NEW OWNER: Kapiti Mayor Ross Church and his Morgan Plus 8.
NEW OWNER: Kapiti Mayor Ross Church and his Morgan Plus 8.
Kapiti Mayor Ross Church is the proud new owner of a unique sports car which has an affectionate place in New Zealand's motor racing history.
The car is a Morgan Plus 8 which was a fan favourite during classic races in the 1990s.
The five speed manual bespoke two seater car, hand built in Britain in 1974, was imported in about 1990 by Mike Booth, who used to own Continental Cars, in Wellington.
It featured in numerous classic races in the 1990s especially in Wellington and Manfeild.
"The motor that's in it now is only the standard Rover V8, but when he had it, he had a very hot motor with four carbs on it, new cams, all sorts of electronic whizzy bits.
"He really did the motor up to make it go very fast.
Mr Booth sold the car in about 1999 or 2000, and it was owned by some short term owners and, following damage, came under the ownership of Morgan specialist Derek Atkinson, from Auckland, who rebuilt the car in 2002-03.
TIDY: Inside Ross Church's Morgan Plus 8.
By 2003 it was owned by Christopher Butler who decided to sell it recently.
"I'd only just sold the Mk V Jaguar, which was the one Vicki and I got married in, and had the money, and then Chris said he was selling the Morgan and so I thought it was meant to be," Mr Church said.
"I'd had a green one [a 1974 Morgan Plus 8] before, and loved it, and never thought I would ever get one again.
"I thought it was too good to be true because I knew the history of the car since Mike had it.
"I had always loved it, and always wanted it, and there it was."
Mr Church, who won't be racing the black colour car with red leather interior, said the car was a joy to drive.
"It has got great character.
"It's relatively light to drive, has a normal gear box, normal brakes and clutch - nothing tricky to it - it's just good fun.
"I love the feel of the open air and just enjoying the drive.
