Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1978 Morgan 4/ 4 1600
Estimate
£17, 000 - £19, 000
Registration No: WJH 681T
Chassis No: B4244
MOT: September 2025
Showing a warranted c. 17, 000 miles on the odometer
Benefitting from an extensive restoration in the mid 2000s
A bounty of invoices, books, MOTs and spare parts included in sale
Subject to previous interior re-trim
Introduced in March 1968, the '1600' was notable as the first Morgan 4/ 4 model to offer 100mph plus performance. Based around a box-section chassis equipped with independent 'sliding pillar' front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and disc/ drum brakes, its traditionally constructed thin-gauge metal over ash bodywork contributed towards a commendably low kerb weight (circa 700kg). True to the marque practice of using proprietary running gear, the newcomer was powered by a Ford-sourced 1599cc four-cylinder crossflow engine allied to four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. Initially available in basic or 'Competition Model' guises, the latter's Ford 1600GT (86bhp) unit was standardised during 1971. With its evocative styling, characterful interior and involving driving experience, the 4/ 4 1600 proved a beguiling proposition.
Displaying a warranted c. 17, 000 miles on the odometer, ‘WJH’ was first registered on 8th August 1978 and was the subject of an extensive restoration in the mid-2000s. It was 2006 that Melvyn Rutter Ltd prepared a significant list of areas that required attention upon which a process of addressing them was initiated, and at a significant cost. The Morgan required a full interior refresh along with an engine overhaul and attention paid to the handbrake, bumpers, exhaust, tyres, battery and alternator, in all totalling 189 hours of labour and costing over £15, 000. Some 3, 000 miles has been covered since the work.
In 2024, the Morgan benefitted from improvements and upgrades that included an electronic ignition kit, 4 plugs and a coil at a cost of £339, £900 spent on the repair and respray of the bonnet and £275 spent on a 'tune-up'. There is an amount of MOT paperwork included, evidencing the mileage history of the car. The last paper MOT was at 13, 805 miles in 2005, the oldest on file, a 1984 MOT, shows 1, 897 miles. There is a quantity of invoices, books, MOTs and spare parts included in the sale, along with a copy of the original handbook.
