated with the black tar like coating available back then which seems to have done a very good job in protecting the car overall.\r\n\r\nPaint & Chrome:\r\nFrom fifteen feet away, the paint looks pretty decent. However, there are lots of flaws upon a close inspection and I have tried to make sure to highlight all of them in the pictures. The car shows signs of touchup paint being applied to rock chips and other blemishes in some areas. While there does seem to be a lot of chipping around the fenders, the main road between Bob\u2019s house and the resort town he liked to frequent had several miles of rock chat and oil surface which helps account for that. There are also two very large chips (one on each fender) that are shown in the pictures. There is also a discoloration on the running board on the passenger side that looks to have been caused by something leaking out of the engine compartment at some time or other. I have tried to show that in the pictures, but it is a pretty subtle difference and easily overlooked in-person, much less in a picture regardless of the quality of the image. There are also spots that show overspray in certain areas but I do not know if that is typical Morgan or evidence of further paintwork later. The chrome is in particularly good condition overall with little or no pitting. The glass and plastic on the lights is in excellent shape as well. As it is, the car attracts a lot of attention and delight from people of all ages. The next owner could feasibly just address the rust bubbles in the passenger door and enjoy the car for quite a while. A complete repaint would be required for an owner wanting to restore the car to like new condition.\r\n\r\nInterior:\r\nThe seats were redone in the early 1990\u2019s as previously stated but the driver\u2019s seat is showing wear again. The original headrests were removed (and are no longer around) and the holes for them upholstered over during the refit. Additionally, chrome trim was used in place of the rolled leather along the tops of the fenders in the luggage area. The leather on the steering wheel is still soft but has cracked in places. The gauges all work although the tachometer takes a minute to warm up and is most consistent at over 1,500 rpm. The temperature gauge works but shows the engine as running hot even though it is not as verified by infrared thermometer readings. According to some Morgan folks, this could be a voltage regulator issue but electrical is not my thing and I never tracked it down. The lights, blinkers, horn, windshield wipers, etc. all work as expected. The leather on and above the dash is in very good condition. The bars for the top are in very good condition. The soft top and tonneau cover are in like new condition. I do not believe they are original but the fit and looks are perfect as shown in the pictures. The door cards are in good shape but the rolled leather on top of the doors is starting to show some signs of aging. The car does come with the hard side curtains/windows which are in decent shape for their age. As with the paint and chrome, the car is fine and fun to drive as is but would require a complete redo to get into showroom condition.\r\n(continued)", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1619622099, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132585, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Drivetrain:\r\nThe engine is the original numbers matching Rover V8 as shown on the Morgan certificate. In preparation for this sale the coolant was flushed, and the oil and filter changed. Additional work done in the past year includes rebuilding the SU carburetors and the AED unit (additional carb that acts as a choke to enrich the mixture for cold starts), replacing plugs, plug wires, distributor with electronic ignition (original distributor with points and condenser will come with the car as will any other non-wear parts that have been replaced during this process), and new thermostat and radiator pressure cap. The engine starts easily warm or cold with 5 to 10 seconds of cranking when cold and immediate fire up on warm starts. The engine idles as it should and pulls strongly as the rpms climb. The mechanic that Bob used over the years apparently disabled one of the vacuum units and some of the smog equipment although I believe most, if not all, of it is still present in the engine bay. The car has been wired with an always-on fuel pump and always-on cooling fan. The car comes with the Moss 4 speed gear box. Overall, it shifts well but it is showing some signs of synchro wear shifting from 1st to 2nd or from 3rd to 2nd. If you are not precise, some grinding can occur. Some of this may be me as this is the only car with a Moss gearbox I have ever driven, and it definitely has a personality all its own. The shop I had check out the car said that the transmission had a small leak. While I have seen some small spotting from oil leaking from around the oil pan, I have not had any at all from around the transmission show up on my garage floor. The suspension seems to be in order except for the old rubber bits, but I am not super familiar with the kingpin front suspension on these things. It does not have much, if any, vibration in the 50 to 55 mph range which is supposed to be a sign of wear for the front end according to some of the Morgan people I have been in contact with. The tires carry date codes from the 90\u2019s but show no outward signs of age or cracking or having flat spots. I would definitely replace the tires before any extended time is spent at highway speeds. I chose to leave tire replacement to the next owner because there are not many tire options for this car but the ones you do have are very different from each other in performance and weather capability and only the new owner would know which was best for them. If the winner of this auction would like to have the tires replaced before picking the car up, I will be glad to work you on that. The wheels are the +8 specific mag wheels that came standard on this car and are in good condition. I did discover that the center caps (chrome plastic with the Morgan wings logo) are being held in place through the use of silicone sealant as the clips don\u2019t grab well enough to hold them on the wheel.\r\nDrivability:\r\nIn the condition that car is in right now, I would not take it on a long trip. Obviously, the tires are a big reason for this, but this is a car that has spent most of the last 30 years not doing very much at all. While it is quite possible a long trip would go off without a hitch, I would want to change out any questionable bushings, seals, etc. before heading out on such a journey. I would also want to upgrade the brake master cylinder from the original to a safer dual cylinder version. The brakes on the car are fine but the upgrade is something almost all Morgan people recommend. I have no problem with the idea of driving the car around town or on short trips to the countryside. It really is a lot of fun to drive and even little kids light up when they see it coming. If we had the garage space, we would probably keep it but we do not so it would have to go back into storage which just feels wrong for this car. It needs a person who can and will take it out regularly on pretty days and enjoy it for what it is.\r\n\r\nThe car is located in Northwest Arkansas and is legal for test drives. The local British motor club also has members that would be glad to give a 3rd party opinion to interested bidders. Use the Contact Seller button and I can put you in contact with their president.