A salute to all morgan owners and some questions
Discussion
Hi all guys!
I'm really falling in love with morgans lately and would really love to have some more info about them.. since I don't find the official site to be much user friendly.. there are some beautifull brochures and photos, as well as a lot of details on optionals, prices, colours and so on.. yet there are some simple questions I really couldn't find the answer!
1) The difference between 2 seaters (like 4/4 sport, roadster and other models) is the engine, some technical things (like supension and stuff i guess) and the avaiability of some optionals (like air con only for roadster) right? I mean.. I am scure there are a lot of small and big technicall differences.. yet what i mean is that aesthetic wise the car is the same, or am i wrong?
2) what about temperature issues?
I have had a Lotus Elise s1 for the last 4 years and i am still in love with it.. yet there's a disgraced thing about it: it's friggin hot! when it's summer you can't go around in day-time unless it's ok for you to sweat as if you were in a sauna.. at least here in Italy.
Putting a towel on those leather seats helps quite a bit.. as well as wearing light clothes of course, but still I can't say I would take the car for a long journey.. at least not in summer.. it just takes you to stop some mins at trafic lights to almost die out due to the temperature!
What about morgans?
Do they suffer the same temperature issue of an elise? I know many models don't feature air-con.. yet I guess that not having an engine at 5cm behind your shoulders should help quite a lot!
What about air-con on the roadster? is it usefull or it doesn't really solve the issue in an hot day?
Does choosing a light interior/exterior trimming affect much the issue? or a total black car isn't much hotter than a full white one?
3) reliability: how is the car reliability wise? it's like having an old car that could require assistence at every 100 Km/s or new ones, aside the look and artisanal manifacture, are used without more issues that today industrial-manifactured cars?
4) used or new? Aside the obvious advantage of HP due to more powerfull engines, do new models provide a much more refined experience reliability and confort wise? I've noticed that, at least here in Italy, 2000+ used cars tend to keep almost everything of their value.. frankly I'd rather buy a totally new car with the exact spec i want than saving 3-4 thousand bucks!
Yet if you look at older models you can find some very interesting prices.. that's why I would like to know if the new cars are so much of an improvement. Frankly, from photos, they all seem neat to me.. only thing really pushing me to look for a new car is the con-air option in the fear that the car may suffer of the same temperature issue of my elise..
Well, thanks anyone for the attention!
Best Wishes Claudio
I'm really falling in love with morgans lately and would really love to have some more info about them.. since I don't find the official site to be much user friendly.. there are some beautifull brochures and photos, as well as a lot of details on optionals, prices, colours and so on.. yet there are some simple questions I really couldn't find the answer!
1) The difference between 2 seaters (like 4/4 sport, roadster and other models) is the engine, some technical things (like supension and stuff i guess) and the avaiability of some optionals (like air con only for roadster) right? I mean.. I am scure there are a lot of small and big technicall differences.. yet what i mean is that aesthetic wise the car is the same, or am i wrong?
2) what about temperature issues?
I have had a Lotus Elise s1 for the last 4 years and i am still in love with it.. yet there's a disgraced thing about it: it's friggin hot! when it's summer you can't go around in day-time unless it's ok for you to sweat as if you were in a sauna.. at least here in Italy.
Putting a towel on those leather seats helps quite a bit.. as well as wearing light clothes of course, but still I can't say I would take the car for a long journey.. at least not in summer.. it just takes you to stop some mins at trafic lights to almost die out due to the temperature!
What about morgans?
Do they suffer the same temperature issue of an elise? I know many models don't feature air-con.. yet I guess that not having an engine at 5cm behind your shoulders should help quite a lot!
What about air-con on the roadster? is it usefull or it doesn't really solve the issue in an hot day?
Does choosing a light interior/exterior trimming affect much the issue? or a total black car isn't much hotter than a full white one?
3) reliability: how is the car reliability wise? it's like having an old car that could require assistence at every 100 Km/s or new ones, aside the look and artisanal manifacture, are used without more issues that today industrial-manifactured cars?
4) used or new? Aside the obvious advantage of HP due to more powerfull engines, do new models provide a much more refined experience reliability and confort wise? I've noticed that, at least here in Italy, 2000+ used cars tend to keep almost everything of their value.. frankly I'd rather buy a totally new car with the exact spec i want than saving 3-4 thousand bucks!
