Morgan numbers

[rmeismer1@aol.com]

By the way what is the code to the numbers (60+4, plus 8, 4x4.+4) I have looked at there numbers and could not figure out what they stood for. From M.G.( Meismer's Garage) Rolland Meismer Burlington,Iowa U.S.A. 1947 TC #3409--1951 TD #5522 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[David Lodge]

Rolland, I THINK it goes like this: +8 = eight cylinders; +4 = 4 cylinders; 4+4 four seater, four cylinders; +4+ = streamlined job,back in the sixties,few made. Regards, David Lodge

> By the way what is the code to the numbers (60+4, plus 8, 4x4.+4) I have > looked at there numbers and could not figure out what they stood for. > > From M.G.( Meismer's Garage) > Rolland Meismer > Burlington,Iowa U.S.A. > 1947 TC #3409--1951 TD #5522 > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

[GRaw505@aol.com]

Basically, when Morgan first built a four wheeler, it evolved from their four (as in cylinder) three wheeler model, hence 4/4 (cylinders/wheels). In the 50's the started to use a Standard Triumph engine which was much more powerful hence +4. This name was re-introduced for a few hundred cars in the eighties when they used a Fiat based (but I believe US spec Lancia engine). I had one of these a few years ago and when all the US detox kit was removed it was a real screamer! The +8 name came from the installation of the Rover (originally Buick) 3.5ltr V8 in w widened body / chassis, hence + as in faster and 8 as in cylinders. There was never a 4X4 but there were a few +4+ models built int the 60's. These were in effect +4s with a fibreglass body, attractive from the front and to be kind, the best way to describe the rear fiew is 'unusual'. An attempt by Morgan to modernise their cars that failed dismally. I hope this has all made sense but if not, do get in touch. Cheers Geoff 1947 TC 1934 PA s/c

[GRaw505@aol.com]

A small addition to David Lodge's email 4/4 and +4 models were available as four seaters but no distinction was made in their names. The +8 has never been available as a four seater from the factory but I believe that one or two have been constructed privately (but I stand to be corrected on this) In addition, the +4 model was available as a Drop Head Coupe and Morgan manufactured one +8 Coupe for Peter Morgan's Wife. One of the Morgan dealers in UK also built a +8 Coupe privately. Cheers Geoff Rawlings 1947 TC 1934 PA s/c

[WDHarmer@aol.com]

To understand Morgan nomenclature, it helps to remember that Morgan made 3-wheelers exclusively for the first 26 years of it's existence. In 1936 they decided that 4-wheelers were the wave of the future and introduced their first non trike. They kept the 3-wheelers in the line until the 50s. "4/4" was used for the first 4 wheel Morgan. It meant 4 wheels 4 cylinders. "+4" was used to designate the bigger engine. Triumph vs. English Ford, etc. When they dropped the Buick/Rover V8 into a modified +4 it became the "+8". The 4-passenger is called a tourer or among Mogistas a 4-seater. The "+4+" was indeed the streamlined? attempt in the early 60s. Can you imagine anything worse in motordom than being a driver or passenger in a fiberglass body mounted on a Morgan frame? The "Aero" is an attempt to keep us all laughing at Morgan for years to come. I do miss my '59 +4 tourer... but not very much. Dan Harmer '48 TC '00 FLSTC '02 Mini Cooper S (Now that is motoring fun!)

[Paul Camp]

As well as having a higher tuned powerplant the+4 was also a slightly wider body I believe. The 4.4 and the +4have also been in continuous production since the sixties with either two seater or 4 seater versions .They have used various engine configurations over this period Paul TC3348

----- Original Message ----- From: GRaw505@aol.com> To: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Cc: mg-tabc@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Friday, July 26, 2002 8:04 PM Subject: [mg-tabc] Morgan Numbers > Basically, when Morgan first built a four wheeler, it evolved from their four > (as in cylinder) three wheeler model, hence 4/4 (cylinders/wheels). > In the 50's the started to use a Standard Triumph engine which was much more > powerful hence +4. This name was re-introduced for a few hundred cars in the > eighties when they used a Fiat based (but I believe US spec Lancia engine). > I had one of these a few years ago and when all the US detox kit was removed > it was a real screamer! The +8 name came from the installation of the Rover > (originally Buick) 3.5ltr V8 in w widened body / chassis, hence + as in > faster and 8 as in cylinders. There was never a 4X4 but there were a few +4+ > models built int the 60's. These were in effect +4s with a fibreglass body, > attractive from the front and to be kind, the best way to describe the rear > fiew is 'unusual'. An attempt by Morgan to modernise their cars that failed > dismally. I hope this has all made sense but if not, do get in touch. > Cheers > Geoff > 1947 TC > 1934 PA s/c > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >