Morgan - Morgan Plus 4
The Morgan Plus 4 (also referred to as Morgan+4) was built from 1950 onward as the more powerful Morgan in the range, compared to the 4/4 that was in production pretty much throughout the same period that the Plus 4 was manufactured. The original Plus 4 had the 2.1 litre engine supplied by Standard, and when this engine was phased out for 1953 Morgan fitted the 2 litre Triumph TR3 engine. When the larger capacity 2138 cc Triumph TR4 engine came along, that was used in the "Plus 4 Supersports" as an option, in the early 1960's. In time this Supersports specification became the standard fitment in the Plus 4 starting from 1962. The Plus 4 carried on in production even after the 4/4 came to an end, right up to the time the next generation of V8 engined Morgan cars were manufactured. In addition, there were also a few Plus 4 Sports made starting in 1962 with alloy bodies and uprated engines, after a Morgan Plus 4 won it's class at Le Mans in 1962, but very few of these Plus 4's were made. Morgan Plus 4 production carried on into 1967 .
The Morgan Plus 4 tyre size between 1950 and 1962 was 5.25x16. From 1962 onward the factory fitted 5.60x15 using a 4" wide wheel rim (as they had fitted to the Plus4 Super Sports) which is radial equivalent 155R15 tyre size. Shortly after, the tyre size was increased by the factory to 5.90x15 with a wider 4 1/2 inch wheel rim, which is equivalent 165R15 radial size, a size that was quoted in period as the radial Plus4 option. Blockley produces both the 155HR15 and 165VR15 tyre sizes which are a period correct, steel belt construction with high speed rating and perfect for all the Morgan Plus 4's. Anyone contemplating a wider tyre option could use the 185/70VR15 size (same diameter as a 165R15 but wider tread and overall), although the grip from the 165VR15 will be plenty! Full details of all these superb tyres for the Morgan Plus4 mentioned can be found at the links below:
