The iconic British car manufacturer Morgan Motor Company has confirmed that its legendary Plus Four model will soon be available in the United States once again. After a two-decade absence, Morgan is bringing back this unique, hand-crafted sports car to U.S. enthusiasts who cherish classic design coupled with modern performance. Expected to land in early 2025, the Plus Four’s comeback marks an important moment for the automaker, which has finally received federal approval to sell the vehicle on American soil. But what makes the Plus Four so special, and why is it generating such a buzz in the automotive world?
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The Legacy of the Morgan Plus Four
The Morgan Plus Four’s roots go back more than 70 years. Since the 1950s, this model has been synonymous with British automotive craftsmanship, combining vintage aesthetics with a sports car’s heart. Known for its iconic design, the Plus Four has long been characterized by its ash wood frame—a unique feature that dates back to early automobile construction—and hand-formed aluminum bodywork. Unlike modern mass-produced cars, each Morgan Plus Four is individually crafted by skilled artisans, giving it a level of personalization and detail that is hard to find elsewhere in today’s automotive landscape.
Morgan’s cars are instantly recognizable thanks to their retro styling, which has changed little over the decades. The Plus Four’s design harks back to an era when automobiles were as much works of art as they were modes of transportation. Its open-wheel arches, rounded body, and classic, flowing lines are an homage to mid-20th-century sports cars. For many car enthusiasts, the Morgan Plus Four represents a connection to the past, a time capsule on wheels that embodies both the romance of old-world design and the joy of open-road driving.
What Sets the Plus Four Apart?
The appeal of the Morgan Plus Four lies in its unique combination of heritage, exclusivity, and bespoke craftsmanship. While modern cars are filled with advanced technology, sensors, and driver assistance systems, the Plus Four offers a simpler, more visceral driving experience. This is not a car for those who want to rely on driver aids; rather, it’s a car for purists who appreciate the sensation of direct control and unfiltered feedback from the road.
Each Plus Four is constructed by hand, with an aluminum body that is shaped, fitted, and finished by skilled craftsmen. The underlying frame is made from ash wood, a choice that has been a Morgan hallmark for decades. This blend of traditional and modern materials gives the Plus Four its distinctive character. While many other high-end sports cars boast lightweight materials like carbon fiber, the Plus Four’s ash frame and aluminum body add a sense of nostalgia, combining durability with a natural, organic feel that is rare in today’s market.
Moreover, despite its classic appearance, the Plus Four isn’t just a relic of the past. It’s powered by a BMW-sourced 2.0-liter inline-four engine, giving it a modern edge in terms of performance. This turbocharged engine provides ample power and responsiveness, delivering around 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight construction of the Plus Four ensures that it remains agile, and it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5 seconds, an impressive feat for a car that celebrates vintage design.
Why the Plus Four’s Return to the U.S. Matters
The re-entry of the Morgan Plus Four into the U.S. market is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a victory for those who value uniqueness and tradition over mainstream trends in the automotive industry. In an era dominated by SUVs, electric vehicles, and digital interfaces, the Plus Four’s return reminds us that there is still a place for handcrafted cars that prioritize driver engagement and timeless aesthetics.
One of the primary reasons Morgan was able to reintroduce the Plus Four in the United States is the FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation). This act includes a special provision for “replica” cars, allowing automakers to sell a limited number of vehicles that replicate older models without needing to meet the same stringent safety standards as modern vehicles. The FAST Act has paved the way for niche manufacturers like Morgan to bring their heritage-inspired models to the U.S., as long as they adhere to certain production limits.
Morgan’s U.S. production cap is set at 325 cars per year, a limitation that enhances the Plus Four’s exclusivity. With only a select number of these hand-built cars available annually, the Plus Four is set to become a collector’s item among U.S. car enthusiasts. Moreover, the high level of craftsmanship involved in each model justifies its MSRP of $84,995. While this may seem steep for a car with an inline-four engine, it’s important to note that the Plus Four is one of the few truly hand-built cars available globally, placing it in a class of its own.
A Unique Offering in a Crowded Market
In a marketplace filled with increasingly similar vehicles, the Morgan Plus Four offers something refreshingly different. While most modern cars focus on advanced technology, the Plus Four delivers an analog experience that is rare today. It’s a car built for those who love the art of driving, who find joy in the feel of the road, the sound of the engine, and the wind rushing by.
The Plus Four’s appeal is further enhanced by its exclusivity. Unlike many high-performance sports cars, which are produced by the thousands and widely available, each Morgan Plus Four is a limited edition. With only 325 units allowed in the U.S. each year, ownership of a Plus Four is a statement of individuality. This exclusivity makes the car not only a joy to drive but also a potential investment for collectors who understand the value of rarity in the automotive world.
