The Bugatti Veyron is the world’s fastest road-going car, with a top speed of 253mph. The problem is that with a price tag of more than £800,000 it is also one of the most expensive. So if you fancy owning a world record holder on a more modest budget then take a look at the Morgan 4/4. Launched in 1936 it holds the record for the longest continuous production run of any car.

Handbuilt in the company’s Malvern factory, the original 1936 Morgan 4/4 was the first four-wheel car produced by the company, which had previously made three-wheelers. The 4/4 name signified that it not only had four wheels but a four-cylinder engine.

Today the design remains true to that original concept but a series of increases in engine size and power now means that it can more than keep up with modern traffic. Since the early 1990s the 4/4 has boasted Ford power under the bonnet in the form of a 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine. Power may be modest but the car’s kerb weight of just 940kg – or about 350kg less than a new Audi TT — means that performance still feels brisk.

Partly this can be put down to the car’s design. Although the engine may be modern, precious little else is. With limited protection given by the small front windscreen and side windows you feel every mile per hour, and the hood, which stows behind the seats, offers little insulation from road noise.

The car not only looks retro it also drives retro. Back in the 1930s ergonomics were unheard of: engineers built cars and drivers fitted in around them. As a consequence, when you sit in a Morgan 4/4 you will be confronted with an overly large steering wheel, unnervingly close to your sternum. Likewise the bonnet seems unnaturally long and the sweeping running boards belong to another era. The longer wheelbase four-seater version looks slightly bulkier but offers the advantage of rear seats, albeit rather snug ones, appealing to those buyers who need to combine sports car fun with family practicalities.

Being handbuilt brings with it a number of advantages. Owners have been able to personalise their new Morgan 4/4s in terms of colour, trim and specification for many years. As a consequence few used examples are identical, with different combinations of wire wheels, sound systems and interior and exterior colours.

The Morgan is unlike almost any other modern car in construction. It’s built using a combination of an ash wood frame and handbeaten aluminium and steel bodywork. The result is an unusual product but one that sometimes possesses slight engineering inconsistency.

This means that checking a used example is best done accompanied by an expert. The car’s ash frame is probably the most important feature. An easy way of checking this is in decent condition is by looking for any signs of flexing on the door hinges. If you spot any movement it could mean that expensive repairs are needed.

With rustproofing an optional extra when new it is also important to check all the metal panels for signs of bubbling or corrosion. All in all, it pays to take your time to hunt down a car that ticks all your boxes in terms of aesthetics as well as condition.

But the good news is that unlike most cars the Morgan 4/4 holds its value well. Limited production numbers, a healthy waiting list and a loyal following mean that new car demand outstrips supply. If you buy a new one for £25,000, drive it for a year and clock up 5,000 miles you could still get your money back when you come to sell it. With this in mind nearly new examples have limited appeal as a used buy, meaning that you have to go back to the mid1990s to enjoy any real savings.

Given another 30 years it’s unlikely that the Bugatti Veyron will remain the world’s fastest road-going car, but if the chaps up in the Malverns have their way the Morgan 4/4 could be the first car to have been in production for a century.

Wheels Wire wheels look great but need regular cleaning to avoid pitting and discoloration
Chassis Ash frame should be good for 15-20 years. Check door hinges and rear wings for signs of flexing
Suspension Bushes and kingpins generally need replacing every 25,000 miles
Servicing Due every 5,000 miles or 12 months and should be done by a specialist
Paintwork Classic colours such as green, blue, white and black are most popular, although the company offers a huge range
Insurance Specialist limited mileage cover can reduce premiums dramatically
Upholstery Leather upholstery needs attention every 12 months to keep it in best condition
Wet weather damage Check roof, side screens and seals for signs of water ingress
Spare wheel Boot-mounted and exposed to the weather, so check side wall for signs of perishing

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Morgan 4/4 two seater
Engine 1796cc, four cylinders
Power 125bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 40.5mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 8.9sec
Top speed 120mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Morgan 4/4 two seater 1996 Preg with 20,000 miles. Pay £10,650 at a dealer or £9,500 privately

VALUES

1995 N
Trade
Mileage 10,000 £8,325 20,000 £7,925 40,000 £7,200

Retail
Mileage 10,000 £10,350 20,000 £9,950 40,000 £9,225

1996 P

Trade
Mileage 10,000 £9,050 20,000 £8,600 40,000 £7,875

Retail
Mileage 10,000 £11,095 20,000 £10,650 40,000 £9,895

1997 R

Trade
Mileage 10,000 £9,925 20,000 £9,425 40,000 £8,625

Retail
Mileage 10,000 £12,095 20,000 £11,550 40,000 £10,750

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