I know not the average of the contributors here, though I suspect the majority are of the baby boomer generation, and as such we have enjoyed a different lifestyle and opportunities than those available to the generations following on, and the influences that will affect the decision making processes of younger folk relative to motor vehicles seem very unlikely to match those which we have clung to in terms of a fun car..?
I suspect even amongst the baby boomers there are likely to be found divisions in ideals, perhaps those who were ever the practical hands on type and attracted to the idea of a "simple" sports car to maintain restore or improve the performance thereof came to understand and accept the Morgan related foibles as we came to learn of them, and perhaps found a measure of satisfaction in seeking to resolve them in a variety of ways.....? Perhaps a possibly different type of Morgan owner evolved some time later when those who either led very busy lives be it family or business commitments or both, equated to their desire to own a Morgan being put off till a later stage in life, thus unlike those who grew up with old sports cars, this group had perhaps run company and/or family cars over many years having them serviced by others, and enjoying the engineering evolution and related design advantages that have come to pass over the last 40 years or so...?
If indeed those two groups loosely exist, it seems possible that the digitisation of Morgans perhaps underlined that division, as those entering ownership at a later stage in life would seem to be somewhat disadvantaged or discouraged from trying to resolve foibles on increasingly complex systems, when it seems even dealerships were struggling to resolve issues at times. I suspect the discussion on forums over the years may reflect my thinking to some degree....or not...?
The late to ownership Morganeers may be conditioned/more accepting of the way evolution has affected the way that the MMC have been required to accept ever more modern influences to some degree, and perhaps none more obvious than the incorporation of an auto box...? The Auto box may indeed be a necessity as the result of the horse power increases taking performance to levels beyond average human competence to control it safely..? On the other hand dependant on where one lives and the traffic situations one may be faced with when heading out for an enjoyable drive, plodding through miles of stop go traffic with a heavy clutch required to transmit high levels of horse power before finding some free Tarmac..I note that Porsche 911 derivatives have also evolved to a stage where auto boxes if not a natural first choice to for "enthusiasts" have become far more common and accepted than we more mature types might ever have imagined, given the huge power output increases and amount of digital control required to keep the car from wandering off into the scenery...?
I also suspect the majority of folk even old duffers like me have become well used to the levels of comfort and functionality available in modern vehicles,and may even have gained an appreciation for an auto box..(-: and with the passage of time may have become inclined to leave the Mog in the garage and choose modernity for some journeys where in the past the Morgan would have been the automatic (no pun intended) preferred choice...? I have been to Morgan gatherings where the ratio of Morgans to mundanemobiles suggests my thinking may not be too wide of the mark..? (-:
As for those in their 20`s or 30`s today.... I suspect while they may consider Porsche as an iconic brand, and may have desires in that direction, I have real doubts if a Morgan might hold a similar attraction. I think the air cooled variety of Porsche that baby boomers and even those in their 50`s may prioritise (?) will loose market position as for obvious reasons the baby boomer influence diminishes with the passage of time, thus the more modern models with all the "desirable" options seem likely to be those that attract attention in future.... I think the CX Morgans like the water cooled Porsches seem to be an entirely appropriate stepping stone towards whatever future awaits, I also suspect it matters not a jot as to whether baby boomers might adapt or adopt relative to Morgan or Porsche etc.etc.etc. though quite how climate change thinking, associated political influences and regulation so related might play a part... I would not care to predict..
Well you did ask if I had any thoughts..
