1970 Morgan 4/4

Roadster

1600

4 speed

B2104

Clear

Gasoline

This stunning Morgan 4/4 1600 was originally exported from England into Italy, where it eventually made its way to Northern California. About 12 years ago we bought it and it has since resided with our family in Southern California. The mileage is thought to be original, with the odometer registering just under 33,000 kilometers, which is the equivalent of only 20,000 miles. Her 1,600 Ford Crossflow Kent engine runs very strong and clean, starting up instantly and idling smoothly. The carburetor has been upgraded to a downdraft Weber resulting in easier starts, smoother running and more power. Note that earlier 4/4 models were equipped with a non-crossflow head and such engines do not generate as much power. A custom air intake was fabricated and fitted under the front valance to channel more air directly through radiator. The engine is also fitted with a high torque starter. Her 4-speed transmission is synchronized in all gears and her spring loaded lever shifts effortlessly up and down through all the gears with no hesitation. The clutch engages just like it should. All Morgan’s handle superbly, as they have a wide track for their size, their center of gravity is quite low, and their engines sit behind the front axle for enhanced weight distribution. Many aficionados however prefer the driving and handling characteristics of a later series 4/4 such as ours compared to the Triumph-engine Plus 4’s because the latter are quite a bit heavier up front. This 4/4’s suspension is fresh with recently replaced kingpins and bushings. She handles as if on rails, with very responsive steering resulting in nimble and terrific road holding. She stops on a dime, in a sure-footed manner with her front disc and rear drum brakes hauling her down from speed. This 4/4 1600 is what’s also known as a low-body Morgan, creating an even more aggressive and low-profile look. Additionally, these later 1600’s had a wider cockpit allowing for more passenger room as well as a sportier aesthetic. We have the bumpers for the car but choose to drive it without them installed. Note too in some of the photos that a leather strap that fits over the bonnet is included. Also included is a fold down windscreen from Melvyn Rutter in England, that utilizes stainless steel brackets to flip it up and down. There is also a pair of Brooklands racing screens that we prefer using for most of our driving. Windshield wipers are also with the car but we simply drive without them. Wire mesh screens cover the headlamps, and a set of Lucas fog lamps work beautifully. She wears a fantastic and period correct color of Porsche Slate Grey. The paint is about 10 years old and it remains in very good condition. Complementing the grey body is a set of 15-inch wire wheels that are painted black and in good condition. Tires are of the correct size with plenty of tread remaining, and they do not exhibit any dryness or cracking. Moving to the interior, she retains her original bucket seats with their original black vinyl upholstery, along with shoulder and lap seat belts. The flooring retains rubber mats as original, with the rest of the interior pieces in good order. The dash is beautifully polished wood offset with a brushed aluminum insert, and it was custom made by Derek Willburn, who has restored countless Morgans, and is featured here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdsvbrrWM1A . In fact, Derek knew this car when it was in Northern California, and has since serviced it during our ownership. All the gauges, electrics and lights function as they should. The steering wheel has been upgraded with a slightly smaller yet period correct wooden unit. There is also a factory original heater that comes in handy when driving in brisk weather. Keeping the interior tidy when needed is a tonneau cover. The convertible top bows also come with the car, as does a black convertible top, along with side curtains, which we’ve never used. This Morgan is owned by a collector and Morgan automobile enthusiast. He used to race Morgans in the late 50’s all through southern California, and has been President of the Morgan Plus 4 Club of Southern California. He has owned and restored multiple Morgans, as well as other collectible automobiles. This 1970 4/4 has been shown at various car shows in southern California, including the Muckenthaler Concours D’Elegance and the Palos Verdes Concours D’Elegance, and was featured in the British Invasion exhibit at the San Diego Automobile Museum. She has made multiple trips from southern California to Cambria, CA for the annual gathering of Morgans called MogWest. She is maintained well and receives appropriate exercise and is subsequently in great overall aesthetic and driving condition. As to be expected, there are a few signs of wear and age in various places, but they are hardly noticeable unless you are looking for them. We took over 150 photos, in different lighting, settings, and angles. If there’s something that wasn’t photographed that you want to see, let us know and we’ll do our best to add the photos. Note also the videos showing the car starting as well as driving and effortlessly shifting through the gears. See the links below for the photos and videos. Photos -- https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuY1ztrHSK3si_Z8nKWbHfoW97KnvQ Videos -- https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuY1ztrHSK3sjIEXBBKcMU2fgoczkg We do not hesitate to drive her anywhere. She’s reliable and exhilarating. Spring time is nearly upon us so bid with confidence and enjoy this wonderful automobile! If you are a flake or scammer you need to look elsewhere. Thank you all for the interest. Cheers!On Jan-16-18 at 11:52:00 PST, seller added the following information: Additional Info: In my rush to get this posting up and running, I neglected to post photos of the chassis and wood frame. I am working on getting more photos of these areas and having them posted over the weekend. These additional images will be posted here https://1drv.ms/f/s!AuY1ztrHSK3si_Z8nKWbHfoW97KnvQ and when you click through look for a folder called “1970 Morgan Underneath”. The wood is in good condition. For example, if you open either door and gently tug up/down on it, there is no play or sloppiness from the hinges that are fastened to the wood. Also, in regards to the chassis, you will be pleased to know that prior to our ownership it was reinforced with angle iron in the appropriate areas where Morgan’s have been known to develop stress cracks. Typically such cracks occur right behind the rear wheel arches in what is known as the “kickdown/up” area. This frame is also reinforced where the firewall meets the chassis. The work has been done correctly. There are no signs of damage anywhere on the frame. When we first bought the car we were told that it had gone from England to Italy, and then to the U.S. We did some research this week and as per the Morgan factory documentation, our car, B2104, was dispatched on February 19, 1970 to Mr. A.M. Rogers, New York. It was fitted with engine 9K30-C512, and was a 2 seater GT painted black with black vinyl interior, and equipped with 72-spoke wire wheels. The block number for the engine in the car is JJ82228. The block stamping is 681 F6015D-A which equates to a Ford Kent 1600cc 1.6L Lotus Cortina tall deck crossflow. Some have asked if the mileage is original. We were told from the prior owner that to the best of his knowledge, it was. However, the mileage is not documented. Regardless, the car has been maintained well, and drives and looks great. We just realized that the wire wheel knock-off for the front right wheel isn’t up to par so we are replacing it with one in excellent condition. There is also a battery cut off switch that we added that is accessed from under the rear floor. You can easily lift up the floor while sitting in the seat and turn the cut off switch off/on. We also have extra Slate Grey paint from when we had the car repainted, and this will be provided to the new owner. Hope this additional information helps!