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Introduction

The 1950 Morgan Plus Four represents a pivotal chapter in the annals of automotive history, a testament to enduring British craftsmanship and the allure of open-top motoring. Born from the storied workshops of the Morgan Motor Company, a firm with roots stretching back to 1909, this vehicle emerged as a beacon of post-war optimism and engineering prowess. Notably, it was during the 1950s that the Plus Four truly shone, clinching class wins in prestigious events like the Le Mans 24-hour race, which etched its name into motorsport legend.

Design and Innovation

With its sweeping fenders and a grille that seemed to grin with British confidence, the exterior of the 1950 Morgan Plus Four was a harmonious blend of elegance and sportiness. The interior was a realm of functional simplicity, where leather and wood conjured an ambiance of handcrafted luxury. Technologically, it boasted advancements such as a four-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic brakes—a significant leap forward at the time. The color palette ranged from deep British Racing Green to vibrant reds, with the former often becoming synonymous with the marque. The roadster body style, with its cutaway doors and convertible top, became iconic, though coupé variants were also available for those seeking additional shelter from the elements.

Historical Significance

The Morgan Plus Four's introduction marked a renaissance for sports cars in the post-war era. It stood out from its contemporaries with its unique blend of traditional coachbuilding techniques and modern performance. Its ladder frame chassis and hand-beaten aluminum body panels were throwbacks to an earlier age but combined with its robust four-cylinder engine, it offered an exhilarating driving experience that captured hearts worldwide.

Performance and Handling

The heart of the 1950 Morgan Plus Four was its robust inline-four engine which propelled it to top speeds that could exceed 90 mph—a remarkable feat for its time. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly for a car of that era. On winding roads or when navigating bumps, drivers were intimately connected to the driving experience; each turn of the wheel and push on the pedals translated directly into action with unfiltered feedback. The soundtrack provided by the engine was pure mechanical symphony, adding to an exhilarating driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The Morgan Plus Four was as versatile as it was charming; owners used it as daily drivers, weekend cruisers, or even competitive racers. Maintenance required a hands-on approach typical of cars from this period, but its mechanical simplicity meant that many owners could undertake repairs themselves. Reliability was generally good for a car built in small numbers by hand.

Fun Facts

This classic British roadster has seen its share of limelight beyond racing circuits—gracing movie screens and celebrity garages alike. While not known for breaking outright speed records, it held its own in endurance racing and reliability runs. Criticisms often centered around its firm ride and minimalistic creature comforts—features that enthusiasts argue only add to its character.

Collector's Information

Today, discerning collectors seek out the 1950 Morgan Plus Four for its rarity and charm. With production numbers estimated in the low thousands over its lifespan, each example is cherished for its unique qualities. Values have generally appreciated over time as classic car enthusiasts yearn for authentic driving experiences; well-maintained models can fetch significant sums in the range of tens of thousands of dollars or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion

The 1950 Morgan Plus Four is more than just a classic car; it's a rolling piece of art that encapsulates a bygone era of motoring freedom and craftsmanship. Its legacy endures not only in the vintage racing circles but also in every encounter between driver and open road—a testament to Morgan's vision that continues to inspire automotive aficionados around the globe.

1950 Morgan Plus Four Door Handle Pads. For all models with outside door handles-MP 1012-DDoor Handle Pads. For all models with outside door handles. 1-3/8" wide X 2-3/8" long. Pair

1950 Morgan Plus Four Steering Column Grommet. 1/2" I.D., 2-1/2" O.D. Each-SC 20Steering Column Grommet. 1/2" I.D., 2-1/2" O.D. Each