Yet if you look at older models you can find some very interesting prices.. that's why I would like to know if the new cars are so much of an improvement. Frankly, from photos, they all seem neat to me.. only thing really pushing me to look for a new car is the con-air option in the fear that the car may suffer of the same temperature issue of my elise..
Well, thanks anyone for the attention!
Best Wishes Claudio
cremo said:
Hi all guys!
I'm really falling in love with morgans lately and would really love to have some more info about them.. since I don't find the official site to be much user friendly.. there are some beautifull brochures and photos, as well as a lot of details on optionals, prices, colours and so on.. yet there are some simple questions I really couldn't find the answer!
1) The difference between 2 seaters (like 4/4 sport, roadster and other models) is the engine, some technical things (like supension and stuff i guess) and the avaiability of some optionals (like air con only for roadster) right? I mean.. I am scure there are a lot of small and big technicall differences.. yet what i mean is that aesthetic wise the car is the same, or am i wrong?
2) what about temperature issues?
I have had a Lotus Elise s1 for the last 4 years and i am still in love with it.. yet there's a disgraced thing about it: it's friggin hot! when it's summer you can't go around in day-time unless it's ok for you to sweat as if you were in a sauna.. at least here in Italy.
Putting a towel on those leather seats helps quite a bit.. as well as wearing light clothes of course, but still I can't say I would take the car for a long journey.. at least not in summer.. it just takes you to stop some mins at trafic lights to almost die out due to the temperature!
What about morgans?
Do they suffer the same temperature issue of an elise? I know many models don't feature air-con.. yet I guess that not having an engine at 5cm behind your shoulders should help quite a lot!
What about air-con on the roadster? is it usefull or it doesn't really solve the issue in an hot day?
Does choosing a light interior/exterior trimming affect much the issue? or a total black car isn't much hotter than a full white one?
3) reliability: how is the car reliability wise? it's like having an old car that could require assistence at every 100 Km/s or new ones, aside the look and artisanal manifacture, are used without more issues that today industrial-manifactured cars?
4) used or new? Aside the obvious advantage of HP due to more powerfull engines, do new models provide a much more refined experience reliability and confort wise? I've noticed that, at least here in Italy, 2000+ used cars tend to keep almost everything of their value.. frankly I'd rather buy a totally new car with the exact spec i want than saving 3-4 thousand bucks!
Yet if you look at older models you can find some very interesting prices.. that's why I would like to know if the new cars are so much of an improvement. Frankly, from photos, they all seem neat to me.. only thing really pushing me to look for a new car is the con-air option in the fear that the car may suffer of the same temperature issue of my elise..
Well, thanks anyone for the attention!
Best Wishes Claudio
1. +4 and Roadster are more or less the same but have different engines. The 4/4 Sport has got a narrow body. If you order a Roadster with 16" wheels the body is even wider. A/C is available for the Roadster only.I'm really falling in love with morgans lately and would really love to have some more info about them.. since I don't find the official site to be much user friendly.. there are some beautifull brochures and photos, as well as a lot of details on optionals, prices, colours and so on.. yet there are some simple questions I really couldn't find the answer!
1) The difference between 2 seaters (like 4/4 sport, roadster and other models) is the engine, some technical things (like supension and stuff i guess) and the avaiability of some optionals (like air con only for roadster) right? I mean.. I am scure there are a lot of small and big technicall differences.. yet what i mean is that aesthetic wise the car is the same, or am i wrong?
2) what about temperature issues?
I have had a Lotus Elise s1 for the last 4 years and i am still in love with it.. yet there's a disgraced thing about it: it's friggin hot! when it's summer you can't go around in day-time unless it's ok for you to sweat as if you were in a sauna.. at least here in Italy.
Putting a towel on those leather seats helps quite a bit.. as well as wearing light clothes of course, but still I can't say I would take the car for a long journey.. at least not in summer.. it just takes you to stop some mins at trafic lights to almost die out due to the temperature!
What about morgans?
Do they suffer the same temperature issue of an elise? I know many models don't feature air-con.. yet I guess that not having an engine at 5cm behind your shoulders should help quite a lot!
What about air-con on the roadster? is it usefull or it doesn't really solve the issue in an hot day?