\r\n\r\nFinally, as I am sure that I have missed things, I will respond as quickly as I can to questions and to provide more images or videos if any are requested.\r\n\r\nThanks,\r\nJim", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1619622654, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132645, "authorName": "centerfireman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/centerfireman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jims850: Thank you for the detailed description of the car\u2019s history and flaws; this type of disclosure is always perceived as a positive in these auctions and should increase bidders\u2019 comfort level.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619623415, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132648, "authorName": "TransitGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/transitguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Finally !! Noddy's car on BaT !\r\n(I wish my Mum were alive to see this \"nod\" to the past ...)\r\n\r\nThank you, Seller, for brightening my day .. and for such an honest presentation.\r\nBest wishes for a satisfactory auction.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619623446, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132678, "authorName": "azguy238", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/azguy238/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ketchup & Mustard! You'll certainly stand out at the next gathering of the Morgans. GLWTA", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619623958, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132707, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@centerfireman - You are welcome. It seems that it is the flaws that get emphasized but I hope I also made it clear that I believe that this is a solid car overall.\r\n\r\n@TransitGuy - you are welcome and thanks!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619624487, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132775, "authorName": "2ndgearstop", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2ndgearstop/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "If only it had the optional relish and onions", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619625458, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132779, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@2ndgearstop and @azguy238 - there is room in here for a bun joke I am sure but I don't think it would help the auction lol", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1619625535, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6132810, "authorName": "Ishy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ishy/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by Ishy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619625924, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6132857, "authorName": "TransitGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/transitguy/", "bidAmount": 4621, "content": "$4,621 bid placed by TransitGuy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619626588, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6133154, "authorName": "moodymanitobamorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/moodymanitobamorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jims850 -Very pleased to see that after18 months of anticipation, this very unique car has the opportunity to shine gloriously on BAT. \nJim, your descriptive introductive commentary was the best I've ever had the pleasure of reading here. \n Best auction wishes to you, and all the bidders. I wish circumstances permitted me to be among them.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619629760, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133225, "authorName": "sjmorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjmorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "One quick note: There were far more than 50 metal floor +8s. Mine had the floors, and it was number 133 (delivered mid '69), and the cars before mine all had metal floors, and likely all the cars up to maybe 400 or so, as the was the end of the narrow body +8. All the early, narrow body, Moss gearbox +8s I have seen have or had metal floors. \r\nIt is likely that many (if not most) of the +8s with metal floors had their floors replaced with wood, as became standard on all the +8s after the metal floor was discontinued due to constant problems with rust. The wood floors were still the standard material for all of the \"classic\" +8s until the end of production. \r\n\r\nThis one may have good metal floors, but they will have to be cleaned up to identify any thin spots.\r\n\r\nHere is a lovely, unmolested +8 that really needs a good clean up and detail to retain the beneficial patina and originality. It is correct right down to its Asrali steering wheel and vinyl covered instrument panel. It has a clear history as well. One looking for a +8 that is original can't do better than this one. \r\n\r\nThe Moss gearbox might shift better if Redline 75W90 NS gear lube is used. This is a \"non slip\" lube that will give the synchronizers a bit more authority and improve shifting. This lubricant can also be used in the LSD should it be a little \"sloppy\", exhibiting a little too much \"slip\". \r\n\r\nThere are not half a dozen of these cars available in the entire world. The early +8s are highly regarded as being very rare, very light, quite quick and fun to drive. They have the classic Morgan low line body, and the Moss gearbox to deliver the most Morgan of experiences.\r\n\r\nI would bid, but I already have one...", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1619630415, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133232, "authorName": "19puck47", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/19puck47/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by 19puck47", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619630540, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6133247, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sjmorgan - Thanks for correcting me about the floors. As I said in the first sentence of my writeup, I am NOT a Morgan expert. I was told that by someone else from the Morgan world but it seems that perhaps they were wrong or maybe they just meant that not many of the +8's still had their steel floors - I don't know.\r\n\r\nThanks also for sharing your knowledge about the +8 in general!\r\n\r\nJim", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619630768, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133295, "authorName": "Duncan_same_old", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/duncan_same_old/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We're off to a good start with a good presentation and a seller who is open about the car's needs. This one is a real find.\n\nRe: the Moss gearbox synchros, this is one case where it's true that \"they all do that.\" Due to the design, one can make the (steel) synchros more effective at the cost of increasing the effort required to move the lever, leaving it feeling very \"notchy\" whereas dialing out some of this effort results in the synchros feeling less effective. Double clutching helps, but the main things that help are 1) when at a full stop, partially engage second gear before reaching for the non-synchronized first or reverse gears and 2) upshift in a 2-step motion: pull the lever out of gear and against the gate for the next gear, then halt for a half second before moving the lever all the way home. @sjmorgan is right about finding the proper lubricant for the gearbox to get the best feel and performance out if it. Many just use non-detergent 30 weight motor oil but I've also tried Redline MTL and Shockproof gear lube and also AC Delco Friction Modified Synchromesh Fluid, part number 10-4014.