Be prepared,” I’m told as I’m handed the keys. “You’re going to attract a lot of attention. People will wave and they’re going to want to take photographs – you’ll feel like the Queen.”  It’s a warning that applies to anyone thinking of driving a Morgan Plus 4. You have to ready yourself for the rubbernecking. And you can’t exactly blame the rubberneckers for ogling, for any Morgan, puttering along with its beautifully curved wheel arches and vintage British aesthetic, is truly something to marvel at.

These classic cars, handcrafted with old-fashioned manufacturing techniques that have changed little over the past century, are a thing of beauty, especially when you consider the sheer level of bespoke craftsmanship that takes place at the Worcestershire-based workshops of Morgan Motors, Britain’s oldest independent car manufacturer. From the signature light ash wood frames (the majority of the car is made from wood) to the galvanised steel chassis, which is built separately from the body shell and installed much later, every car is personalised, and hand-built to the buyer’s specifications.

It’s telling that every Morgan is accompanied by a build book as it travels through each production stage, hand-signed by the craftsmen and women responsible. It’s a car for the true collector; indeed, the die-hard fanatics can even purchase photography detailing the car’s assembly.

Described as the “world’s favourite Morgan”, the Plus 4 is built on the same principles as the 1950s original, albeit with a slightly more torquey motor – a Ford 2.0-litre, Duratec GDI unit. When paired with a Mazda-built, five-speed manual gearbox, it propels the lightweight car – which weighs a mere 927 kilograms – from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds, reaching a very respectable 189 kph top speed. Not that you will be wanting to drive at such a speed.

This car is not built for hurtling down freeways, as I can attest driving down Sheikh Zayed Road with the top down. Though it has wider wings and fatter tyres than the 4/4, those long-dormant calf muscles will get a workout driving a manual in traffic with no ABS and power steering, while at higher speeds, the bonnet has a tendancy to bump up and down like a tamer version of a gangster’s lowrider.

If it’s velocity you’re after, or a daily driver, turn the page. However, motoring enthusiasts in the mood for a genteel country or beach-side drive with plenty of nostalgic, vintage cool will be proud owners indeed. Just be prepared to wave.