News Issue 93
First Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition Models Roll Off The Line At Pickersleigh Road
Morgan Motor Company has built the first of its limited-run Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition models. The four cars, the first of just 20 examples to be built, were completed just before the Company took the decision to close its factory for one month as part of efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). For the first time since World War II, the Morgan factory will close for an extended period, beginning 25 March 2020.
Built to celebrate 70 years of Plus 4 production, each of the anniversary models will be individually numbered and built in a unique specification with several notable details.
The production of the Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition models follows the launch of the all-new Plus Four earlier in March 2020, which is underpinned by Morgan’s latest CX-Generation aluminium platform. The new Plus Four is referred to with a wordmark as opposed to the numerical reference of its predecessor, and will replace the outgoing 4/4, Plus 4 and Roadster.
The introduction of the new model means that the Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition models will be the last to be built on Morgan’s traditional steel frame chassis, a version of which has been in production since the Morgan 4-4 was introduced in 1936. For a short period of time, the last of the traditional steel chassis Plus 4 models are being built alongside the first of the CX-Generation platform Plus Four models.
Just 20 Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition cars are to be built. They feature an individually numbered plaque, marking them out for years to come as some of the last steel-chassis Plus 4 models. The chassis will be painted in gold, highlighting its significance in Morgan’s 111-year history.
A specially embroidered headrest will further differentiate the edition. The company’s in-house design team has created a unique specification that provides a timeless, sophisticated look, and nods to Morgan’s rich past. Platinum Metallic paint – a platinum anniversary being a celebration of 70 years – complements the satin dark grey wire wheels, while a motorsport-inspired front valance and exterior black pack including a black stone guard, A-pillars and sidescreens form a purposeful aesthetic.
To match the 70th Anniversary Edition’s dynamic look, its performance and distinctive engine note have been proportionally enhanced. The cars come with an engine map configured by Aero Racing, Morgan’s in-house motorsport specialists, raising power from 154bhp (115kW) to 180bhp (134kW), and taking its 0-62mph (0-100kph) acceleration time down to less than seven seconds. Alongside this, the cars are fitted with an Aero Racing sports exhaust, finished with a ceramic-black tail pipe, allowing the engine to truly sing.
The Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition is priced at £60,995.00 inc. VAT in the UK, and deposits have already been taken on every one of the 20 cars.
New Date Revealed For Postponed Practical Classics Classic Car And Restoration Show
The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, with Discovery, is planned to go ahead on the new date of 7-9 August 2020, following this month’s postponement.
Speaking of the new date for the show held at Birmingham’s NEC, show director Lee Masters said: “We thank you all for your continued patience and understanding but most of all your support during these unprecedented times. We are being positive and putting plans in place with the NEC so that if everything is back under control by August, normal life can restart quickly. We look forward to bringing our community back together and supporting those small businesses who keep us all on the road.”
Tickets already purchased for the original dates of 27-29 March will be valid for the rescheduled dates so ticket holders need not do anything; just bring the same ticket, it will be valid on any day of their choice. Those with specific questions about purchased tickets should contact the Box Office.
All exhibitor and trader stand bookings will be automatically transferred to the new dateline – all stands will be exactly the same as the event will continue in the identical hall configuration. Exhibitors with specific questions please contact the sales team directly.
For more information as well as the ticket prices and booking details, visit www.necrestorationshow.com
All Morgans’ Day 2020
Blenheim Palace announced that the Palace, Formal Gardens and Pleasure Gardens will be closed from Monday 23rd March until further notice. The R100 Register have therefore taken the very difficult decision that it is in the interests of health and well-being to postpone All Morgans’ Day. They are working with Blenheim Palace to re-arrange for a future date. This gives all of us time to recover and recuperate, with something to look forward to.
Readers will know that the underlying reason for All Morgans’ Day is to raise much-needed funds for Combat Stress, the UK’s charity providing mental health care to our military veterans. With NHS funding being withdrawn from Combat Stress the R100 Register was hopeful your generosity would help raise much needed money for those military veterans in mental distress. This decision has significantly reduced their ability to do this in 2020, and yet the social impact of Coronavirus means now more than ever, veterans with complex mental health problems still need our help.
Those who were attending as Morgan owners and traders will want to know what happens to the payment they made for All Morgans’ Day. Payments are a donation to Combat Stress, made voluntarily. R100 of course understands that hardship is an unsettling situation and can happen to anyone. If this is the case for you or your business, then we will refund your donation. Otherwise they hope everyone will agree to their donation still going to Combat Stress.
Should you wish to obtain a refund please contact allmorgansblenheim@gmail.com before the end of May. After this date, R100 will pass all donations directly to Combat Stress.
MOG looks forward to the future event and is honoured to extend the R100 Team’s best wishes to you all.