Does choosing a light interior/exterior trimming affect much the issue? or a total black car isn't much hotter than a full white one?
3) reliability: how is the car reliability wise? it's like having an old car that could require assistence at every 100 Km/s or new ones, aside the look and artisanal manifacture, are used without more issues that today industrial-manifactured cars?
4) used or new? Aside the obvious advantage of HP due to more powerfull engines, do new models provide a much more refined experience reliability and confort wise? I've noticed that, at least here in Italy, 2000+ used cars tend to keep almost everything of their value.. frankly I'd rather buy a totally new car with the exact spec i want than saving 3-4 thousand bucks!
Yet if you look at older models you can find some very interesting prices.. that's why I would like to know if the new cars are so much of an improvement. Frankly, from photos, they all seem neat to me.. only thing really pushing me to look for a new car is the con-air option in the fear that the car may suffer of the same temperature issue of my elise..
Well, thanks anyone for the attention!
Best Wishes Claudio
2. A Morgan is more like a Super 7 not like a Elise. Is it very open. If I lived in Italy or Spain I would order A/C. More than 30 degrees C. is not fun in any open car.:-)
3. I ordered my first +8 because I wanted something traditional but more reliable than a Jaguar XK 120. Now I#ve got my fifth Morgan and that might indicate that I have been quite happy with my choice.
4. I would buy a new car for several reasons. If prices for used cars with a/c are attractive in Italy it might be an alternative. In Germany you will not find (m)any used cars with a/c. So far I saw only one new Morgan with a/c and the buyer had intended to send it to Africa.
Rod
cremo said:
I'm really falling in love with morgans lately and would really love to have some more info about them.. since I don't find the official site to be much user friendly.. there are some beautiful brochures and photos, as well as a lot of details on optionals, prices, colours and so on.. yet there are some simple questions I really couldn't find the answer!
There are other sites and forums that will help and even walk you through the choice and purchasing process. However, there are those here that will report any referral to another site to Pistonheads management and that risks message removal and expulsion. If you need more information..simply google Morgan Sports Car.cremo said:
1) The difference between 2 seaters (like 4/4 sport, roadster and other models) is the engine, some technical things (like suspension and stuff I guess) and the availability of some optionals (like air con only for roadster) right? I mean.. I am sure there are a lot of small and big technical differences.. yet what I mean is that aesthetic wise the car is the same, or am I wrong?
After a while, a Morgan person can tell differences between models and years at a glance..but you are largely right, the classical Morgans (dubbed "trads" by the community) haven't changed much in looks for the last 60 years. However, there is also a newly designed and structured Morgan model range called Aeros that come in convertible and coupe versions and can easily be distinguished. cremo said:
2) what about temperature issues? I have had a Lotus Elise s1 for the last 4 years and i am still in love with it.. yet there's a disgraced thing about it: it's friggin hot! when it's summer you can't go around in day-time unless it's ok for you to sweat as if you were in a sauna.. at least here in Italy. What about morgans?
I travel Italy in a Morgan often. However I choose the time of year carefully..Spring or Fall. In the summer, Morgans are definitely cooler than an Elise but not to the extent that will keep you fully comfortable in slow traffic at 30C+ and the Italian summers are getting FAR hotter than that lately. If aircon is a must, you must narrow your search to a newer Roadster or one of the Aero range.
cremo said:
What about air-con on the roadster? is it useful or it doesn't really solve the issue in an hot day?
It is as cool as any other aircon car... more so as the cabin is so small. Of course, it will not cool anywhere near as as efficiently with the top down. (People do use them that way!) cremo said:
Does choosing a light interior/exterior trimming affect much the issue? or a total black car isn't much hotter than a full white one?
Dark colours absorb heat and light colours do so less. However, the difference is not remarkable. Seat fabric is more of an effect. Leather and vinyl upholstery are hotter than cloth but that won't help with a Morgan. cremo said:
3) reliability: how is the car reliability wise?
One should expect (but not necessarily get) to go through a "sorting period". Morgans are handmade after all and there are often adjustments during their first 5000 kms or so. On the other hand, trads are remarkably simple cars and easy for ANY older mechanic to deal with, especially with the the information up on the net these days. I have done over 200,000 kms in Morgans and never been towed. They can be made as reliable as you choose to make them.cremo said:
4) used or new? Aside the obvious advantage of HP due to more powerful engines, do new models provide a much more refined experience reliability and comfort wise? I've noticed that, at least here in Italy, 2000+ used cars tend to keep almost everything of their value.. frankly I'd rather buy a totally new car with the exact spec i want than saving 3-4 thousand bucks!
