Though the existing Plus 4 chassis and suspension architecture would go virtually unchanged for the SLR application, the Triumph engines received significant upgrades. Twin Weber carburation, modified heads and a new exhaust took the unit to over 150bhp. The “Morgan and Triumph” SLRs as they were then known, were intended to be built in numbers beyond the three that came to be but if they weren’t a success sales or marketing wise, they were on track. All three saw extensive competition work and did fantastically. Lawrence’s own car, chassis SLR3 (the green car), caused Porsche 904s and other such better-established machinery, considerable bother in period.
Rather appropriate really, as SLR3 once again proved itself a worthy underdog during the inaugural Ronnie Hoare Trophy at 76MM, putting considerable pressure on Vincent Gaye in his howling V12 Ferrari 275 GTB/C. Pressure, that the gorgeous blue Ferrari would succumb to in a spin, allowing the diminutive Morgan to come home second behind the number 98 Porsche 904 of James Cottingham. A proud result with the three other SLRs (yes, the TR4 too!) in tow 50-odd years on from their original conception.
So, if you were wondering what that rapid little green weapon was slipping and sliding its way up the grid, showing the Ferraris and Porsches what for – now you know. All the result of a club-racer’s project that you might say got a little out of hand. We’re glad it did!