2000 Morgan Plus 8 4.6

Whilst the Plus 8 debuted with the 3.5-litre version of the Rover V8 lurking beneath the hand-cut louvres, it would grow in both capacity and output over time. As such, this beautiful, single family owned, year 2000 Plus 8 features the rarer and more desirable 4.6-litre V8 – in the largest and most powerful guise to grace a Plus 8. This late life capacity boost makes this example one of less than 200 to roll out of Malvern in this ultimate, apex predator form between 2000 and 2004.

As if this wasn’t recommendation enough, this Plus 8 ticks those other key Morgan enthusiast boxes, too. This Morgan was bought new in 2000 by the previous keeper. In 2017, at around a mere 25,600 miles, ownership passed to the original keeper’s son. It is the son of the original owner that is offering this sublime Plus 8 for sale today and delivering a succinct and desirable history that few can rival in the process. To complete the provenance Holy Trinity, and despite its very light use, the Plus 8 has enjoyed the most diligent of service and maintenance routines. Up to 16,852 miles in 2010, this Morgan benefitted from nine services at the hands of the factory’s own service department. Between 2017 and 2025 a further nine services were undertaken by independent specialists. It’s surely hard to imagine a better bred example of a late Morgan Plus 8 than this.   
 

Given the light use and diligent garaging this Morgan has enjoyed, it should come as no surprise to learn that its presents very well indeed. Its Rolls Royce Velvet Green paintwork (Mogan’s bespoke hand production methods meant any marque’s paint shades could be specified) is thick and evenly applied and the curvy, hand-formed bodywork is devoid of any significant imperfections. Inevitably enough, for a 25 year old car, there are a few minor battle scars here and there. There is a minor ding on the offside front wing where it appears as if a stone has been thrown up into the panel’s underside by the wheel. There are the odd stone chips here and there, too, but our photographic package documents these for your review. 

This example was specified with the taller windscreen from the 4/4 (also heated) which unlocks some extra headroom on those, probably, rare occasions when the hood is up. Said hood is of the black vinyl variety which looks pristine and fits tightly with the trio of acetate rear windows free from fold lines, cracks or discolouration. A full tonneau is also on hand with centre zip for use when driving solo.

By far the costliest option specified by the vendor’s father was the Centrelock alloy wheels which accounted for around 5% of the car’s original 2000 cost at a meaty £1,560. These do lend the Plus 8 a more purposeful demeanour than the more commonly seen cross-spokes and remain in excellent condition today. Morgan was clearly very proud of these wheels as both the Morgan name and winged crest are embossed into the alloy together with the script “Light Alloy Centrelock” just in case anyone was in any doubt. The Morgan boasts a full set of five of these, with the spare proudly mounted on the sloping rear panel. A matching set of 205/55 configuration Yokohama tyres are fitted; date stamped from 2012. The combination of these thrilling facets makes for a head turning and edifying ensemble.

 

The second most expensive option on the list was the £950 for the Connolly leather upholstery in black. This combines with the £300 for sports seats and £35 for carpeted cross members to deliver a cabin of relative luxury and distinction. The sports nature of the seats is underscored by the deeply bolstered back rests and adjustable headrests. The seat centres are stitched into vertical box pleats and are as well presented as you would expect having been occupied for just 27,000 miles worth of exhilaration.

The carpets are black and edge bound in leather and those aforementioned cross members, notorious wear points and hence often uncarpeted, look factory fresh still. The vestigial door cards are finished in black and incorporate useful map pockets. Side screens with Perspex sliding windows can be left in place or removed depending on how well coiffured you wish to remain. The dashboard fascia is finished in black leather with the Morgan crested, white on black VDO gauges set into it and placed directly ahead of the driver. A cluster of four supplemental gauges are situated in the centre of the facia and monitor all other key metrics of the car’s operation.

A chunky Momo style three spoke steering wheel is fitted complete with obligatory Morgan crest and a Blaupunkt Lausanne CD / radio head unit is fitted betwixt transmission tunnel and fascia. The condition of this characterful and beautifully crafted cabin can be considered as excellent throughout.
 

This Plus 8 is in ultimate Rover V8 4.6-litre specification. The Buick derived V8 was always prized for its compact form factor and light weight. This unit’s all-aluminium construction was critical in retaining the Plus 8’s balance and power was originally quoted at 220bhp with 260 Ib-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. A Rover derived five speed gearbox delivers the propulsive forces to the rear wheels without the oversight of any namby-pamby, killjoy aids of any type. With a kerb weight barely into four figures this was sufficient for a low five second 0-60mph time and a 130 mph plus top speed. Oh, and wheelspin on demand in any of the first three gears... and possibly even fourth depending on how wet it was.

Lifting either wing of the hand crafted aluminium bonnet reveals the erstwhile V8 and its numerous ancillaries. The engine bay is well organised and highly original and serves to prove what a narrow space you can fit a 4.6-litre V8 into if all its associated bits and bobs are situated to its fore and aft. This is one of the few areas where you are afforded a tiny glimpse of that famous ash frame in the thin strip between the bulkhead and the bonnet shut panel. The underside looks impressively presented with plenty of preservative underseal still in evidence.
 

This Morgan Plus 8 comes with an informative archive of paperwork which helps underscore its remarkable one family, low use history. This includes the V5 registration document as pictured. The current MoT is an advisory free test and is valid until May 2026. A number of earlier MoTs and tax disks are also on hand.

Other highlights of the archive include the original sales invoice from 2000 giving a fascinating insight into how much prices have changed in 25 years. The all-important service book is also present containing an impressive 18 stamps split equally between Morgan’s own service department and independent specialists. There are also a number of instructive invoices present, lending some granular detail behind many of those stamps. A 4.6 litre owner’s manual is also included.
 

The introduction of some meaningful horsepower to the Morgan range for the first time in 1968, provided the Malvern firm with a halo car that punched well above the company’s weight. For that simpler “Top Trumps” generation the Plus 8 became a Ferrari and Porsche slayer bar, almost, none courtesy of its sub six-second 0-60 mph time (in an era when 10 seconds was going some). That quasi-mythical stature seemed to endure throughout the Plus 8’s long life making it one of the most sought-out and desirable Morgan's some 20 years on from its ultimate demise in 2004.

This example is a gem. It has every desirability base covered. It’s a great (probably very rare, or maybe unique) colour and has enjoyed a cosseted life at the heart of just one family. With just 27,000 miles covered to date and, yet a full 18 service stamps recorded its hard to think what could possibly be stopping you from wanting to own this remarkable Morgan.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.