An anachronism—— This Morgan Plus 8 is powered by a fuel injected, 4-liter aluminum block V8 engine coupled to a 5-speed fully synchromesh transmission. It arrived on our shores 35 years after the first V* was produced. It came replete with North American Specifications (NAS), but with factory assistance, I’ve refitted her to proper British standards: the hideous hardware and bumpers in both the front and rear have been replaced along with the “fugly” steering wheel, dash, headlamps and indicators; the intrusive air bags removed; the traditional luggage rack, badge bar, and front driving lamps added; and a whole lot of stainless upgraded. Now, after 100 years of hand-crafting motor vehicles, the Morgan Motor Company (MMC) celebrated their centenary in 2009. Located in western England, the factory has gone from creating twin cylinder 3-wheeled trikes in 1909 to four cylinder 4-wheeled cars in 1936 and their first eight cylinder car in 1968. Although inevitable changes have occurred over the years, the MMC still produces cars today using traditional craftsman methods. The curvy art deco design remains relatively unchanged; the classic body is fabricated in aluminum; the frame is fashioned from ash wood and the front end still sports the infamous sliding pillar suspension. But, after building the venerable Plus 8 for 35 years, production ended in 2003 when the available supply of Rover V8 engines was finally exhausted. This 35th Anniversary Edition Plus 8 is one of the very last V8 powered roadsters produced. PHOTOS: (1) Early morning mist prior to a day of mogging. (2) With a friend mogging in Juliet, Georgia (the town “Green Fried Tomatoes” was filmed in). (3) Ralph Lauren photo shoot. (4) Her ash frame being assembled. (5) Her body being prepared.
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