\n\nHe's likely right about the steel floors, too. I'd long heard the \"there were only 50 of them\" story but wondered why mine, a North American-spec 1971 model (35 cars before the auction car), has them unless they were used for only a brief period of production.\n\nThe master cylinder on this car looks a lot like mine, which is a dual-circuit type. I also see two brake boosters, which my car also has, one for the front brakes and one for the rears. I have read that the USA models were required to have a dual circuit brake system but that Morgan continued to build single-circuit brakes for other countries.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1619631402, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133347, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Duncan_same_old - Thanks for sharing your expertise here as well. These cars are so rare it is really hard to find definitive info about them outside of the tightly knit and friendly Morgan community.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619631774, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133419, "authorName": "VinMog", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vinmog/", "bidAmount": 20000, "content": "$20,000 bid placed by VinMog", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619632642, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 6133451, "authorName": "sjmorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjmorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Using the NS type of lubricant does increase the shift effort somewhat, but it is in character with the rest of the Morgan's controls. \r\nThe Moss is of antediluvian design, with synchros that could best be called \"proto synchros\", but with practice, the gearbox shifts just fine. Remember, these cars were the fastest accelerating cars available in the UK back in the late '60s, early '70s, even with the Moss gearbox. \r\nSo... Yes, the first gear is straight cut, and not synchronized. To get into first, come to a complete stop, touch second gear (to stop the transmission internals from rotating) and engage 1st gear. The other way is to double clutch into 1st, which takes a bit of skill, and you don't want to make a mistake... The good part of all this is that the +8 of this year has relatively short gearing, and pulling away from a near stop in 2nd is no problem. \r\nShifting from 1st to 2nd requires a brief hesitation and an even pressure \"pull\" into 2nd (Snick!), not a \"jerk\"(Crunch!). One gets the hang of it as one learns about the Morgan's handling (fun), ride (\"vintage\"), and power (more than you might think, as the thing only weighs about 1950 lbs). In a few miles of driver experience, it becomes \"just a gearbox\" to be shifted and enjoyed. \r\nA '71 Morgan with dual brake boosters would have dual circuit braking. Also, it is important to note that the Morgan +8 does have good brakes, in keeping with the car's power and acceleration. They are not like modern, ABS brakes, but they are firm, and easily modulated, with good fade resistance, stability and with good tires, relatively short stopping distances, given the early 70s era of production. \r\nIf you are tired of lovely 4 cylinder sports cars of this era with their 10 second 0-60 times, you will be blown away by the contemporary power available from a well tuned +8 Morgan. Plenty of power to push you right back into the seat, in any gear. \r\nBid high and often.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1619632870, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6133611, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@sjmorgan - your description of first to second, \"Shifting from 1st to 2nd requires a brief hesitation and an even pressure \u201cpull\u201d into 2nd (Snick!), not a \u201cjerk\u201d(Crunch!).\" is spot on with my experience with this car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619633523, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6135016, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Early Plus 8's are very unique and enjoyable automobiles. Much more like a Plus 4 with tons of power than like the last batch of Plus 8's that the factory produced. I am the second owner of a very early non US Plus 8 that came in via the Canadian dealer, Metro Motors. I purchased the car as a basket case 30 years ago from the estate of the original owner, restored it and enjoyed it ever since. It is interesting to note the changes that occurred to these cars over the model run of Moss box cars.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619640098, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6135271, "authorName": "WPW", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wpw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a young gearhead in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I used to love seeing this car around on the rare occasions that it was driven. The owner used to \"store\" it in the showroom of a local car dealership run by one of his friends. Finally talked my dad in to taking me to see it one day. A rare sight then. Too bad I am too tall . . .", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619641396, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6136698, "authorName": "CBT3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/cbt3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I thought the first owner would have been Ronald McDonald, but I was wrong.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619648030, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6136741, "authorName": "Rikky_VonOpel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rikky_vonopel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@WPW I have a '69 and am 6'2\". I fit with room to spare.\r\n\r\nThese are truly fantastic cars. More fun than you could imagine.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619648646, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6136756, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@CBT3 - he may have gotten with Antoly to pick colors but had to pass when his shoes wouldn't fit. It is definitely a unique color combo but I like it on this car. Not to imply that it is a clown car but that it provides a circus load of fun.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619648857, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6137760, "authorName": "OldishGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldishguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So glad that your year+ long effort finally has the +8 up for auction. I am dying to know if you have the original purchase paperwork. My curiosity revolves around what I paid for my 1971 USA spec +8 (R7425), compared to what they sold for at the same time here in the USofA. Thus my request. Here is the list from my 1 July 1971 PURCHASE ORDER (I have the original letter) signed by Mr. Day, Sales Manager. \"One U.S. modified Plus 8, Golden Yellow $4200.00. Extras: Rear Bumper - N/C; Luggage carrier - 38.56; Defroster - 4.82; Double underseal - 36.15; Spare wheel cover - 6.02; 4 Months motor taxation - 22.00; Plates - 7.23. Total price: $4,314.78. I'll add that at that time a UK/European spec +8 was $3,200. My understanding: Morgan added an arbitrary $1,000 to the US model's price to cover having to crash test a car, plus the other US model \"stuff.