The Morgan Plus 4 70th Anniversary Edition has a gold‑painted chassis

Seven decades ago Britain was recovering from the Second World War, its legacy still painfully prevalent. But British industry was booming and from the ashes of destruction, a firebird emerged.

Morgan Motor Company was, at the time, 40 years young. In 1950, they introduced the Plus 4, replacing the previous 1,267cc 4/4 model with a 2,088cc Standard Vanguard engine on a strengthened, lengthened chassis. For the first time on a Morgan, hydraulic brakes were fitted.

Over the ensuing seven decades, the Plus 4 became one of the company’s best-selling models. Recently, however, Morgan announced that models built on its famous steel chassis will cease production this year. So, in celebration of this remarkable milestone, and in honour of its iconic chassis, the Plus 4 70^th Anniversary Edition will feature a gold-painted chassis.  

Just 20 Anniversary Editions cars will be built, each featuring an individually numbered plaque and a specially embroidered headrest. They will cost £60,995 and all 20 are already reserved.

Performance has been improved over the standard Plus 4, with the Anniversary Edition benefitting from a sports exhaust and an engine map configured by Morgan’s in-house motorsport specialists, Aero Racing. This map raises power from 154bhp to 180bhp, providing a 0-62mph acceleration of less than seven seconds.

The unique specification includes a ceramic-black exhaust pipe, platinum metallic body paint, satin dark grey wire wheels and a black stone guard, A-pillars and side screens. Completing the exterior aesthetic is a motorsport-inspired front spoiler and mohair hood cover. Meanwhile, the cockpit features luxurious leather trim, a Ravenwood veneer dash, dark grey box weave carpets, a satin black Mota-Lita steering wheel and heated ‘performance’ seats. A commemorative Photographic Build Record will be included with each car.

Jonathan Wells, Morgan Head of Design, commented: “As the design team creating the Plus 4 70^th Anniversary Edition, our aim was to create a classic look, yet one that exudes the significance of what it represents. A mix of premium tones, high-quality materials, and exquisite details reflect the essence of the venerable Morgan Plus 4, and provide a fitting tribute to the steel chassis that has formed its backbone since it was launched in 1950.”