Morgan - Plus 8 (1973)

Step inside the impressive world of the Morgan Plus 8, an iconic British sports car that first graced the roads in the early 1970s. Born out of Morgan’s legendary craftsmanship, the 1973 Morgan Plus 8 combines classic styling with a shareable chord of modern performance. Whether you’re a collector, a performance enthusiast, or simply curious about the Morgan Plus 8 price landscape, this guide will walk you through the key details, depreciation insights, and what makes the 1973 model a coveted gem in the used car market.

• Model year: 1973
• Engine: 4‑cylinder, 3.8‑L (2392 cc) Coventry Climax or Ford V8 options
• Power: 150 hp – 220 hp (depending on configuration)
• Transmission: 4‑speed or 5‑speed manual, 4‑speed automatic (optional)
• Drive: Front‑wheel drive (Frantastic!)
• Fuel type: 87 octane petrol
• Dimensions: Length ≈ 150 in (3.81 m); Width ≈ 75 in (1.91 m); Height ≈ 50 in (1.27 m)
• Overall weight: 2,400 lbs (1,088 kg) – lightweight construction delivers agile handling
• Top speed: Up to 115 mph (185 km/h) in high‑performance variants
• Acceleration (0‑60 mph): 7.8 seconds (best‑in‑class)
• Brakes: 4‑wheel disc brakes with optional ABS upgrade
• Interior: Leather upholstery, analog gauges, manual wheel‑bias control
• Features: Steering wheel with horn channel, 3‑speed manual 3‑point seat brakes, 11‑inch Cornell gear lever, classic Morgan aluminum exhaust

The 1973 Morgan Plus 8 price is a topic that many hobbyists and estate agents discuss. While the exact numbers chase the variables of mileage, restoration state, and geographic market, the general perception is that the car is priced in the mid‑five‑figure range in markets where classic vintage sport cars thrive. In the UK and the US, prices can fluctuate dramatically based on supply density – a single well‑maintained model can command more than a 200‑mile‑age counterpart.

Depreciation Insights: Morgan Plus 8 depreciation

Unlike many mainstream vehicles, the Morgan Plus 8 does not follow a regular depreciation curve. Instead, its value trend mirrors the dynamics of the collectible car market:

• Initial depreciation: A newly restored 1973 model typically loses 15‑20% of its value in the first year. This loss is due primarily to the high acquisition cost and the rapid appreciation of classic cars early on.
• Year 2‑3: Depreciation slides to around 5‑10% annually. This period often sees brands like Morgan re‑emerge in pop culture, fueling a resurgence in desirability.
• Year 4‑5 and beyond: The rate of decline stabilizes at roughly 2‑4% per year, as the vehicle matures into a sought‑after collector’s item. A car with low mileage and proven transmission excellence can maintain or even ascend in value.
• Resale factors: Restorations – especially those adhering to original specs with new‑to‑old paint and period‑accurate chrome – significantly boost resale potential. Authenticity and documentation are decisive.

Use these depreciation benchmarks when calculating any long‑term investment. Naturally, regional demand and the condition of mechanical elements, like the engine state and gearbox smoothness, can nudge the car’s value curve either positively or negatively.

What is a 1973 Morgan Plus 8 worth?

When you ask “what is a 1973 Morgan Plus 8 worth?” the answer resides in a comparative analysis anchored on market listing data, restoration reports, and auction results. Because the vehicle has a history of strong pricing stability, many sellers and buyers survive on reputational trust and recorded provenance. A 1973 will often trade at a price bracket that sits between asset maintenance costs and the heritage value attributed to route‑way copyright.

Demand remains strong in elite collector circles and in traditional clubs that emphasize buying historically significant British cars. As a result, a 1973 model that has a well‑documented service history and original parts is favored in closed‑market auctions, while models showing signs of restoration may fall toward the low end of the usability spread.

Comparison Context