Morgan cars for sale in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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1936 Morgan 4/4  1936 Morgan 4/4 - Very Early Example - Well Documented - Fully Restored

1936 Morgan 4/4 1936 Morgan 4/4 - Very Early Example - Well Documented - Fully Restored

$85,000

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Year 1936

Make Morgan

Model 4/4

Category -

Mileage 61221

Posted Over 1 Month

The process, the craftsmanship, the factory they are built in have all remained the same since their genesis in 1936. 80 years later these cars are still in production, making them on of the longest running production cars to date. The nostalgic Morgan 4/4 was the British car manufacturer’s first road car that utilized a 4-wheel platform. In past years, Morgan was known for their 3-wheelers that boasted a unique tri-wheel design of which they had great success with. However, due to changes in tax regulations, it made vehicles powered by motorbike engines more expensive to run. This, among other factors, encouraged Morgan to build a proper automobile which spawned the creation of the 4/4 which designates its 4-cylinder, 4-wheel set up. It utilized Morgan’s signature steel chassis and wooden frame which they diligently fit and cater to each example the rolls off the production line. The 4/4 was one of the ultimate open two seater sports cars to have at the time and is still adored to this day for its nostalgia and performance. The example on offer is a 1936 Morgan 4/4 chassis number 096, making it one the earliest known production 4/4’s in existence. Because of the attention to detail of this example’s previous caretakers, there is a complete history file of this car, which allows us to learn quite a bit about this car’s story. Not much is depicted about the first two decades of this Morgan’s life other than it was first registered on December 1, 1936 but it is unclear whom the first owner was. The timeline picks up in 1959 where between then and 1969 there appears to be a total of seven changes in ownership with the car ending with a Mr. Clive Perry in Worchester, England in the very town the car was built, Malvern. Upon acquisition, Mr. Perry purchased rear wings for the car from Morgan Motor Co. and we see a series of receipts of miscellaneous items purchased by Perry for the next 19 years or so. It appeared that Mr. Perry was having a restoration completed on the car for when he purchased it in 1969, for a mere 50 pounds, the car was far from road worthy. The exact date the restoration was completed is unknown but if we refer to the period photographs we see it was finished for the 1982 Concours at Walton Hall. We then see that Perry decided to embark in a series of time trails and hill climbs over the next several years, participating the Dobshill Farm Production Car Trial on October 16, 1983 as well as the following year with the Morgan Sports Club to celebrate 75 years of Morgan. He then participated in the Curborough Sprint on December 8, 1985 with Shenstone & District Car Club. Perry did race again on July 12, 1987 but we do not know what event, as there is only a time slip showing he completed two trials in 53.16 and 52.58 seconds. The last piece of documentation of Mr. Perry’s ownership is a storage charge form the Midland Motor Museum of Shropshire, England dated October 16, 1988 where it was kept for a touch over a year on loan. Then the paper trail goes cold for about 5 years until we see that the car incurred an emissions test certificate under a new owner’s name in 1993 with the car still remaining in England at this point. There was another series of what appears to be 3 owners as we enter the 2000’s where we see that the owner at the time had gauges rebuilt and wooden dash re-varnished in 2006. The car was then purchased by its current owner from a dealer in Holland and brought to the States within the last year. Unfortunately, he quickly made the realization that he was much too tall to drive the car with comfort so he has decided to pass it along to its next custodian. Before we move on it is to be noted that upon acquisition, the current owner immediately commenced the tending to of any and all systems on the car to make it absolutely turn key and without fault. This refreshing of the car totaled a touch over $9,000 in receipts and was completed by the marque specialists at Brooklands Engineering Works, LTD in Stratford Connecticut. Upon approach of this car, the craftsmanship of the restoration very much resembles that of the trained hands that originally built this car in the sheds of Malvern. The British racing green paint shows phenomenally, with great depth, and holds a nice shine. The paint is even and consistent throughout the iconic body lines of the car and really accentuate those gorgeous slopping front fenders. The only notable blemishes regarding the paint are located in a common area where the rounded bonnet meets the body and some scattered faint surface scratching. When opening, and closing each side of the bonnet, if one is not attentively careful, it is each to nick the paint of the inner fender however, it is not severe and is really only noticed when one goes to open the bonnet. As far as the minor surface scratching that has developed, they would be easily remedied with a proper buffing and detail. The black soft has held up well with no tears, pulls, or fading to report. The door curtains for this car are presentable but show some signs of aging. The paint on the metal frames has begun to fail. Inspecting the panel gaps and seams of this example there are absolutely no issues to be had with all clearances and fitment spot on. The chrome bezels, windscreen frame, and trim items are in driver quality condition and consistent with the rest of the car with only slight fading present on a few chrome pieces as well as a missing emblem on the top of the passenger side blinker bezel. Opening up the door reveals a well-kept interior with a hint of patina which one would expect with an older restoration. It is to be noted the paint in the jams has some moderate chipping for what appears to be a clearance issue at some point. One could have them refinished but it is not necessary as it is an item not to be unexpected with an 80-year-old car. The black leather seats are in great shape with no imperfections to report. The dash face is very much presentable and the wooden accent piece, which lies over top, has not incurred any cracks, scratches, or damage. Take a peak under the rubber mats and one will see that the floors are as solid as wood can be. Shifting our attention to the engine bay, opening the bonnet and one is greeted with the 1,122cc Coventry Climax cylinder power plant. It has clearly benefited largely from the restoration all components and surfaces have the appropriate finished are very tidy. All data tags, markings, and designations are all intact and correct for this car. There has been one welcomed update made and that is the addition of an electric cooling fan mounted to the back of the radiator, improving the reliability of the car. An inspection of the underside of this example will conclude that all items are in order and there are no quarrels to be had, showing consistent for an older restoration. Mechanically, this Morgan can easily be described as a well sorted example that you can simply get in a drive to any show, rally, or tour. Every system was tediously gone through during the recent servicing to ensure that this car would run and drive like new. Hoses, plugs, electrical system, cool system, steering, etc. were all inspected and any corrections needed were made. This example is absolutely “dialed in” mechanically for even when cold, just engage the choke and tug the starter pull with promptly result in the engine firing. Once warm, disengage the choke and the engine will quickly settle to a pleasant idle without sputtering. Once on the road one can really begin to appreciate these cars for they offer a fantastic visceral experience. This example pulls well producing an intoxicating noise that would give any enthusiast the fizz. The clutch operates beautifully and transmission goes in and out of gear without hassle. Apply the brakes and they respond as expected with no pull or fade to be noted. For a Morgan from 1936, the steering feels good with little play and surprisingly usable at low speeds. During use the engine holds a steady operating temperature and generates proper oil pressure. In essence, the 1936 Morgan 4/4 we are left with today is a very well documented example that showcases concours level restoration to period correct standards that has aged beautifully. This car is also unique in the sense that it is one the of earliest known production 4/4’s which makes this example exceptionally rare and desirable amongst enthusiasts everywhere. The 4/4 was a popular car to partake in racing events as this car was but unfortunately that lead to many of them getting wrecked or modified. In addition, many cars also did not survive WWII as the need for precious metal was in high demand. This adds to the splendor of this particular example and is truly remarkable the spectacular condition the car is in since it was built 80 years ago. This nostalgic pre-war Morgan embodies all of the right elements that make it valuable to own and enjoy. Offered with the sale of this car are the history file, books, and tools.