On reliability: A used Morgan will be as good as its past owners have treated it. I have seen 1958 Morgans that you can go farther in than a post-2000, though the reverse is more often the case. If you are a traveller, and not a mechanic, pick a model with an engine commonly found in Italy. (Morgan actually used Italian made engines at one point with one model!) On residual values: Think of Morgans like fine wine/whiskies. There are good years and better years.
The most expensive Morgans are choice examples from the past. This is not a great environment for any used car. However, Morgans residuals for most models are doing much better than all others..some are even rising.The cheapest market to buy a Morgan, new or used, is in the UK. That has always been the case and the drop in the pound has exaggerated the difference further. That is not reflected in the continental asking prices yet, even with new cars which give you a choice of LHD no matter where you buy a new car. On used cars, the best deals are to be found are with Aeros. Trads are cheaper new but their residuals are notoriously stiff. If you like them, I strongly suggest a very serious look at an Aero and a test drive. Great all year round car for Italy.
On power: Most of the newer Morgans have more bhp, but they also weigh more. Some of the older models have both more bhp and less weight than the newer trad models. I have yet to find any stock Morgan that is as potente as mine and I know others with tuned racing Morgans more powerful still. Some Morgan engines are more susceptible to tuning than others.
However, you will find the power-to-weight and reactivity of any Morgan great fun, especially on Italian rural roads. The classical Morgans have a very open and raw feeling. Delightful!
cremo said:
Yet if you look at older models you can find some very interesting prices.. that's why I would like to know if the new cars are so much of an improvement. Frankly, from photos, they all seem neat to me.. only thing really pushing me to look for a new car is the con-air option in the fear that the car may suffer of the same temperature issue of my elise.. Claudio
I think you are right. If I were you I would be looking for a aircon Roadster (Ford engine) or Aero (BMW engine and different shape). However, I would first try both and even other models. There is a truly excellent Morgan dealer in Italy by the name of Luigi Borghi Automobili in Milan. There are also two Morgan Clubs, the 4S Morgan Drivers and the Morgan Group of Italy. I also have Morgan friends in Italy who would be happy to take you out in one iof you were close enough for that to be convenient. You will LOVE Morgan people.After you make your choice of what model you want, get a number of quotes from different dealers. Here are pics of the two models from the company site.
Lorne
Thanks much for the clear reply guys! most helpfull really!
after looking myself around I think that my ideal car would be either a +8 (i just love how large their chassis is) or a roadster (but with 16" of course ).. a/c would be nice i guess.. but since I could live with an elise so far I think it should seem like heaven even without it. the car, like you said, it's just so much more open to the air (the elise is very low but yet the windows are very high compared to a morgan where you are out with almost half your torso!)
Cash i should be able to spend is around 30-36000 euros (so it s circa up to £32000).. if £/euro ratio keeps at this pace going in the UK could really mean to get very nice and recent cars (even a roadster).. but sadly, due to me being busy with my degree, i won't be able to have that kind of money untill about fall/winter this year.. so I can't be scure.
Still i think that even in the worst case scenario i should be able to find some 80/90 +8 at around that price even on europe mainland..
Yet I think that it would probably be always better (even with not so favouring £/euro change) to get one in UK if you can switch the RHD to LHD drive.. i've heard it's possible, but still i'haven't found out about the price.
Sadly here in italy prices are awfull mad.. with +8 '90/'00 being sold at like 60 thousands and more euros..
p.s. For gomog: thanks much for your detailed info! I live in Brescia, near the Garda Lake.. if any of your friends happens to roam around here I'll be more than happy to buy have a round on me in exchange for some morgan ownership experience
btw you are the author of the gomog site? That's the best site i've found till now about morgans, congrats
after looking myself around I think that my ideal car would be either a +8 (i just love how large their chassis is) or a roadster (but with 16" of course
).. a/c would be nice i guess.. but since I could live with an elise so far I think it should seem like heaven even without it. the car, like you said, it's just so much more open to the air (the elise is very low but yet the windows are very high compared to a morgan where you are out with almost half your torso!)Cash i should be able to spend is around 30-36000 euros (so it s circa up to £32000).. if £/euro ratio keeps at this pace going in the UK could really mean to get very nice and recent cars (even a roadster).. but sadly, due to me being busy with my degree, i won't be able to have that kind of money untill about fall/winter this year.. so I can't be scure.
