NOW SOLD
"A six may be a bit nouveau for the diehard flat-cappers that Morgan's fortunes depend upon, but the stats speak for themselves. Cars this rudimentary shouldn't be pulling to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and topping out at 134mph. But, allegedly, they do. With a full head of steam you feel less the English gent, more Cruella DeVil, looking out for a Dalmatian puppy to run over. Aiming the vast bonnet vaguely at apexes, the Morgan roars from point to point, seemingly as much in control of the process as you are." Top Gear Road Test of the Morgan Roadster, December 2004.
In just 11 short years Morgan will celebrate the centenary of the introduction of its evocative and evergreen roadster (then named the 4/4), and whilst the basic construction and shape of the car has remained mercifully faithful to the original over the years, it’s fair to say that Morgan has worked hard behind the scenes to keep the mechanicals fresh without losing that unique Morgan driving experience.
Today, Morgans are still handmade on the site of the original factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, where they’ve been lovingly crafted since 1914, continuing the company’s long tradition of combining vintage styling with modern performance.
Development of the 4/4 has (we think it’s fair to say), been careful and considered rather than overly energetic with the major milestones being the introduction of the Plus 4 in 1950 (same shape, more power), the Plus 8 in 1968 (same shape, V8 power) culminating in the Roadster in 2004 (same shape, you get the idea) – a clear case of vigorously applying the golden principal of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t go about re-designing your car just for the sake of it’
As well as the brand’s signature features - long bonnet, separate swoopy wings etc., the Roadster retained the tried and tested combination of an ash wood frame, aluminium body panels and a steel chassis, whilst also featuring modern mechanicals and safety upgrades.
The analog driving experience (increasingly rare nowadays) featured rear wheel drive (naturally) via a six speed manual gearbox and propulsion from Ford’s 3.0 Duratec V6 engine (naturally aspirated, naturally), which replaced the old 4.0 Rover V8 and provided a useful 21 bhp increase from 204 to 225; not bad for an engine with just ¾ of the displacement and two less cylinders.
In the mid-2010s, the Roadster received some tweaks and updates, by far the most significant being a switch to the 3.7 Ford Cyclone V6 (as found in the Mustang), which provided a usefull hike in power to 280 bhp, alongside more torque and better emissions compliance in a package that still weighed in at just 950kg. To give some perspective, the Roadster now boasted a better power to weight ratio that a contemporary Porsche 911 GT3.
However, the best, as they say, was yet to come.
In 2014 the Morgan 'Brooklands' Roadster was released as a Special Edition in very limited numbers, indeed just 50 cars were produced in all, of which this example is the fifth.
The Brooklands variants featured essentially the same mechanical package (0-60 in 5.5 seconds, top speed 140 mph, combined mpg 27.4) but with numerous desirable tweaks which The Factory listed as:
To this the fortunate new owner added the following from the Optional Extras list (paying VAT on top of the quoted prices):
The above inventory is arguably almost as long as the waiting list for a new Morgan (6 -12 months since you ask) but the ‘Brooklands’ Roadster is of course no longer available and is already highly collectable, being the most desirable and rarest of what is an increasingly rare breed.
Despite it being over ten years old, the paintwork is basically pretty good for which one can to a degree thank the paint protection film (PPF) applied to the stone chip susceptible front of the car and the running boards. Not only has this done a fine job of Protecting the Paint but it could be removed leaving a virtually blemish free surface. The low-slung front valance is arguably the most ‘weathered’ area (as shown in the photo gallery) but even this seems to be in keeping with the ‘no prisoners’ vibe of any Morgan, even a relatively new one. We actually like the white race number roundels but they are stick-on vinyl so a lucky new owner will have the option of removing them if they are not so keen.
Being aluminium, the body is literally rust free though there are just a couple of small ‘spiders’ where water has got under the paint, though these are hard to spot; again, we have tried to show these in the photo gallery. There is a very small, shallow dent in the nearside rear wing doubtless caused by a stone fired back from the front wheel, though it doesn’t show on any photographs. As it represents something in the region of one third of the bodywork, the fact that the bare aluminium bonnet and radiator cowl have been polished and protected to a high standard is a bonus. The PPF (or is it APF?) under the fleece backed leather bonnet strap speak to the care the Brooklands has had lavished on it.
The weather gear is all in very good condition and though the hood looks virtually unused, it has unfortunately picked up a couple of small repairs, though these have been executed very neatly. The rear window is free from creases or fogging and the side screens are excellent in all respects.
With no bumpers fitted there is relatively little chrome on the Morgan but what there is is in very good order indeed. The light surrounds, exhaust tail pipes and octagonal wheel spinners all appear virtually brand new. The stainless steel mesh radiator grill has a rather lovely ‘5’ painted onto it, we believe by the supplying dealer, Bell and Colvill; a very ‘Brooklands’ touch. Charmingly, the original black finish to the mesh has been polished through in places which gives the sort of ‘authentic’ look people pay good money for; if it was a piece of furniture, it would be called distressed. The two-level luggage/side screen rack is in perfect condition and serves as a mounting for a high level third brake. An alloy flip-up fuel filler cap is a nice feature as are the presumably original Bell and Colvill number plates, the front stating “Brooklands Edition Roadster number 5 of 50”.
