The Morgan Plus 8: A classic and a legend still going at 50

Fans are planning a spectacular party for a distinctive and special machine

The Morgan Plus 8 has been a firm favourite of automobile aficionados since 1968 (Photos Morgan)

For a half a century the Morgan Plus 8 sports car has been charming drivers and onlookers alike, and its makers have taken the opportunity to mark its achievements with a weekend of celebrations on 11 and 12 August.

“Thrill on the Hill”, an annual Morgan event at the firm’s works in Malvern, Worcestershire and at the nearby Prescott Hill Climb track, will have a special Plus 8 theme this year. The organisers promise visitors a rare opportunity to see the original 1967-68 prototype, registered as OUY 200E, which is being brought over from its home at a Morgan dealership in America. Around 50 pristine Plus 8s, spanning the production life of the car will also be on display, as well as many other examples of other classic Morgan models. A “procession” of three-wheeler Morgans will make their way from the factor to the Hill Climb on Sunday.

The first prototype, which currently resides in San Francisco with Morgan dealer Bill Fink (Morgan)

The Plus 8 was so-called because it used the powerful and versatile 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine, shoehorned into a shape dating back to the 1930s, and, as with every other Morgan, hand built by the small team of dedicated craftspeople. As the Rover V8 eventually went out of production in 2004 production of the Pus 8 was suspended, but revived with a 4.4-litre BMW V8, and the car is still being made, and enjoyed. At the Morgan meet visitors will also see the first production model, which was owned by the then family firm’s boss Peter Morgan, the last of the Rover-engined line, and the first example of a special edition Plus 8.

Festivities ignite on Saturday at the Malvern factory with live music from soul band Soul Traffic, who will be playing numbers from the 1960s. The Rockabellas will also be appearing with a mix of swinging big band hits. Morgan fans are also promised pampering beauty treatments, a classic barber service offering men’s grooming and traditional fairground rides, air stunts and fireworks plus artisan food, the opportunity to learn about some specialised crafts and a guided tour through the Morgan factory.

Hill start: take the opportunity to compete from the passenger seat (Morgan)

Sunday sees the Prescott Hill Climb where hundreds of Morgans will compete to see who can get up the famous hill in the shortest time – one of the earliest of motorsports. Visitors will have the option to power around the course in their own Morgan, or jump in the passenger seat of a factory car via pre-bookable timed runs.

Steve Morris, managing director of Morgan Motor Company, said: “We’re excited to announce the return of Thrill on the Hill for 2018. Our annual summer events have continued to prove popular among owners and enthusiasts alike, and we expect this year to be better than ever as we welcome visitors from around the world to celebrate 50 years of the Morgan Plus 8. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 11-12.”

Tickets are on sale now at morgan-motor.co.uk/toth2018/