Discussion
Beasty,
Just buy one - you'll never look back (or be so popular).
Seriously though - where are you ? I may be able to recommend a friendly Dealer/Specialist.
They are basically a 1950s car built in the *0s, 90s or whatever - rock hard suspension, body panels on a wooden frame (just like the old days), no creature comforts and some ingress of water despite the hood in heavy rain (but of course the hood won't be up will it ? it's only water after all).
However on a decent road and dry weather there's just nothing to touch it for a driving experience and genuine class. The Plus 8 is useable as a daily road car and rides much smoother than the smaller (Ford Zetec/Rover K) engined models.
Then of course there is always the new AERO 8 - check it out at www.morgan-motor.co.uk - better still give them a ring 01684 573104 and visit the Factory in Malvern. If you're London or South, try Brands Hatch Morgans in Borough Green Kent 01732 886387 - ask for Rick Bourne or Rod Coe. Post again if you want more details.
Have Fun
Just buy one - you'll never look back (or be so popular).
Seriously though - where are you ? I may be able to recommend a friendly Dealer/Specialist.
They are basically a 1950s car built in the *0s, 90s or whatever - rock hard suspension, body panels on a wooden frame (just like the old days), no creature comforts and some ingress of water despite the hood in heavy rain (but of course the hood won't be up will it ? it's only water after all).
However on a decent road and dry weather there's just nothing to touch it for a driving experience and genuine class. The Plus 8 is useable as a daily road car and rides much smoother than the smaller (Ford Zetec/Rover K) engined models.
Then of course there is always the new AERO 8 - check it out at www.morgan-motor.co.uk - better still give them a ring 01684 573104 and visit the Factory in Malvern. If you're London or South, try Brands Hatch Morgans in Borough Green Kent 01732 886387 - ask for Rick Bourne or Rod Coe. Post again if you want more details.
Have Fun
Sorry Morgan lovers, but the Aero 8 is by far and away the ugliest thig on 4 wheels I have ever seen. For me it trails way behind the Miltipla and that new Renault thing by a long way.
You'll never get me in one alive and if you put me in one when I'm dead I swear I'll be back to haunt you and your grandchildren's grandchildren.
You'll never get me in one alive and if you put me in one when I'm dead I swear I'll be back to haunt you and your grandchildren's grandchildren.
angusfaldo,
Don't knock it before you've tried it - go and see one in the flesh, I've yet to see a photograph that does it justice. And look deeper than the skin, the aluminium chassis is where the fun starts and the suspension is straight off the ractrack, then there's the 4.4 V8 BMW - the thing is just awesome.
Then go drive it - you won't have to look at it but it'll turn more heads than any other car I know.
To each their own
Don't knock it before you've tried it - go and see one in the flesh, I've yet to see a photograph that does it justice. And look deeper than the skin, the aluminium chassis is where the fun starts and the suspension is straight off the ractrack, then there's the 4.4 V8 BMW - the thing is just awesome.
Then go drive it - you won't have to look at it but it'll turn more heads than any other car I know.
To each their own
MUNGO!!!! 
First and Last said: angusfaldo,
Don't knock it before you've tried it - go and see one in the flesh, I've yet to see a photograph that does it justice. And look deeper than the skin, the aluminium chassis is where the fun starts and the suspension is straight off the ractrack, then there's the 4.4 V8 BMW - the thing is just awesome.
Then go drive it - you won't have to look at it but it'll turn more heads than any other car I know.
To each their own
Thanks for the advice F&L. I'm not normally one to knock something that looks out of the ordinary and I am genuinely interested in Morgans. So I did go and see the pink one at the motor show, got onto the stand and had a really good poke around. the reason for my interest? Well I used to have access to a +4 and it was a great fun car. It's British and I support that too.
It's an important point you make thou. I remember looking at pics of the Tamora and thinking bluuuuurgh. But after seeing one in the flesh I was a changed man. I love 'em. But sorry, the Aero 8 doesn't do it for me.
First and Last said:[/iThe Plus 8 is useable as a daily road car and rides much smoother than the smaller (Ford Zetec/Rover K) engined models.
A daily car?
Ok you could drive a Morgan daily, but after a few years it'll be in the bodyshop for new wood etc,. OK, I know they now use Cuprinol on the wood (something to consider if buying an older model), but having had a Mog for seven years I speak from experience when I say that driving one with the roof assembled (I chose that word carefully) is the most uncomfortable driving experience ever....I was told by my passenger that he'd never been 70mph in a tent before! You'll need wipers on the inside of the screen! OK they're brill on a dry day (and I was not just a fair-weather owner....as a drive in frosty weather, suitable attired is equal to a summer drive for the pleasure gained), but if you want it for daily use and for long journeys/weekends away, then you'll need to be either very hardy (just take a look out of the window!) or absolutely besotted with the marque, and always ready to forgive its shortcomings.