Still i think that even in the worst case scenario i should be able to find some 80/90 +8 at around that price even on europe mainland..
Yet I think that it would probably be always better (even with not so favouring £/euro change) to get one in UK if you can switch the RHD to LHD drive.. i've heard it's possible, but still i'haven't found out about the price.
Sadly here in italy prices are awfull mad.. with +8 '90/'00 being sold at like 60 thousands and more euros..
p.s. For gomog: thanks much for your detailed info! I live in Brescia, near the Garda Lake.. if any of your friends happens to roam around here I'll be more than happy to buy have a round on me in exchange for some morgan ownership experience
btw you are the author of the gomog site? That's the best site i've found till now about morgans, congrats
Edited by cremo on Friday 10th April 17:27
cremo said:
after looking myself around I think that my ideal car would be either a +8 (i just love how large their chassis is) or a roadster (but with 16" of course )..
After the last Plus 8 was produced in 2004, the company adopted the Plus 8 chassis for all trads. Only the wings vary in width now. Of course, the finishing, tyres, engine and gearing change. ).. Plus 8s are very torquey, instant power at very low rpm. I like them too.
cremo said:
i should be able to spend is around 30-36000 euros (so it s circa up to £32000).. if £/euro ratio keeps at this pace going in the UK could really mean to get very nice and recent cars (even a roadster).. but sadly, due to me being busy with my degree, i won't be able to have that kind of money until about fall/winter this year.. so I can't be sure.
That is a sufficient sum for an excellent RHD but it is a bit low still for a perfect continental Plus 8 or Roadster without a bit of luck and patience. However, prices are soft and sellers willing. I don't think much will change about that this year. cremo said:
Yet I think that it would probably be always better (even with not so favouring £/euro change) to get one in UK if you can switch the RHD to LHD drive.. i've heard it's possible, but still i'haven't found out about the price.
You would need to replace the steering rack, dash and alter the bulkhead and the left inner wing. Figure 3000-4000€cremo said:
p.s. For gomog: thanks much for your detailed info! I live in Brescia, near the Garda Lake.. if any of your friends happens to roam around here I'll be more than happy to buy have a round on me in exchange for some morgan ownership experience
That's not too bad. Firstly, Luigi Bourghi's Morgan dealership is in Milan. Luigi can handle AMYTHING Morgan. As well, our discussion group has a fellow nearby with a new Plus 4. cremo said:
btw you are the author of the gomog site? That's the best site i've found till now about morgans, congrats
Guilty as charged. Thank you for your kind words.Lorne
Considering all the adjustments that need to be made in order to transform an RHD-drive to LHD i think the price is fair, even if not something I would spend without a tough..
Yet i think that it's something I could do in a second moment (the important thing is that it's a perfectly doable work, and not some tweak that achieves the drive-position change but ruins the car), and it would be probably better to get first a better car, than the year after, or maybe the one after again, make the change (and maybe make the first holiday with it in the UK so you'll have the proper drive to enjoy it).
p.s. You mentioned that for the drive-change operation they have to replace the dashboard.. seems pretty logical, but the thing I would like to know is if you could put a metal-painted dashoboard like on many new morgans do (e.g: http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=15440397... -> i noticed some screws on the sides so i think it's something doable)or that option is maybe avaiable only when making the car from scratch(in the case i would be more than happy with a leather-covered one, which i think is doable even in the worst case scenario).
Also not only seats but even the floor moquette can be changed if they are not in a good condition? or there are many items in the cockpit that aren't changeable like in the elise (where many pieces are part of the same chassis so if it's scrached/ruined, like for example the floor of the car due to the poor glues they put on the first s1 there's almost nothing you can do)
Thanks for your patience anyway gomog!
