Although Rover’s attempts to acquire Morgan in 1966 had proved fruitless, it nevertheless granted the sports car manufacturer access to its newly acquired, ex-Buick, lightweight aluminium V8 with a view to cementing a supply contract. Hired by the Malvern works to assess the powerplant’s merits, race engineer Maurice Owen lost little time in shoehorning one into a Morgan Plus 4 chassis. With trials of the resultant prototype successfully undertaken in 1967, the Plus 8 debuted at the following year’s Earls Court Motor Show. Built along familiar Morgan lines, its ladder frame chassis was equipped with independent ‘sliding pillar’ front suspension, a leaf-sprung rear axle and front disc and rear drum brakes. Supported by an ash frame, its swooping bodywork looked as traditional as ever but gave no clues as to the new model’s performance potential. Initially equipped with a four-speed Moss gearbox but later Rover four- and five-speed units (the latter from 1978), Autocar magazine found even the earliest Plus 8 capable of 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds and 124mph, making it the fastest accelerating British-built car in period. Today, Plus 8s are much sought after as they continue to be regularly at the front of the pack at historic race meets.

Finished in striking Rosso Corsa with grey leather upholstery, this beautifully presented Morgan Plus 8 is an excellent example of the highly desirable fuel-injected V8 model. Showing just over 50,000 miles from new, the car combines exceptional originality, strong provenance and the exhilarating performance that has made the Plus 8 one of Morgan’s most celebrated models. Chassis R9869 comes to market from the care of a fastidious owner who has cherished the car for the past four years, maintaining it to a high standard throughout his ownership. The car presents exceptionally well, with the Rosso Corsa paintwork retaining an excellent finish with very few, if any, notable imperfections, complemented by a smart grey leather interior that perfectly suits the car’s sporting character. Powered by the legendary 3.5-litre Rover V8 with fuel injection, this Plus 8 delivers effortless performance, a wonderful soundtrack and a driving experience that remains as engaging today as when it left the factory. When I picked up the car and faced a near 300-miles drive back to our showroom, the car performed faultlessly, pulling strongly through the gears, maintaining correct operating temperatures in 30-odd degree temperatures, and exhibiting all the characteristics expected of a well-sorted Plus 8.

The accompanying history file is particularly impressive, containing MOT certificates dating back to the car’s first recorded test in 1990, together with numerous maintenance invoices and supporting documentation. The current V5C records just four former keepers, further reinforcing the car’s well-preserved history. Desirable factory power-assisted steering enhances the driving experience, making the car equally enjoyable on longer touring journeys and spirited weekend drives. Supplied with a fresh MOT, spare keys, hood, tonneau cover, side screens, luggage rack, rain cover, spare wheel cover, full bumpers and current V5C registration document, this Plus 8 is complete and ready to be enjoyed immediately.

A wonderfully original and highly usable example of Morgan’s iconic V8 roadster, offering charm, performance and pedigree in equal measure.

An increasingly sought-after fuel-injected Plus 8 with low mileage, excellent history and outstanding presentation throughout. Viewing is highly recommended.

£24,995.