IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1950–2019 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1950–2019 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 1950–2019 period has 1 more issue than the Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Ash Frame Rot

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The body panels are tacked to an ash wood frame. Moisture trapped behind the panels or under the wings can rot the wood.

Most affected: All ash-frame models

Estimated cost: £1,000–£5,000 (depending on extent)Affects: 1950–2020

Typical symptoms

  • •Soft spots in the wood
  • •Loose body panels
  • •Doors dropping

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the bottom of the "A" pillars and the rear wheel arches.
  • ✓Look for "black" wood through access holes.

King Pin & Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The traditional sliding pillar suspension relies on manual greasing. If missed, the pins and bushes wear, leading to poor handling and MOT failure.

Most affected: All classic models with sliding pillar suspension

Estimated cost: £400–£800Affects: 1950–2019

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy steering
  • •Steering "shimmy" or vibration
  • •Uneven tyre wear

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Jack up the front and check for vertical play in the hubs.
  • ✓Verify the greasing history.

Galvanic Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Aluminum body panels reacting with the steel chassis or fasteners can cause "bubbling" in the paint.

Most affected: All aluminum-bodied models

Estimated cost: £500–£2,000Affects: 1950–2020

Typical symptoms

  • •Bubbling paint on the wings or bonnet
  • •White powdery residue at panel edges

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect panel edges and where the wings meet the chassis.

Buying Tips for the 1950 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

  • ✓Inspect the chassis for corrosion, particularly the cross-members.
  • ✓Check the radiator for leaks; Morgan radiators are often bespoke and expensive.
  • ✓Look for "scuttle shake" during the test drive, which can indicate worn suspension or loose body mounts.
2020 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

Browse 1950–2019 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 1950–2019 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) vehicles.

View 1950–2019 Directory

Other Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) Year Periods

1950–20192020

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