What's all this about?
The Morgan 4/4, conceived in 1935, has been in production for eight decades, apart from a necessary break for World War II. That means it's celebrating turning 80 years old and what better way than to mark the occasion with a special model which reinforces that fact? Thus, this Geneva International Motor Show reveal is the Morgan 4/4 80th Anniversary Edition. Just 80 will be made. Eighty. Got it?
I think so. What's special about it beyond its limited availability?
It features lots of lovely brass detailing, inside and out. Coming in Morgan British Racing Green, Saxe Blue or Dark Red, the 4/4 80th has solid wheels with brass centre locks, and brass accents and metal foil detailing adorn its body. There's a brass mesh grille too, while a side-exit exhaust, quad bonnet strap, mohair roof and part tonneau cover are further distinguishing features.
How about within?
Period Smiths dials with cream faces and brass details are set in a matte lacquered walnut dash. A number plaque tells you which of the 80 you are sitting in, while leather features on the door tops and their pull handles.
What powers it?
The standard 4/4's Ford Sigma 1.6-litre engine, developing 111hp and 131Nm. As the 4/4 80th weighs just 795kg, expect 0-62mph in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 115mph, with 44.1mpg economy. Each of the 80th Anniversary Editions will cost lucky owners '£33,330, excluding taxes', which means somewhere in the ballpark of £40,000.
Matt Robinson - 1 Mar 2016