Morgan Revives 4-Seat Roadster, Improves Aero 8
For Morgan, a tiny boutique sports car maker from Malvern, England, 2006 is shaping up to be one of its biggest years to date. Unlike the many small independent carmaking firms that have appeared and disappeared from one decade to another, Morgan and its unique products have stood the test of time, bringing a piece of old-world British charm to the modern-day automobile. As of late, we’ve been paying close attention to Morgan, as the storied marque, like Lotus, has re-entered the North American marketplace. Earlier last week we covered the 4/4 70th Anniversary Edition, but there’s much more to this brand, as you’ll soon see.
After being absent for eighteen months, Morgan announced that it will be bringing back the +4 model, which, aside from being old enough to claim pension, was well sought after by Morgan enthusiasts. For the longest time, the +4 model was a modified version of the two-seat 4/4 model, powered by the same engines, using the same gearboxes, and the same antiquated horse-drawn carriage suspension system, the only differences being that it was longer and bigger which gave it the ability to share classic motoring with two more people than the 4/4.
In the time that the +4 was absent from the model lineup, Morgan claimed to have significantly changed it. So, what’s new about the 2006 +4? A look down the specs shows that it still has the same ladder chassis, and they haven’t even changed the way that they make it; the frame for the body is still hand crafted out of ash wood by a man in a shed at Morgan’s Malvern factory. The brand has changed the look of the car, ever so slightly, with different fenders, new headlamps, and a more aerodynamic grille, but unless you’re a true aficionado, it still looks like a grand old 1930s car. For that truly tweedy look, buyers can have their +4s fitted with new 18-inch stainless steel wire wheels.