I wish you well, and if you'll ever come around brescia please make a call (cremoxxx@hotmail.it) i'll be more than happy to have a drink on me and maybe show you some nice b-roads around lake-garda (really full of them)
Yet i think that it's something I could do in a second moment (the important thing is that it's a perfectly doable work, and not some tweak that achieves the drive-position change but ruins the car), and it would be probably better to get first a better car, than the year after, or maybe the one after again, make the change (and maybe make the first holiday with it in the UK so you'll have the proper drive to enjoy it
).p.s. You mentioned that for the drive-change operation they have to replace the dashboard.. seems pretty logical, but the thing I would like to know is if you could put a metal-painted dashoboard like on many new morgans do (e.g: http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=15440397... -> i noticed some screws on the sides so i think it's something doable)or that option is maybe avaiable only when making the car from scratch(in the case i would be more than happy with a leather-covered one, which i think is doable even in the worst case scenario).
Also not only seats but even the floor moquette can be changed if they are not in a good condition? or there are many items in the cockpit that aren't changeable like in the elise (where many pieces are part of the same chassis so if it's scrached/ruined, like for example the floor of the car due to the poor glues they put on the first s1 there's almost nothing you can do)
Thanks for your patience anyway gomog!
I wish you well, and if you'll ever come around brescia please make a call (cremoxxx@hotmail.it) i'll be more than happy to have a drink on me and maybe show you some nice b-roads around lake-garda (really full of them
)Replacing the dashboard:
It depends on the car you are going to buy. If the car was a Series II Roadster or a +4 built in 2008 or later it would not be a serious problem at all. You can swap from leather or wood to a painted one.
If you bought an older car it would be more difficult because you would need some new instruments and switches as well.
Furtheremore, in cars built before mid 1997 (short door) the dahboards had a different position/angle. This will make it even more difficult to fit a new (painted) dashboard.
It depends on the car you are going to buy. If the car was a Series II Roadster or a +4 built in 2008 or later it would not be a serious problem at all. You can swap from leather or wood to a painted one.
If you bought an older car it would be more difficult because you would need some new instruments and switches as well.
Furtheremore, in cars built before mid 1997 (short door) the dahboards had a different position/angle. This will make it even more difficult to fit a new (painted) dashboard.
cremo said:
Considering all the adjustments that need to be made in order to transform an RHD-drive to LHD i think the price is fair,
You must also consider that you are increasing the market value of the car significantly. That sounds crazy but it is true. I restored a RHD car a few years ago. I was replacing the dash anyway and was repairing the bulkhead at the time. I had an extra LHD steering rack in my personal stores so it would have been costless. I regret now I didn't take switch it to a LHD. cremo said:
(the important thing is that it's a perfectly doable work, and not some tweak that achieves the drive-position change but ruins the car),
It is perfectly doable but I would use a Morgan expert to be sure. I can think of many I would trust with it and one of them would be Luigi. Your best bet would be to have it done in the UK or locally with him. cremo said:
p.s. You mentioned that for the drive-change operation they have to replace the dashboard.. seems pretty logical, but the thing I would like to know is if you could put a metal-painted dashoboard like on many new morgans do (e.g: http://www.autoscout24.it/Details.aspx?id=15440397... -> i noticed some screws on the sides so i think it's something doable)
Dash upgrades are easy and often done. However, you will have to wait to see what car you choose and consider choices that will accept the instruments and switches that come with it. These can either be incorporated directly into a dash or you can have a cetner panel made (see your link above) to accomodate them. There are many dash options possible, even made to your liking by specialists. There are two famous for their work in wodd for example, one in Germany and the other in Italy. You are lucky, metal or leather covered dashes are the least expensive. cremo said:
Also not only seats but even the floor moquette can be changed if they are not in a good condition?
Yes. Most parts of a trad can be changed at home by the owner using his own or local skills and materials. cremo said:
Thanks for your patience anyway gomog!