The snug though not cramped interior features sumptuous leather everywhere – seats, doors, transmission tunnel, cockpit sides and even the steering column shroud. The bucket seats are amongst the most comfortable we’ve tried, supporting one in all the right places. Condition-wise everything is in the perfect sweet spot of just nicely broken in but not soulless box-fresh; the excuse of ‘shabby chic’ is not required in this case. There is perhaps the slightest of creasing on the headrests and light scuff to the driver’s seat back but that is probably being hyper critical - have a look in the photo gallery or better still come and view the car in the flesh in Nottingham to decide for yourself. Choosing the polished walnut dashboard option seems to us to have been a good move and a Sony digital radio/media player compliments the tunes emanating from the twin exhausts while cruise control makes covering the more mundane miles until you get to the NC500 or similar a doddle. Somewhat more old school is a Bluemel’s steering wheel made specifically for the Brooklands Morgans. While on the subject, well weighted power steering allows a polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride (Bakelite to you and me) rim of smaller diameter to be fitted which in turn allows people of larger diameter to actually drive the car.
Though expensive when new, the black painted wire wheels certainly look the part. They are structurally in great condition with just a few blemishes in their finish relating to the fitment of balance weights. A good clean, possibly with a sacrificial toothbrush, (or your own if you really want to bond with your Roadster) would doubtless improve their looks. Top quality Avon ZV7 tyres, renowned for their wet weather grip and ideal for such a light, powerful car, are fitted all round. Barely worn and according to their date codes manufactured in the last couple of weeks of 2022, not only is there plenty of life left in them but they are indicative of conscientious maintenance.
Underneath and in the engine bay the Morgan is honestly grubby and we mean that in a good way; what you see is how the car is with no attempts having been made to eradicate evidence of fluid leaks or corrosion, there simply isn’t any of any significance. Yes, it could be cleaned and detailed but we are not sure that is what Morgan ownership is all about.
The original leather ‘Morgan’ emblemed documents pouch is present and it contains a full set of instruction books as well as the all-important Handbook and Service Record which shows the car has been diligently maintained from day one. It was returned to Bell and Colvill annually for the first seven years of its life despite only covering some 8,934 miles during that period, a level of attention Morgan themselves suggest would be appropriate for a car that has clocked up 60,000 miles. The following three services were carried out by a well respected independent garage, again annually though by then the miles were being accrued at the rate of 8,000 to 10,000 per year - indisputable proof of just how usable the Roadster is as an everyday car.
It was most recently serviced by a Morgan main dealer at the tail end of 2024 when the mileage had krept up to 39,689 and it has covered less than fifty miles since then. The MOT test certificate present is valid until June 2026, and the current V5C shows not only just three owners from new but that the most recent only purchased the car a few weeks ago before deciding Morgan ownership was not for him.
Previously marketed at just under £45K, very much in line with other Brooklands Roadsters, this change of heart has resulted in the car being reoffered at a significantly reduced figure as indicated by what we consider to be a very realistic estimate range.
Over many decades the Morgan Motor Company has proved itself as an eccentric ‘Great British’ survivor and manufacturer of cars that are oozing with character and appreciated today by enthusiasts who value raw, engaging driving and artisan craftsmanship over digital gadgets and driving aids.
Hi Many thanks for your questions regarding the Morgan. Yes, you are in touch with us at Berlinetta. Central Morgan did the decent thing and bought the car back from the buyer who had a change of heart so the car is with them in their Nottingham showroom. We asked them to take some more photos to go with the ones we took in the showroom and they are using these on their website and Autotrader. Yes, the couple of areas of oxidation are on the trailing edge of the off-side rear wing and on the front splitter/valance. I can send you further photographs if that might help, though the ones that show this best are on our website. I used the word 'spiders' as in say a central chip with light ridges in the paint radiating out from there for a few millimeters, like a spider's legs. If the car doesn't reach its reserve (which I have to say is significantly less than Central's advertised asking price and towards the bottom end of our estimate range) we will work with the highest bidder and Central to try to put a deal together. It would certainly be advisable to try to ensure you are the highest bidder come the end of the auction. The car can be viewed by arrangement at Central Morgan though with it being a Bank Holiday unfortunately they are closed today. If there is anything else you need, do please just drop me an email or give us a call.
August 24th at 04 : 47 PM
Am I speaking to the vendor or to Berlinetta? Are you selling at auction on behalf of the recent buyer or is it back with Central at Nottingham? I ask this as the main pictures are the same as those still on the Central Nottingham website and advertised on Autotrader? When you say a few spiders, are thee the areas f corrosion on the tail of the offside rear wing and the rest of the front splitter? What happens if the car does not achieve the reserve or the guide price of GBP 30,000. I look forward to hearing from you. Is the Car still in the Nottingham area?
August 22nd at 11 : 29 PM
Hi TJKEDWAR. Good question. We have checked and there is no record of the kingpins having been replaced though given the car's service and MOT history, one might assume they have not needed to be. We will double check with the previous owner who covered the vast majority of the miles in the car.
August 18th at 09 : 57 AM
Can you advise if the king pins have been replaced and if so when ?
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