\" I had to pay to ship the +8 to the USofA, spent a couple grand or so on shipping and lots of stuff, replaced the radiator and pulleys with a warranty unit shipped from Malvern, blah, blah, blah. Sold the +8 in 1976 for $12,250. That was a LOT of money at the time!! On the other hand, the $4,315 I paid would be about $28,221 today. And the $12,250 would be a bit over $57,000 today. What's the saying? \"That was then; now is now?\" So back to the original question: if you have the original purchase info we'd all love to see it. I don't think doing so will negatively impact your final auction results.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619667189, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6137904, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@OldishGuy - Thanks! It has been a process with lots of unusual things (like Covid) getting in the way but we made it. Unfortunately I don't have that paperwork. As I said in my main write up, Bob wasn't much of a record keeper (or maybe I should say you never knew what he might keep - I have a ton of the early annual registration cards issued by Arkansas for this car but the early ones didn't include mileage unfortunately) My mother-in-law (Bob's wife at the time) remembers it being in the $5,000 range, give or take just a bit. She was with Bob the day he bought it. Antoly told me in correspondence that the first Morgan he bought at Earl's Court cost him under $3,300 which is in line with your numbers. Really do wish he had kept the purchase info and the service records but that wasn't his style. As a local car guy that knew Bob and his cars well said, \"Bob's cars were always over serviced and over washed\". He really was a neat freak but it was for his enjoyment, not the collectability of any of his cars.\r\n\r\nCheers,\r\n\r\nJim", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619671918, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138167, "authorName": "StuB", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/stub/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Perfect car for a Burgermeister", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619697044, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138287, "authorName": "86acmkiv", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/86acmkiv/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So this appears to be a single exhaust +8 with the driver\u2019s side pipe from the manifold passing in front the oil pan to the passenger side. +8\u2019s are known for being hot due to V8 power and no insulation so this one ought to be a real roaster.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619700000, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138397, "authorName": "Brucerudin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brucerudin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a +8 owner in the midst of a rebuild, you realize that the build quality from the factory is awful and this era of cars had no protection from rust and wood decay at all. With that being said once you dive into the world of Morgan fanatics you realize that there are endless projects that you can do to improve your car. From Brake reaction bars that stabilize the front crossbar for $49 to a Vitesse Mazda MX5 gearbox that is modern and sweet. The suspension can also be dramatically improved with SSL kits front and rear. I look at my car as a hot rod that is happy to have the upgrades. And it's actually pretty easy to make theses cars way better than they were new. In fact Morgan might be the only manufacturer where you can rebuild your 1971 car and end up with the equivalent of a 2018 car. As a last point, for everyone that drives an MG, Healey,Triumph of that era or older, this car is completely different. It is really fast. And feels faster. You will never go back to 4 or 6 cylinders again.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1619701501, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138449, "authorName": "Bobror", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobror/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I assume this car runs on gasoline. Sounds like a silly statement but I recall reading a road test in, I believe, Road &Track back in the day of a +8 and it was propane powered to pass US smog laws. Does anyone know anything about that?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619702170, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138459, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Bobror - Yes, this is and always was a gas car. Shortly after, the EPA laws tightened enough that there was a propane conversion to get around them as you recall. I believe it was done by a particular importer here in the US but I will let the Morgan experts elaborate.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619702398, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138510, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@86acmkiv - The longest drive I have had in this car was about 45 minutes on a 90 degree day. It was in light traffic with few lights. I really didn't notice excessive heat coming from the front. I could see what you are talking about being an issue on a hot day in stop and go traffic for sure. The carpet in the car is very thick in the floor and on the firewall creating some insulation from the engine compartment so maybe that was making the difference. as well.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619702992, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138517, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think I can make the statement that all Moss gearbox cars were petrol. A few early cars were non US cars that drifted in from Canada, non emission carbs, non DOT safety and lighting, etc. etc. A later group were built for the US market and had emission carbs, US legal lighting and certain safety features. This car appears to be one of those. Bill Fink, now sadly gone of Isis Imports, brought a group of later cars in, mostly PLus 8's that he converted to propane and added certain safety mods that got them through the DOT regs. of the time. This is not one of those cars.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1619703119, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6138733, "authorName": "86acmkiv", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/86acmkiv/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The car has the hole in the valance on the driver side for the exhaust header or pipe to pass through. It would fairly simple convert to dual exhaust. Morgan offered numerous single and dual systems over time. A pipe from the manifold to a similar exhaust as the passenger would increase performance, improved sound and reduce cockpit temperature. I have had three Morgans any really admire the early narrow body +8\u2019s.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619705540, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6139180, "authorName": "RegTheJock", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/regthejock/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "British people of a certain age will not be able to see this without thinking \"Noddy\". GLWTA.