1964 Morgan Plus 4 SLR

The 1964 Morgan Plus 4 SLR is one of the most unique and lesser-known vehicles in Morgan’s history. The car was a collaboration between Chris Lawrence of LawrenceTune and John Sprinzel, famed for his work on Speedwell Sprites. The “SLR” name stands for “Sprinzel LawrenceTune Racing,” reflecting the partnership that created this car. Lawrence, who had previously earned recognition for his work on Morgans, including a class win at Le Mans in 1962, wanted to develop a more aerodynamically efficient model to compete with the era’s increasingly streamlined race cars. 

Unlike standard Morgans, which were known for their rather upright and “brick-like” aerodynamics, the Plus 4 SLR featured a lightweight aluminum body designed by Chris Spender and refined by Williams and Pritchard, a coachbuilding company. The car’s curvaceous body was highly aerodynamic, blending sharp lines with smooth contours that made it look almost like a small Corvette, a departure from Morgan’s typical designs. 

The Plus 4 SLR was powered by a Triumph-sourced engine, modified extensively by LawrenceTune to produce 156 bhp. The engine modifications included twin Weber carburetors, a custom exhaust, and a reworked cylinder head. These upgrades made the car more competitive on the track while still retaining some of the Morgan’s traditional components, such as its ladder-frame chassis and sliding-pillar front suspension. Lawrence aimed to take this model into limited production for racing, but only three were built, each with a distinctive racing pedigree.

In terms of racing history, the Morgan Plus 4 SLR proved itself on the track despite its small production numbers. All three cars were heavily campaigned in various racing events, particularly by Chris Lawrence himself, who managed to extract a great deal of performance from the car. The SLR competed in prestigious events like the Silverstone races and numerous historic racing events in later years. Its lightweight body and modified engine made it a formidable competitor in its class. Even though the car didn’t dominate racing charts, it fared remarkably well in the hands of skilled drivers. 

Each of the three Morgan Plus 4 SLRs built has survived to the present day and continues to race in historic events, showcasing the durability and engineering prowess of the car. The combination of Lawrence’s vision and Sprinzel’s racing expertise created a truly iconic vehicle that remains a favorite in historic motorsports, regularly seen at events like the Coppa Intereuropa and historic racing meets at Silverstone. 

The Morgan Plus 4 SLR stands as a testament to British craftsmanship and ingenuity in the 1960s, representing a fascinating chapter in the evolution of Morgan race cars. It successfully bridged the gap between traditional British sports car design and the increasingly sophisticated racing technology of its time. The car’s rarity and its role in Chris Lawrence’s racing legacy make it a highly prized piece of motorsport history today.