Image of 1959 Morgan Plus Four, sourced from bringatrailer.com , Image Link.

1959 Morgan Plus Four: A Timeless British Classic

The allure of the 1959 Morgan Plus Four lies not just in its vintage charm but also in its embodiment of traditional British craftsmanship. Born in the post-war era, a time when automotive design was as much about art as it was about engineering, the Plus Four emerged from the historic Morgan Motor Company. This venerable manufacturer, known for its dedication to hand-built quality, introduced the Plus Four as a larger-engined variant of the earlier 4/4 model, capturing the hearts of sports car enthusiasts worldwide. A notable moment in its history was when a Plus Four triumphed in its class at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1962, cementing its status as a competitive and reliable sports car.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the 1959 Morgan Plus Four is a testament to timeless elegance. Its long bonnet, flowing fenders, and cutaway doors paint a picture of classic motoring romance. The interior is a cocoon of vintage luxury, with leather seats and wooden dashboards that hark back to an era where every detail mattered. For its time, the Plus Four was quite innovative with features like a four-speed manual gearbox and hydraulic brakes. Available color options ranged from deep British Racing Green to vibrant reds, with black or tan leather interiors often complementing these choices. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the two-seater roadster, which epitomized the open-air driving experience.

Historical Significance

The Morgan Plus Four's impact on automotive design was subtle yet profound. It maintained a classic aesthetic while other manufacturers moved towards more modern designs. This adherence to tradition set it apart from contemporaries and has contributed to its lasting appeal among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet, the 1959 Morgan Plus Four housed a robust inline-four engine that could propel it to top speeds nearing 100 mph—a remarkable feat at the time. The sprint from 0-60 mph could be achieved in approximately 11 seconds. On winding roads or over bumps, the Plus Four demanded respect and attention from its driver, offering an engaging driving experience that connected one with the road through tactile steering and responsive handling. The symphony of its engine provided an auditory backdrop that only a classic British sports car could deliver.

Ownership Experience

The Morgan Plus Four was versatile enough to serve as a daily driver or as a weekend showpiece. Its relatively simple mechanical design made maintenance manageable for enthusiasts with some mechanical knowledge. However, due to its hand-built nature and age, sourcing specific parts can be challenging.

Fun Facts

A fascinating piece of trivia about the Morgan Plus Four is that each car was—and still is—built by hand at the Morgan factory in Malvern Link, England. While celebrity ownerships have added to its allure, it's also worth noting that despite being over six decades old, many Morgans continue to be driven regularly by their owners—a testament to their durability.

Collector's Information

Today, a well-preserved 1959 Morgan Plus Four can fetch anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 depending on condition and provenance. Production numbers were limited due to their handcrafted nature; it's estimated that several thousand were produced during this model year. As with many classic cars, values have been appreciating over time due to increasing scarcity and demand among collectors.

Conclusion

The 1959 Morgan Plus Four represents an era where automobiles were more than just transportation; they were expressions of craftsmanship and style. Its continued desirability among collectors speaks volumes about its enduring legacy—a true testament to Morgan's commitment to automotive excellence.

1959 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

1959 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