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619711125, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6139304, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These early cars had a single exhaust with a cross over. The pipes went through the chassis as the Plus 4's, rather than the valance. I notice this one does have a hole on the opposite side also so this could have had duals or perhaps this was added at some time. My early car had a single exhaust originally, but it also has a new chassis and I cut the extra hole to run dual exhausts as a V-8 should have.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619712566, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6139534, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@morganplus8 - This is one of those times where I wish I had more documentation. I looked at the vintage photos and you can see the muffler in one and it appears smaller than the one currently on the car. Also, the current one is stainless (was that available from Morgan?) I believe which Bob would have liked for the bling factor. Bob loved his bling. Each Cadillac and Lincoln he bought was immediately sent out to have every trim surface possible coated with gold and the windows tinted dark. He always owned one in Black and one in Red, alternating which was which over time and depending on which brand had the best red that year. Regardless, one look and you knew it was a \"Bob Car\". I occasionally see his last red Caddy around town and it still makes me smile. The only cars he owned that were not covered in bling in all the years I knew him were a string of BMW Z3M's and a Z4M. They were all black on black and he didn't do anything to them cosmetically or mechanically. The last was a 2006 Z4M that was sold with just over 3,000 miles on it in 2015. The BMW's had replaced the Morgan for most of the trips to the resort town and for top down jaunts around town.\r\n\r\nSorry for the veer off topic a bit there but the bottom line is I don't know the original configuration of the exhaust on the car. The vintage photo could show what is currently on the car or just one half of a dual system. As you say though, this car already prepped for a dual exhaust if the new owner wanted to go that way.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619715384, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6139766, "authorName": "sjmorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjmorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My early +8 still has the single exhaust, with a crossover to the opposite bank then an exit through the frame, then back under the running board. The hangers are just L shaped metal brackets attached to the frame, as installed by Morgan. On my car, the crossover goes around the starter, exiting on the right side through the port in the frame. There is an identical port on the opposite side as well. \nBeing that my car is 52 years old, the muffler was replaced with a 30\" glass pack, but this one seems to have a Morgan type silencer (probably straight through) that fits beneath the running board. \nThere is no hole in the valence for an exhaust pass through. \nIt is relatively easy to install dual exhausts if both through the frame ports are clear using the original iron headers. Morgan spares has the pipes, mufflers and brackets.\nI have a set of Morgan branded stainless headers that will exit through the valence, as with some of the later cars, in a dual exhaust system. This should unleash probably 20 HP, improve throttle response and make the car just that much more exiting. \nThrough the valence headers are far less complex than the basket of worms that are required to get a through the frame exit. \nHowever... This one is ORIGINAL. 'Not many early +8s still with their original family ownership, in as delivered condition.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619718260, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6140084, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I can assure you that Morgan did not use stainless in those days for exhaust systems! I did build a set of headers that exit through these chassis holes rather then the valances to just sort of keep things as they were. I did not want to cut my valances up, but do realize that I probably would have picked up a few h.p. going in that direction. My car has a later over bored 3.9 short block so isn't lacking in power as it is.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619719906, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6140255, "authorName": "Brucerudin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brucerudin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Libra de is the UK supplier of probably the best exhausts for these cars. They highly recommend the headers that exit through the valences. Much easier to do it the car is all apart. But it does add about 25hp and the sound is great. Worth ceramic coating the exhaust to keep cockpit temps down. It's a remarkable decrease in under bonnet heat.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619720596, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6140261, "authorName": "Brucerudin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brucerudin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sorry, Librands. Spell check killed me.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619720622, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6141580, "authorName": "OldishGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/oldishguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My '71 had a single exhaust, exiting at the passenger-side rear of the car. I replaced it with a Cherry Bomb with a turnout exiting in front of the rear wheel. It was too loud. I put the original system back on before selling the car. And as everyone else already mentioned: no synchro on first gear. Come to a complete stop before shifting into 1st. Or simply drive as a 3 speed. My Morgan literature from the era touts the fact that a +8 will pull from stopped in 4th gear. I never tried it.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619726795, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6142004, "authorName": "professorgearhead", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/professorgearhead/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a '71 +8 for years. My wife and I toured it all through the Pacific northwest of Canada and the US, camping (we were young). We had a rule: no more than 200 miles per day because they are so wonderfully visceral that one ends up with sensory overload. I raced it, we rallied it, and we drove it everywhere. In my estimation, these narrow-bodied cars are far prettier than the later ones. Oh, and those seats are the most comfy Morgan ever put in any of their cars. Fabulous car!\n\nA common sign of less-than-perfect restoration of rust in the sills is a missing vertical seam immediately below each door. It is common to trowel filler over the rust in the dogleg, and carry it forward, hiding the sins underneath. I can\u2019t see from the photos whether the seam is there\u2014as it should be. The Moss box is much maligned, primarily by people who don\u2019t know what they are talking about. Yes, they shift slowly, and each shift should be in stages, but they are wonderfully direct.\n\nEdit: photo 30 and 42 show the little seams. Both there. The world is a better place.