Detail Info for: 1963 Morgan Plus Four 2 DOOR 1963 Morgan Drophead Coupe for Restoration Rare, original, complete

Transaction Info

Sold On:
05/24/2017
Price:
$ 15000.00
Condition:
Mileage:
42000
Location:
Petersburg, Virginia, 23803
Seller Type:
Private Seller

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:
1963 Morgan Plus Four
Submodel Body Type:
Convertible
Engine:
TR4
Transmission:
Manual
VIN:
Vehicle Title:
Clear
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

This is a super rare find on two levels. First, it is one of less than 450 Morgan drophead coupes, the company's early attempt at a refined luxury model. Second, the car is 99 percent complete and original and has not been driven since 1968. This car was delivered to Louwman & Parqui the Morgan dealer in Leidschendam, Holland, on 21st May 1963. It subsequently made its way to New York state. Engine number CT19988ME corresponds with this chassis number 5394. The Morgan chassis record certificate comes with the car.At some point, allegedly because of a valve issue, the car was parked and never driven for nearly 50 years. When I bought it I was truly pleased to see that it was incredibly complete and NOT the rust bucket I had expected. I was pleased to see that any rust is primarily surface rust and brushes away easily or quickly dissolves with any number of rust-eating products. The metal body is very good and solid except for some small deterioration at the very bottom of the rear fenders and a small bit of the rear side panel. I could have coated the chassis and front and rear parts with a rust eating product, or POR 15, but I have opted not to, in order to present the buyer with an honest car that he or she can address accordingly. Sadly, tendonitis and a new back issue prohibit my getting to it any time soon. So I'll let it go.I took inventory of virtually every part of the car. All I could find missing were the brackets that the chrome hood strip fits into, the wood piece that covers the battery and differential, behind the seat, and one knob for tightening the top to the windshield. The hundreds of other expensive or hard to find pieces were all present.The wood beneath the metal all seems solid except of the inner wood strips below the bottoms of the closed suicide doors. These could be custom made or ordered from Morgan.At some point, the prior owner began to disassemble the engine. The head and carbs are disconnected, but every relevant part is present. Fortunately, the TR4 engine uses cylinder sleeves that allow one to replace the pistons within sleeves that can be popped right in. The head looks super clean as if all problematic issues have been addressed. The engine is tight, but I believe with adequate bottom end lubrication it should turn over.The wire wheels have been bead blasted as shown in some photos and others that I will add in the next few days. The interior is completely original and in nice shape all things considered, with even the original carpeting. The half tonneau is virtually perfect. Chrome strips on the sides AND the top are all present. Disk brakes all around, but naturally, need renewing.Aside from the disassembled parts, the only other flaw I can think of is a bent tie rod in the front, probably the result of improper towing. The piece i speak of costs around $80.The seat cushions are actually inflatable, and sit on wood frame boxes. They should pump up fine.I would like this car to go to a good home and not be stripped for parts. I have another Morgan and would love to have devoted the time to this car. It is being offered as is, where is, for the best offer.Actual mileage shows as being around 42K. Car is sold with a 1968 registration card which was what served as the ownership document at that time. Will include a bill of sale too. This is a project car, but Morgans are simple and completely within the capabilites of the do it yourselfer mechanic.As a luxury model, the drophead coupe features sliding Glass windows instead of side curtains, three position top, extensive interior woodwork, disk brakes all around, a classic Bluemels steering wheel, and a dash mounted defroster on the driver's side if the winshield.You are looking at the original British Racing Green paint.Car is located south of Richmond Virginia, convenient to the intersection of Interstates 95 and 85.