Having said that, there's not many cars that you can drive that result in pedestrians chatting to you while you wait at the traffic lights!
What to look for?
1)Alloy body panels are a must (particularly if it is to be used daily!).
2) Good (if poss galvanised) chassis.
3) Telescopic rear dampers...many owners have replaced the original lever-arm dampers...much better ride/handling.
4) A Simmonds hood - again if frequent use planned. These are expensive (very) but apparently much better that the 'tent over frame' original type.
Finally, put a flying jacket on your Chrstmas present list, don't sell your everyday car just yet, and go in with your eyes open!
Thanks for the thoughts chaps.
I am not too worried about practicality as the Elise is not that great and I'm used to that. A bit (lot) of water in the cabin is not a problem either.
It won't be a daily drive, just a frequent one. My main worry is that I can't garage it - I'll keep it under a cover - but is it going to rot?
Basically it is just a car for smiles.
I have to say that I considered the Aero, but I'm not sure I can justify dropping 50k on a car that strange.
Another test drive tomorrow, so I'll keep you posted.
BTW Ted, any chance of a Morgan forum? I've hunted around on the web and can't find one anywhere. Not exactly mainstream I know, but a good British Marque surely deserving of its own spot on this fine website?
I am not too worried about practicality as the Elise is not that great and I'm used to that. A bit (lot) of water in the cabin is not a problem either.
It won't be a daily drive, just a frequent one. My main worry is that I can't garage it - I'll keep it under a cover - but is it going to rot?
Basically it is just a car for smiles.
I have to say that I considered the Aero, but I'm not sure I can justify dropping 50k on a car that strange.
Another test drive tomorrow, so I'll keep you posted.
BTW Ted, any chance of a Morgan forum? I've hunted around on the web and can't find one anywhere. Not exactly mainstream I know, but a good British Marque surely deserving of its own spot on this fine website?
I have had a 4/4 since 1985,also during this time i have owned other Mogs.Although I have never owned larger than +4 i have driven +8...The cars came out in 1968 with a narow body not greatly different from the +4 of the time..the latest cars are so much wider,they seem to have lost some of the chuckability.
This is why I have never owned the 8.
There is a lot you can change in the suspension / handling department to improve the factory settings.
the very latest factory cars have rack & pinion steering which is not for the Morgan enthusiast who can make much better progress with the old worm& nut steering mechanism.
Great cars and a lot of fun,there are some real enthusiasts who know the cars well,unfortubately you get the owners who buy one once the kids leave home and spends a fortune in shiny tat to keep the specialists in business and actually uses the roof for the thing.
Dody is all hand made you cannot buy a single body part off the shelf that will fit your car,so check out panels and wooden frame (belgian ash) this is far more important than mechanics...
This is why I have never owned the 8.
There is a lot you can change in the suspension / handling department to improve the factory settings.
the very latest factory cars have rack & pinion steering which is not for the Morgan enthusiast who can make much better progress with the old worm& nut steering mechanism.
Great cars and a lot of fun,there are some real enthusiasts who know the cars well,unfortubately you get the owners who buy one once the kids leave home and spends a fortune in shiny tat to keep the specialists in business and actually uses the roof for the thing.
Dody is all hand made you cannot buy a single body part off the shelf that will fit your car,so check out panels and wooden frame (belgian ash) this is far more important than mechanics...
Beasty: Take a look at this site - www.gomog.com/ - a Mog group based in Canada, (not a lot of Mog dealers there I would guess!) but there's lots of stuff on it.
As regards non-garage storage - not ideal, but I would say that as long as you invest in a good cover and keep the car well aired (i.e. use it often) you should be ok.
In addition to my earlier posting - check when the kingpins were last re-bushed - typical lifespan for kingpins & bushes around 15,000 miles (with the original one-shot lub system), though it is longer if a greasing kit has been fitted.
There was a book published by Practical Classics (Kelsey Publishing Ltd) called 'Morgan Restoration & Buying'. If you can get hold of a copy, it would help you to check out a car before you part with the cash.
Here's a buyer's guide on the above site: www.gomog.com/guide.htm
>> Edited by wolosp on Thursday 14th November 14:33
As regards non-garage storage - not ideal, but I would say that as long as you invest in a good cover and keep the car well aired (i.e. use it often) you should be ok.
In addition to my earlier posting - check when the kingpins were last re-bushed - typical lifespan for kingpins & bushes around 15,000 miles (with the original one-shot lub system), though it is longer if a greasing kit has been fitted.
There was a book published by Practical Classics (Kelsey Publishing Ltd) called 'Morgan Restoration & Buying'. If you can get hold of a copy, it would help you to check out a car before you part with the cash.
Here's a buyer's guide on the above site: www.gomog.com/guide.htm
>> Edited by wolosp on Thursday 14th November 14:33
Well, had a short test drive of the Morgan +8 around the crowded streets of Hyde Park (not ideal I know). I was really impressed. It looks and sounds fantastic and feels considerably more substantial than the Elise. The power delivery is also totally different - as one would expect, with loads of torque and not noticably slower than the Elise. Clearly not going to be as chuckable, but its about time I got more progressive.
Given it is a 2000 model with only 4000 miles it seems in great condition and has all the more recent modifications.
I must say I can feel my wallet opening as I type. At least it makes some sense financially, I'm not going to get killed with the depreciation.
Given it is a 2000 model with only 4000 miles it seems in great condition and has all the more recent modifications.
I must say I can feel my wallet opening as I type. At least it makes some sense financially, I'm not going to get killed with the depreciation.
Rich... had a 4/4 for 1 1/2 years that i used daily for a 50 mile commute. Just do it - they're ace just be prepared to get wet occasionally but your smile as u look over that bonnet will easily make up for it. Parked mine on the street in the middle on northampton town centre over night every night and nothing happened - people respect them more + northampton thieves are to thick to know how to open it as it had no door handle or locks!!!
I put a deposit down on a new Morgan in 1992 and by the time my name came to the top of the list (1999)I had gone off the idea and got a Griff instead.
In 1992 I was still wearing cords, Barbour and flat cap (sometimes even a cravat, for FCUK's sake!) and Morgan went with this image.
Updated image, updated car!
In 1992 I was still wearing cords, Barbour and flat cap (sometimes even a cravat, for FCUK's sake!) and Morgan went with this image.
Updated image, updated car!
Beasty,
Go on Sir - you know you want to !!!
If you liked it in town just imagine what it's like on the open road....
You shouldn't have any real issues with a car that new (mine dates from 1969 and has been with me for 21 years so watch out) and it shouldn't be any worse than any other sports car for leaving outside. Normal convertible rules apply to a large extent though i.e careful where you leave it overnight as there are always airheads about.
Morgans are a bit Love 'em or Hate 'em - if you Love 'em it'll be for life.
By the way is the car from a Dealer ? if so which one. If it's a private sale I can probably put you in toch with a friendly 'expert' and it's worth having the car checked over - although everything is fixable on a Morgan from a new Chassis upwards.
Apart from that - "Get in there my son".
Concur with the comment round Brands Hatch - there's also a one-make race series try www.mogsport.net
Have Fun
Go on Sir - you know you want to !!!
If you liked it in town just imagine what it's like on the open road....
You shouldn't have any real issues with a car that new (mine dates from 1969 and has been with me for 21 years so watch out) and it shouldn't be any worse than any other sports car for leaving outside. Normal convertible rules apply to a large extent though i.e careful where you leave it overnight as there are always airheads about.
Morgans are a bit Love 'em or Hate 'em - if you Love 'em it'll be for life.
By the way is the car from a Dealer ? if so which one. If it's a private sale I can probably put you in toch with a friendly 'expert' and it's worth having the car checked over - although everything is fixable on a Morgan from a new Chassis upwards.
Apart from that - "Get in there my son".
Concur with the comment round Brands Hatch - there's also a one-make race series try www.mogsport.net
Have Fun
angusfaldo,
I have just re-read my original comments to you - a touch more aggressive than my normal style, so apologies.
Glad to hear you had a good look at it (although their choice of colur is not to my taste, the GT Cup AERO 8 in two-tone Blue and Silver is wicked by comparison) Hope you enjoyed the rest of the Motor Show.
Have Fun
I have just re-read my original comments to you - a touch more aggressive than my normal style, so apologies.
Glad to hear you had a good look at it (although their choice of colur is not to my taste, the GT Cup AERO 8 in two-tone Blue and Silver is wicked by comparison) Hope you enjoyed the rest of the Motor Show.
Have Fun
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