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619729441, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6142626, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@professorgearhead - thanks for the insight! It is what I love about BAT - People with specific knowledge share it with everyone in the auction. The vertical seam disappearing in a less than concours restoration is something that I didn't see in my research. Of course I don't think this car has had more than touchup paintwork done to the body but this kind info helps verify that.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619732044, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6142736, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@OldishGuy - I haven't heard the term Cherry Bomb in years! I had one put on my first car, a 1972 Jensen Healey and it was a blast to drive around and rattle windows with. Of course I got it when I was 16 so it made perfect sense to me then. Might be a little different all these years later though.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619732558, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6142829, "authorName": "Brucerudin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brucerudin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The vertical seam was a transition from the front scuttle material which was steel on all cars and the rear of the body which was aluminum on many others. I doubt anyone would lose sleep if that seam was missing.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619733044, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6143650, "authorName": "86acmkiv", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/86acmkiv/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The cast iron exhaust manifolds flow fairly well but hold heat long than tubular headers. The expensive stainless system are nice but not necessary. A good exhaust shop can fabricate a a good set of pipes for not much money. K&N make a intake filter that will help with performance & mileage.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619743434, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6143833, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The missing vertical seam is point at which the rear quarter panels and the lower leg of the scuttle butt up to one another, there is a hidden tab as I recall on the edge of the dog leg that is nailed or screwed to the rocker timber below. This is all covered by the leg of the rear quarter panel which on these early cars would be steel and not alloy. One does not know if or how well repairs may have been carried out on this car. Hiding the seam certainly denotes that something was done in this area.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619745952, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6144208, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@morganplus8 - glad that seam is intact on this car to help confirm the car's condition.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619754519, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6144311, "authorName": "Speedraser", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/speedraser/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This brings back so many great memories. I had a \u201871 +8 for 22 years and drove it 50,000 miles. Absolutely fantastic car, the most fun you can have on four wheels. Mine was also one of the 50 or so US spec cars. It had the steel floors, as I believe all Moss \u2018box +8s did. I don\u2019t think any Rover 4-speed cars had steel floors. My car had a single, round outside mirror on the driver\u2019s door, the rectangular suction cup rearview mirror, and the +8 spotlights. Its serial number is just 10 after this one, and it left the factory in August 1971. I miss it terribly. An early +8 is a truly unique and wonderful experience.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619758354, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6144448, "authorName": "morganplus8", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morganplus8/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes, the seam is intact as it should be! Jim are you sure you really want to sell this car?! There seems to be a lot of lamenting from those who had these cars and sold them! I will never sell mine!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619776383, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6144493, "authorName": "Duncan_same_old", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/duncan_same_old/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The new owner should join a couple of Morgan discussion groups: Google's \"MOG-group\" and morganexperience.com.\n\nSince I first saw one in the late 1960s Morgans had been at the top of my list. I've had several but our 1971 Plus 8 is the last non-daily driver car we'll part with. My wife said long ago that if I die first, she'll sell all the other cars but keep the Plus 8, and not just for the memories or the friends we have met because of it -- she also knows how to score very well in the Morgan club autocross events. I never tire of seeing the smiles it generates among pedestrians and other drivers. No \"there's a rich b*stard with his toy\" stares...\n\nMorgans invite tinkering. Among the modifications I did to my 1971 Plus 8 was bolting on a set of used Plus 8 headers from a later Plus 8 with a pair of Smithy's mufflers with side exit exhaust (the sound of which is barely audible in the cockpit at 70 mph). I made other changes with the intention of making it a better-driving, easier-to-maintain car but kept the original parts for the eventual new owner. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carb and manifold improved throttle response and rather than rebuild the worn-out engine I used a new 4.0 liter short block, which by itself probably added another 30 ft-lbs of torque. The original owner had installed tubular rear shocks and for improved handling I added a panhard rod at the rear and brake reaction braces to the front. It's really a fun car to toss around on an autocross course, but it's also at home burbling along enjoying the scenery on back roads at 25 mph in top gear. Someone mentioned the good torque and gearing of a Plus 8 -- the car will accelerate from 800 rpm in top gear while going up an incline without complaint. \n\nI can't say I've eliminated engine heat getting into the cockpit but I've reduced it about 90% by sealing all firewall and transmission cover penetrations and by using a product like Reflectix (reflective bubble-wrap Mylar) along the firewall and under the transmission cover (the transmission cover seemed to be the bigger culprit). After a proper cleaning, the original brass radiator is still doing the job during hot Texas summers.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1619781372, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6145007, "authorName": "IBLBCfan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/iblbcfan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Took my Plus 4 out yesterday with 3 other club members for a nice run on a beautiful Lowcountry day. We made a colorful line going down the road. A Green MG A and MGB followed by a Blue Plus 4 and a Yellow Plus 4. We all had big smiles on our faces and certainly made quite a few others smile seeing us role on down the road. \r\nIn addition to joining the groups mentioned by Duncan the new owner should, if not already, join a British or Morgan club.