I wish you well, and if you'll ever come around brescia please make a call (cremoxxx@hotmail.it) i'll be more than happy to have a drink on me and maybe show you some nice b-roads around lake-garda (really full of them)
I will take you up on that! We will be leaving for Europe shortly but we will not be seeing Italy this trip. Maybe in the Fall. I wish you well, and if you'll ever come around brescia please make a call (cremoxxx@hotmail.it) i'll be more than happy to have a drink on me and maybe show you some nice b-roads around lake-garda (really full of them
) Lorne (with a RHD and and a LHD)
My Morgan garage are dab hands at LHD conversions. They currently have a series 3 Aero in for a new owner to be converted to LHD. They have done a lot of traditional cars.
www.rtcc.co.uk
www.rtcc.co.uk
ukshooter said:
My Morgan garage are dab hands at LHD conversions. They currently have a series 3 Aero in for a new owner to be converted to LHD. They have done a lot of traditional cars. www.rtcc.co.uk
Richard does them? Good.Can you ask him what he charges for trad conversions and Aero conversion and whether he replaces or plates over the bulkhead and inner wings? There is also a question of the windscreen wipers. I will get quotes from a few others in the UK like Brands Hatch www.morgan-cars.com/ and Tudor Motors www.tudor-vernon.co.uk/ .
Cremo, can you speak to Luigi Bourghi and see what he charges for a trad conversion? www.borghiautomobili.it/
There are many requests and interest in this now. It would be good for both prospective buyers on the continent and sellers in the UK. It would create some timely help to UK dealers, support UK residuals and give continental buyers like Cremo some relief from high prices.
Lorne
Thanks again guys for all the info!
I'll probably be able to take a look at a 1999 plus 8 next week.. don't know the price but from the pics it looks gorgeous.
For the trad conversion thing I can either send him an e-mail or, if you are not in a haste, i'll ask him personally when I'll have the chance to go there (i think i'll be going within a month).. just let me know.
I'll probably be able to take a look at a 1999 plus 8 next week.. don't know the price but from the pics it looks gorgeous.
For the trad conversion thing I can either send him an e-mail or, if you are not in a haste, i'll ask him personally when I'll have the chance to go there (i think i'll be going within a month).. just let me know.
[quote=cremo For the trad conversion thing I can either send him an e-mail or, if you are not in a haste, i'll ask him personally when I'll have the chance to go there (i think i'll be going within a month).. just let me know.
[/quote]
Either way. No hurry. I will try to get the information soon as I am leaving for a month myself shortly.
I hope your experience with the Plus 8 goes well. Actually, it is a very good year...should be one of the last Hotwires.
Lorne
[/quote]
Either way. No hurry. I will try to get the information soon as I am leaving for a month myself shortly.
I hope your experience with the Plus 8 goes well. Actually, it is a very good year...should be one of the last Hotwires.
Lorne
Mmm.. i think my morgan dream just shattered..
It probably was my fault not to ask.. but considering i can fit into an elise i didn't think a morgan would have a smaller cockpit..
Anyway today i went to a dealer in italy which should have had a +8 for sale.. but then some problems wmeged with it being not for sale due to being in a private collection.. anyway the dealer was kind enough to let me see a plus 4 (http://www.hi-think.it/luzzago/hipgscheda.php?HIGNIdAuto=9153) that he said it belonged to Pete Morgan..
It was all very fun untill I asked: can i try it?
the answer wasn't bad: of course..
Problem is that I barely was able to insert a foot into the car... it felt like trying to put on my sister's trausers..
Wasn't technically able to enter it due to the steering being too near the seat and too low..
I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last deacades..
that's really sad for me
It probably was my fault not to ask.. but considering i can fit into an elise i didn't think a morgan would have a smaller cockpit..
Anyway today i went to a dealer in italy which should have had a +8 for sale.. but then some problems wmeged with it being not for sale due to being in a private collection.. anyway the dealer was kind enough to let me see a plus 4 (http://www.hi-think.it/luzzago/hipgscheda.php?HIGNIdAuto=9153) that he said it belonged to Pete Morgan..
It was all very fun untill I asked: can i try it?
the answer wasn't bad: of course..
Problem is that I barely was able to insert a foot into the car... it felt like trying to put on my sister's trausers..
Wasn't technically able to enter it due to the steering being too near the seat and too low..
I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last deacades..
that's really sad for me
cremo said:
Mmm.. i think my morgan dream just shattered..
...
I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last deacades..
that's really sad for me
I'm 1.87 m and did not have problems in any of my Morgans. Of course only the latest 4-seater offers much more space but you will be able to find 2-seater models that will offer more space than the one you tried. In the 90s cars with recessed saddle frame were available and the long door cars, the MMC started to build in 1997, offered as much space or even a little bit more....
