1954 Morgan Plus 4 Drophead Coupe

The drophead top doesn’t compress very well, and in the “down” position often gives the appearance of a car packing a mattress

by Norm Mort

HF. S. Morgan couldn’t have guessed back in 1910 that the DNA of his first trike would form the basis of generations of Morgan sports cars. Or that the appeal would extend from pre-WWI owners to more worldly men and women nearly a century later.

More sophisticated enthusiasts might call H. F. S. the first automotive masochist but to most, the whole Morgan concept is a joyous mystery. As Cecil Clutton once wrote about the three-wheeler, “Morgan addicts claim it’s the safest thing on wheels: lesser mortals just think the addicts are very brave.”

Porsche owners are very similar in their dedication (although their kidneys can’t take the ride qualities of a Morgan) and so are MG, Triumph, and other single marque devotees.

STEPPING UP FROM three WHEELS

In 1936, after 25 years of contrarianism, Morgan moved into the four-wheel market, dominated up until then by MG and Singer. Three-wheeled competitor BSA made the move a few years...