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619791623, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6145310, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@morganplus8 - My wife always loved this car even though she only drove it a few times while Bob was alive. That was why it was left to her. Some of her best early memories are sitting on the deck behind the passenger seat as a young girl and going for drives. It was only after it sat in the airplane hangar for 3 years after Bob's passing with no one making the effort to do other than start it and occasionally drive it around the building that she decided the car would be better off with someone who would drive it on a much more regular basis. Now that I have it in decent driving shape, if we had a 4 car garage, we wouldn't be having this conversation I don't think. If the car doesn't sell, we will have to rethink a few things and maybe this will become my project car going forward. Would pretty much just enjoy it as is (with new tires, short trips only) until next fall and then start bringing it all the way back a step at a time. You almost have me hoping the auction flames out but we will let the market decide since we have come this far.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619795602, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147197, "authorName": "86acmkiv", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/86acmkiv/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A few reasons to buy this Morgan. Approximately 125 left hand Plus 8\u2019s were built in 1971. Low mileage, this early Plus 8 weights only 3% more then the four cylinder Plus 4. The wheels are magnesium. The Moss gear box was used in early Jaguar E types and can handle lots of power. The throw is short and precise unlike the later Rover box. Since the Moss box is midship, there is more foot room.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619810883, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147209, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@RegTheJock @TransitGuy - I finally had a chance to look up \"Noddy\". I get it!! It made me smile as well. TransitGuy - was there some kind of reference with the bid you placed? Please share if there was. \r\n\r\nCheers!\r\n\r\nJim", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619810938, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147281, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Also, for those that haven't already seen it, here is a BaT article about another +8 that was owned by the dealer Bob bought the car from:\r\n\r\nhttps://bringatrailer.com/2013/07/08/tolys-1971-morgan-plus-8/", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619811236, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147741, "authorName": "TransitGuy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/transitguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Jims850 : When I first saw your stunning Plus 8 two days ago, I was bowled over by a tsunami of nostalgia .. I'd never seen such an accurate portrayal of Noddy's car before !\r\n\r\nMy mother was English, so I ended up reading mostly British children's books - including the Noddy series.\r\nAnd when, still as a child, I lived in southern England for a spell, I developed a long-lasting love of British automobiles, which I enjoy to this day ...\r\n\r\nMy bid was merely a joining of two birth years - mine and Mum's.\r\nTotally irrelevant to your auction - it just felt RIGHT to place it ...\r\nCheers for asking .. TG", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619813668, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147735, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The fun stuff is in the comments. Obviously, the car Toly once owned is no longer on Hemmings since that article is from 2013. That is from back in the day when Bring a Trailer was really about sharing interesting cars the group had found on the internet, not selling them online.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619813679, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6147769, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@TransitGuy - perfect answer! Ever so glad it made you smile. Smiles are priceless as is your story.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619813793, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6148924, "authorName": "Rikky_VonOpel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rikky_vonopel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My own feeling on original vs tasteful modifications. I believe that when you own a car it is yours as you wish to do with it so this is not slight against those who have mentioned the changes they have made to their +8's. I thought I would offer a different side to this for those who may be considering this car.\r\n\r\nI have a '69 car that was sold new in England and imported in the early '70's. My personal interest in Morgan's is many fold. My father's everyday car when I was born in '68 was a '63 DHC. During my high school / college years I worked in a Detroit area English car repair garage and loved when a Morgan came my way. The greatest impression was made by a '68 (VERY early) Moss Box +8 in McLaren Orange that I always made sure was assigned to me. Road test an oil change? ABSOLUTELY! At that point a Moss Box +8 moved to the top on my bucket list of cars. A better Allard was how I viewed it. I was fortunate enough to find a very good example about 6 years ago in a certain publication we all used to use to do so...\r\n\r\nMy love of these cars comes from this - they are for all intents and purposes '30's cars built in a later era with a more modern and powerful engine. I love pre war cars. At the same time, I also love sticking my boot in when driving any of my old cars as friends will attest. The early +8's give you the best of both. One of my favorite things of driving my car is backing out the drive way, over the curb, and feeling the entire car twist around me as the wheels descend at different times. Sitting over the rear axle as the tail kicks out when you get on it through a corner, biting for grip, Moss Box doing its best \"Stuka Dive Bomber\" imitation in first gear (the comments made on the Moss Box are all true - learn to use it and there is no other to have in a Morgan), oil stains in the garage that resemble a cross due to the One Shot system for the front end (YES - I use it as intended!), lever shocks, bronze steering bushes, SU Carbs, positive camber.... The only modification I have has been mentioned - the headers and dual exhaust. The car sings as I get on it. Like a small block Can Am car blasting past while sitting in the woods on the back straight at Mid Ohio.... You will be on it all the time.\r\n\r\nI could go on but I think I have made my point. Do the upgrades if you like and no foul. But to me, the way Maurice Owen and Peter Morgan designed them in the first place is pure bliss. \r\n\r\nBest wishes to the seller and buyer.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1619819456, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6148959, "authorName": "Rikky_VonOpel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rikky_vonopel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is a pretty good representation of what its all about (turn up the sound): \n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_5OHGe-ZWY", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619819808, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6149133, "authorName": "Speedraser", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/speedraser/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rikky_VonOpel Very well said. But you\u2019re killing me. Now I miss mine even more!