I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last deacades..
that's really sad for me
I would recommend to try a newer Morgan, at least a long door model. Btw, I know people who are taller than who drive a trad but if you don't feel confortable it doesn't make much sense to think about these cars.
cremo said:
Problem is that I barely was able to insert a foot into the car... it felt like trying to put on my sister's trausers..
Wasn't technically able to enter it due to the steering being too near the seat and too low.. I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last decades..(
Cremo,Wasn't technically able to enter it due to the steering being too near the seat and too low.. I'm 6,2 foot tall.. i guess that's too much for a morgan, unless they ve considerable enlarged them in the last decades..(
You had a problem common to all first timers..regardless of how tall they are..(though extreme height and stomach size can be a factor once in). There are those much taller than you who have no issue with Morgans.
As well, a 1985 Plus 4 is a short door. That was not a good idea to suggest to you. Morgan increased the door length and the distance between steering wheel and driver about ten years ago. The newer cars are referred to as "long doors" and have an electrically heated windscreens rather than hot air vents. You must have close to cracked the steering wheel!
Here is how you enter a Morgan..try it another way and you can hurt yourself or the car. (smile) It is a method used with most vintage roadsters.
Assuming a LHD, rest your right hand on the seat top and the left hand lightly on the door. Now extend your right leg under the steering wheel and into the footwell as far as you can while moving your hips into the car. You will become unbalanced and gently fall into the seat without issue. After a little practise, you will do it with grace and without thinking. A friend of mine, Bill Fink, is 6'4" and manages it with panache. Roderich has a pal by the name of Gregory Flaving, who is as tall also makes it look smooth and relaxed.
Try again with the right Morgan. I am sure Borghi must have a new long door for you to try and the same advice. Once in, if you need more room, they are ways to create that.
Lorne
Yes, I agree that almost every Morgan is a acquired skill to get into. I was put off for a good few years because of my first experience trying to get into a Morgan at a dealers where the left me to my own devices rather than gide me.
My 1952 plus 4 is a tight squeeze. I have now modified the drivers seat so that it moves back an extra 2 inches (I guess that MAY not be possible on a 2 seater) and I have just replaced the original 17 inch steering wheel which is in need of refurbishment, with a 15.5 inch replica. Those 2 things combined actually make a world of difference.
With my Aero, that is easier to get in and out of except when I'm out in very bad weather (it is an every day use car). With the roof up it is awkward but the technique is the same as for the traditional cars.
Anyway, hope you persevere and find one for you!
My 1952 plus 4 is a tight squeeze. I have now modified the drivers seat so that it moves back an extra 2 inches (I guess that MAY not be possible on a 2 seater) and I have just replaced the original 17 inch steering wheel which is in need of refurbishment, with a 15.5 inch replica. Those 2 things combined actually make a world of difference.
With my Aero, that is easier to get in and out of except when I'm out in very bad weather (it is an every day use car). With the roof up it is awkward but the technique is the same as for the traditional cars.
Anyway, hope you persevere and find one for you!
ukshooter said:
Yes, I agree that almost every Morgan is a acquired skill to get into. I was put off for a good few years because of my first experience trying to get into a Morgan at a dealers where the left me to my own devices rather than gide me.
My 1952 plus 4 is a tight squeeze. I have now modified the drivers seat so that it moves back an extra 2 inches (I guess that MAY not be possible on a 2 seater) and I have just replaced the original 17 inch steering wheel which is in need of refurbishment, with a 15.5 inch replica. Those 2 things combined actually make a world of difference.
Anyway, hope you persevere and find one for you!
Good advice UKshooter! Without a experienced mogger about to show one how it is done, the first time one gets into a roadster can be sad indeed. I have seen knees break steering wheels or crack dashes. Large stomachs can wreak havoc with the column (especially the collapsible columns) and bend the steering wheel over time. My 1952 plus 4 is a tight squeeze. I have now modified the drivers seat so that it moves back an extra 2 inches (I guess that MAY not be possible on a 2 seater) and I have just replaced the original 17 inch steering wheel which is in need of refurbishment, with a 15.5 inch replica. Those 2 things combined actually make a world of difference.
Anyway, hope you persevere and find one for you!
Lorne
Or makes a large stomach the appearance of a large chest.Gassing Station | Morgan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff