Sir John (Troubleshooter) Harvey Jones dies....
Discussion
Sad to hear the death of ex ICI chairman Sir John, who was the subject of the two infamous TV programmes trying to "advise" the Morgan motor company to invest and speed up production, much to the disgust of Peter and Charles Morgan.....
On Sir John's return to the factory for the second programme ten years later, Charles Morgan said "Well, we've given the factory a lick of paint".......
I think he approved of the new Aero though.....
RIP.....You were a nice bloke, one of the old school.....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7182117.stm
On Sir John's return to the factory for the second programme ten years later, Charles Morgan said "Well, we've given the factory a lick of paint".......
I think he approved of the new Aero though.....
RIP.....You were a nice bloke, one of the old school.....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7182117.stm
MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY
Unfortunately for Sir John, the best remembered Troubleshooter show is the one where classic sportscar maker Morgan Motor Company turned down his advice - and went on to prosper.
On visiting the Morgan Motor Company in Worcestershire, he was aghast to see that the sportscar maker was still making its vehicles by hand, and even continuing to use a large proportion of wood in their construction.
Sir John's advice was simple - modernise, greatly increase production and ramp up your prices. Morgan completely refused on all counts.
Carmaker Morgan turned down Sir John's advice
The carmaker happily admits that that particular show "caused quite a stir".
"Sir John's conclusions were significantly at odds with the views held by the Morgan family, who said so," says the company.
"Even today, many conversations start with reference to the programme, which has entered British folklore."
Despite turning down Sir John's advice, Morgan admits that his visit did have a very positive impact. Hundreds of orders came in.
"Ironically, it is one of the principal reasons behind the extensive waiting list."
With Morgan continuing to make just nine cars a week, the waiting lists for its various models can be up to a year.
Always down to earth, Sir John said he was very pleased to have been proven wrong in Morgan's case.
Describing himself as "a very old businessman", he insisted he had already made every mistake in the book.
Unfortunately for Sir John, the best remembered Troubleshooter show is the one where classic sportscar maker Morgan Motor Company turned down his advice - and went on to prosper.
On visiting the Morgan Motor Company in Worcestershire, he was aghast to see that the sportscar maker was still making its vehicles by hand, and even continuing to use a large proportion of wood in their construction.
Sir John's advice was simple - modernise, greatly increase production and ramp up your prices. Morgan completely refused on all counts.
Carmaker Morgan turned down Sir John's advice
The carmaker happily admits that that particular show "caused quite a stir".
"Sir John's conclusions were significantly at odds with the views held by the Morgan family, who said so," says the company.
"Even today, many conversations start with reference to the programme, which has entered British folklore."
Despite turning down Sir John's advice, Morgan admits that his visit did have a very positive impact. Hundreds of orders came in.
"Ironically, it is one of the principal reasons behind the extensive waiting list."
With Morgan continuing to make just nine cars a week, the waiting lists for its various models can be up to a year.
Always down to earth, Sir John said he was very pleased to have been proven wrong in Morgan's case.
Describing himself as "a very old businessman", he insisted he had already made every mistake in the book.
Bartell said:
Wacky Racer said:
Sir John's advice was simple - modernise, greatly increase production and ramp up your prices. Morgan completely refused on all counts.
Must disagree. They adopted every suggestion.
I have both programmes on tape btw........
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