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619822104, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6149207, "authorName": "Rikky_VonOpel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rikky_vonopel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Speedraser I've had a lot of cars. Had a habit of moving them on after a couple of years and miss some greatly (Aceca out of a chicken coupe that just needed some freshening... ttps://bringatrailer.com/2008/06/22/unrestred-rarity-1959-ac-aceca-coupe/) Damn!! The +8 will never leave.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619823842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6149249, "authorName": "Brucerudin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brucerudin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Part of the issue is that Morgan built their cars to a price point. When better technology came along, it didn't find its way onto the cars. I also love my prewar cars. But a car built in the 70's-2018 with rear leaf springs is hard to justify. Progressive springs in the front transform the Morgan ride. It's not like it's good... It is fun. But not good. For me the joy in these cars is the ease in which you can tinker and improve. So easy. Many jobs are inexpensive. Their is no glory in a brutally hot cockpit. No glory in skittering off the road if it's not smooth. There is glory in 200hp and 1900 pounds. The Morgan forums are an endless source of ideas to try when the weather is bad. Just great cars. And you can make it better every year you own it.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619824299, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6149460, "authorName": "Rikky_VonOpel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rikky_vonopel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have never found the cockpit in my car to be brutally hot. Other old English cars I've had, absolutely but not the Morgans. Just my own opinion on this.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619828685, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6149619, "authorName": "Speedraser", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/speedraser/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rikky_VonOpel Smart man to keep the +8, clearly. The Aceca -- very cool. @Brucerudin As has been said, to each his own. As a US car, my +8 had all the emissions stuff that this car has. I'm generally an originality guy, but I wanted to get the lost hp back, so looked for a Euro SU setup. Couldn't find one, so caved to the advice of almost everyone and put a Holley and an Offy manifold on mine (Charles Morgan approved, I learned later), and kept all the US smog stuff in a box. Otherwise, my car was exactly as it left the factory, and it was wonderful. Don't get me wrong, I understand the appeal of \"improvements.\" But I wanted it to be just as Morgan intended, and the '30s car that they just kept building -- and stuffed a light, aluminum V8 into -- was a huge part of the appeal.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619832492, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6150072, "authorName": "jims850 (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jims850/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had some time this evening and read all the comments in the BaT article I linked to earlier about the other +8 that was for sale in 2013 that had been owned by Anatoly Arutonoff (the dealer who had sold this car to Bob). There is a long post in that article by Toly himself where he describes the 3 Morgan +8's that he has been involved with, including this one. \r\n\r\nThe reason I bring this up is that when he talks about Bob's car he says that about 10 years after Bob bought it, it was brought back to him for a tranny rebuild. When I corresponded with him in November of 2019, he said it had been brought back to him for a tune up. He did not mention a tranny rebuild at all. I will confirm tomorrow or Sunday that the tranny is numbers matching (hadn't worried about it before) but I would now add to my extended description posts that the tranny may or may not have been rebuilt. I will also reach out to Toly to see if he might chime in on this issue.\r\n\r\nI also found it funny that Toly described the sale of our car as \"The last one went to some people from Arkansas who\u2019d never had anything resembling a sports car before; they bought it off the floor and drove it home.\" That was so typically Bob - see something you like... Buy it! Even if maybe you really didn't know what you were getting into. Obviously it turned into a love affair that lasted until he passed.\r\n\r\nIf you are interested in Morgans and haven't read that article, I highly recommend it. Lots of interesting points made.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1619842760, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6150551, "authorName": "morgan44", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/morgan44/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The smile you can see in the rearview mirror during the driving video says it all!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1619875235, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6156372, "authorName": "Siowner", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/siowner/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It's a great looking car. The colors give it a lot of style. It looks to be in great shape. Those Plus 8's are quite fast as I remember, like 0-60 in about 5 seconds.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1619990358, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 6157118, "authorName": "sjmorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjmorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Morgan makes cars that sell. As for a price point, well, they were never cheap, at least not here in the US. Morgans take far more hand work to build, from the bending of the wood to the hammering of the body panels. Building the chassis, front sub frame to hole the king pins for the sliding pillar setup. This is not \"price point\" engineering. I is labor necessary to produce a proper Morgan, and all that entails. This car took more time to build than a contemporary MG or TR, or Corvette. If you ordered one, you waited a long time for it, and were very happy to wrestle the non synchro 1st gear, because that's what you did with (slower) E Type, and blowing the doors off of Corvettes was great fun back then. \r\nI have always wanted a +8 (since '68, in fact), though I spent most of my time owning more modern cars, which was about EVERY car made that was NOT a Morgan. I finally got the +8 of my dreams (a '69, identical to a '68) a couple of years ago, and I am not at all dissatisfied. See, I am thinking that it is all good. The sliding pillar front end, the leaf springs (Mustangs had leaf springs for a very long time, as well as Hemi powered muscle Mopars, so... What? I had owned those as well). \r\nMorgan, over the years, improved their processes, installed transmissions with synchro 1st gears and 5th, even 6th gears, and improved the engines with more modern fuel injection. They even installed rack and pinion steering, and then... they did the Aero 8, with is about as modern as a small manufacturer could get, with an alloy monocoque, rocker suspension, and a BMW V8. The car was still very light weight, and still had wood body framework. They kept the wood because they were familiar with the fabrication, had the skilled technicians to build the