Plus 8 goes out with a bang

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The 35th anniversary of Morgan's famous Plus 8 sports car is being marked with a commemorative limited-edition model.

The special soft-top comes as Morgan prepares to wind down the Plus 8. More than 6000 have been made since the car made its debut in 1968.

The end of production at the Malvern plant next year will give the anniversary edition added value.

Said Matthew Parkin, sales director for the Morgan Car Company: "The Plus 8 has become in many ways the definitive Morgan sports car.

"The anniversary model will be the last chance for anyone who has dreamed of owning a Plus 8 to own a really important piece of Morgan heritage."

Morgan is expected to build 185 anniversary editions - 85 for the European market and 100 for the USA.

Morgan's last limited-edition model, the Le Mans 62, sold out of all 80 cars within days.

Meanwhile, the Morgan team's entry for this year's Le Mans 24-Hour race has been rejected by the selection committee. No reasons were given.

The ruling has shocked motorsport fans. Said team manager David Dowse: "This is a bitter blow, particularly as we are so far advanced with the project, and we've made great progress with developing the car.

"We were sure that our efforts last year, and the fantastic support we received from the fans, would secure us a place.

"No doubt the organisers have their reasons, but it is very difficult to understand why a genuine manufacturer like Morgan, with a fully homologated production car, should be excluded.

"It is our clear intention to build an undeniable case for an entry at Le Mans in 2004."

At last year's Le Mans, the privately entered Morgan Aero 8 won the hearts of the crowds and was widely acclaimed for reviving the true spirit of motorsport, where the little guy can mix it with the big-budget teams.