Completely Morgan Four-Wheelers 1936 to 1968

by Hill, Ken

• ISBN13: 9781787112612
• ISBN10: 1787112616
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2020-03-31
• Publisher: Veloce Publishing

Summary

For all owners – and would-be owners – of four-wheeled, four-cylinder Morgans, this invaluable book is packed with genuinely useful information.

A detailed look at the Morgan motor company’s history opens the book, followed by the marque’s motorsport record, and a thorough chronicle of the evolution of all four-cylinder models. Completely Morgan is also packed with invaluable advice on maintenance, repair and modification of these cars – practical information based on years of ownership and experience, and gleaned from a host of Morgan owners and specialists around the world. Guidance on restoration techniques with be useful for anyone considering a rebuild. Chapters are also given to the Morgan community, with information on clubs, organisations and specialists.

See the other books in this series, Completely Morgan – Three-Wheelers, and Completely Morgan – Four-Wheelers 1968-1975, also published by Veloce as part of its Classic Reprint series.

Author Biography

Ken Hill’s love of Morgans began when he married his wife, Janet. Her family were all Morgan enthusiasts, and the Hills were given their first Morgan by Janet’s uncle – their now world-famous Morgan 4-4 Le Mans. In this car Ken and Janet competed in many European rallies, driving tests and concours events. He and Janet both became internationally accredited concours judges. In his time, Ken was a Post Office engineer, was in the RAF, and did long service as a dog handler with the Metropolitan Police, until a back injury forced him into early retirement. He then took up writing, and became a member of The Guild of Motoring Writers, having written several other titles about Morgans. See the others in the Reprint Classic series, all published by Veloce.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1 MULTUM IN PARVO

• The history of a small company with a huge reputation
• The dream becomes reality
• Behind every great man ...
• Keeping the pot boiling
• From little acorns ...
• The Depression and mass-production
• Litigation
• Demise of the three-wheeled cyclecar
• Predictions
• The war years
• Production re-starts
• Family links maintained
• HFS's farewell
• Saved by the chequered flag
• Expansion
• Postwar depression
• Emission and safety controls (USA)
• Exports worldwide
• The welcome mat
• Campaign agents
• The next generation
• Visiting the factory
• Litigation
• 75 years young

Chapter II FOUR-WHEELERS IN COMPETITION

• 1936: a slow but sure start
• 1937: 4/4s go racing
• 1938: Morgan at Le Mans
• 1939: back to Le Mans
• 1945: immediate postwar years
• 1946
• 1947
• 1948
• 1949
• 1950: Plus 4 enters the competition scene
• 1951: rallying returns
• 1952: triple success
• 1953
• 1954: mud and Macau
• 1955: success in America
• 1956: Suez crisis
• 1957: explosive racing
• 1958: the star and garter
• 1959: newcomers' success
• 1960: enter the big works teams
• 1961: too 'old fashioned'
• 1962: 93-97mph for a day
• 1963: Spa(rring) with the opposition
• 1964: road racing
• 1965: going the distance
• 1966
• 1967: a varied success rate
• 1968: triple effrontery

Chapter III 4-4s

• Flat Radiator 4/4s
• Coventry Climax 1122cc engines
• Drop Head Coupés
• 1098cc competition engines
• Le Mans Specials - TT Replicas
• & Le Mans Replicas
• V8 two-seater
• Supercharged 4-4
• Standard Special engine 1267cc
• 4/4 Series II
• 4/4 Series III
• 4/4 Series IV
• 4/4 Series V

Chapter IV PLUS 4s

• The Flat Radiator Plus 4
• Plus 4 interim and cowled radiator models
• The Plus 4 four-seater Drop Head Coupé
• Plus 4 Triumph TR2 engine
• Plus 4 Triumph TR3 engine
• Plus 4 Triumph TR4 & TR4A engine
• Plus 4 Super Sports
• Plus 4 Competition Model
• Plus 4 Fixed Head Coupé
• The SLR Morgan

Chapter V MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & MODIFICATION

• Coventry Climax-engined 4/4
• Standard Special-engined 4/4
• Standard Vanguard & Triumph TR-engined Plus 4s
• Carburettor (all Flat Rad 4/4 models)
• Decambering front wheels (Plus 4s)
• Steering & suspension (all Flat Rad models)
• Steering/suspension work safety notes (all models)
• Toe-in measurement (Plus 4s)
• Toe-in adjustment (Plus 4s)
• Front wheel bearings (Plus 4s)
• Hub removal (Plus 4s)
• Front suspension strip/rebuild & bush renewal (Plus 4s)
• Trunnions (Flat & early Cowled Radiator models)
• Steering adjustments (Plus 4s)
• Adjusting headlamps (all models)
• Clutch lining condition (all models)
• Cooling system maintenance (all models)
• Compression testing & valve clearance adjustment (Plus 4s-TR2 & TR3 engines)
• Carburettor adjustment (TR & Vanguard engines)
• High performance tuning & race preparation (TR2, 3, 3A & 4 engined cars)
• Engine - standard & competition differences (4/4 Series V)
• Engine tuning (4/4 Series IV & V)
• Compression ratio (general)
• Detonation (general)
• Increasing compression ratio (general)
• Periodic brake maintenance (all models)
• Drum-hydraulic brake spares (Plus 4s)
• Silicone brake fluid (general)
• Definition of fit (general)
• The use of a torque wrench (general)
• Clutch replacement (early Plus 4)
• Wiring & colour codes (all models)
• Wiring diagrams (all models)
• Fitting hazard lights (all models)
• Starting problems 4/4
• Rewiring your Morgan (all models)
• Spark plugs (general)
• Battery selection (general)
• Headlight reflectors (general)
• Throttle cable replacement (all models)
• Bowden cables (all models)
• Location of chassis numbers (all models)
• Model terminology (all models)

Chapter VI RESTORATION ADVICE

• Preparation for restoration
• Dismantling
• Body removal
• Marking components
• Cleaning components
• Paint removal
• Replacement of worn or broken parts
• Restoration standards
• Paintwork
• Brass & copper
• Aluminium finishes
• Dashboard
• Exhaust systems
• Electrical equipment & wiring
• Upholstery
• Fuel tank
• Useful tips
• COLOUR GALLERY

Chapter VII MORGAN CLUBS

• The Morgan Three-Wheeler Club
• The Morgan Sports Car Club
• Morgan clubs around the world
• Morgan clubs affiliated to the Morgan Sports Car Club
• Other international Morgan contacts

Appendix I Original specifications, production changes, general data
Appendix II Technical data sheets, wiring diagrams, lubrication charts & Lucas electrical component data sheets
Appendix III Specialists, manufacturers & distributors
Appendix IV Bibliography
Appendix V Morgan miniature models
Appendix VI Safety & glossary of terms
Index