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With supplies of BMW's now-discontinued N62 4.8-litre V8 engine now running out, Morgan has released pictures of it's Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition, its last model that will feature the normally aspirated engine, ahead of it's reveal at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th.
Despite being in production since 1968, the Plus 8 has only ever used two different engines - Rover's iconic V8 and the outgoing BMW unit - and this 50th Anniversary Edition comes ahead of Morgan's move towards a turbocharged future.
The images show a royal blue lacquered paint finish with yellow accents around the grille, bonnet and rear towing eye, suggesting a hint of track-car, a nod to the racy MMC11, the first production Plus 8. Some racing pedigree is not as far-fetched as the Plus 8's 1950s looks would suggest either - with that V8 and a weight of just 1,100kg thanks to a light aluminium chassis, the Morgan is surprisingly quick, managing 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
According to Steve Morris, Morgan's managing director: "This 50th Anniversary Edition is a fitting illustration of the Plus 8's beauty and finesse, coupled with raw exhilaration and capability. Performance has underpinned every one of the Plus 8s that have driven out of our factory gates for 50 years and we're excited to reveal the car in full in Geneva."
Production of the 50th Anniversary Edition will be limited to just fifty cars and will be sold through Morgan's existing dealer network.