THE Morgan Motor Company has seen sales soar to record levels following the decision to phase out its most famous model.

Sales of the Plus Eight have rocketed as news of its demise spreads with drivers the world over jumping to get a model before it's too late.

The Pickersleigh Road company has decided to cease production of the Plus Eight next year because of new emissions regulations being introduced which render its engine unsuitable.

June saw record breaking sales for Morgan with 170 car orders in a single month, compared to around the normal 50-odd.

The Plus Eight was launched in 1968 using the 4l Rover V8, an engine that has remained in use ever since. It has become hugely successful, selling over 5,000 worldwide.

It will be replaced with an unnamed model, similar in appearance but with a bespoke three-litre Ford V6 under the bonnet. Despite the smaller capacity, the engine will be more powerful and technically advanced than the V8.

Matthew Parkin, sales and marketing director at Morgan, said: "We have all got a great bond with the car because it's been such a mainstay of our business for such a long period of time. It's a fabulous engine but it just hasn't had the development put into it in the last few years that we need."

As one model is phased out, another is to be introduced to America next year. The Aero 8, Morgan's latest model released in the UK in 2000, is to be unveiled at the New York and Los Angeles motor shows from January.

The original UK-spec Aero 8s cannot be sold in the US because of strict emissions and customs laws.

Orders are being taken in December with huge de-mand expected to net the company up to £12 million.