Offered from the estate of the late John Peel
1974 Morgan Plus 8 Roadster
Registration no. RDV 419N
Chassis no. R.7817
Engine no. 48110991D

Searching for new engines in the 1960s, Morgan concluded a deal with Rover for supply of its all-aluminium 3.5-litre V8, thus creating a car that combined Vintage-era charm with Cobra-like 'grunt': the Plus 8. Morgan's Plus 4 chassis, strengthened and extended, formed the basis of the new car, while the existing Moss four-speed gearbox was retained also. After a successful debut at the 1968 London Motor Show, production commenced at the rate of 15-or-so cars per month and continues to this day, although now with BMW power. While the traditionally styled Morgan's aerodynamics restricted top speed to around 125mph (more than fast enough for most people driving an open car) the Rover V8's 168bhp and 210lb/ft of torque made for supercar-league performance through the gears. Indeed, in its later 3.9-litre form, the Plus 8 proved quicker to 80mph than the contemporary Porsche 911 Turbo.

This rare and desirable Plus 8 was purchased for his wife Sheila by the late John Peel, the inimitable and much-missed DJ and broadcaster, on the birth of their first child, William, in January 1976. Originally a two-seater finished in red, the car was re-sprayed green while undergoing restoration at the Morgan factory in Malvern (having been sent there because there was rot in the body's timber framework), and converted to four-seat specification at the same time. The Plus 8 remained at the factory from circa 1980 to 1996. Photographs on file show the Morgan before and during the rebuild, and after completion with John and Sheila. All bills relating to the conversion/restoration are on file.

Currently displaying a total of circa 26,500 miles on the odometer, and described as in very good cosmetic condition both inside and out, the car has not been driven for a couple of years and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. A wonderful opportunity for the dedicated Peel fan to own a useable classic, cherished and enjoyed by the great man himself.