Greetings all,

I wanted to introduce myself as I’m new here. I’m soon to be a new PlusFour owner. I’m a first time Morgan buyer, and I gather from having read pretty much every thread in this new CX forum, I’m part of the new target audience for the company, as I’m edging in on my mid 30s.

In addition to scouring the internet and these forums for more reading material on the PlusFour and spending vastly to many hours on the configurator, I’m a philosophy and theology teacher at a boy’s school in London. When school’s not in session, my wife, daughters, and I are up in the Yorkshire Dales where we have a home.

I am also an avid photographer and am looking forward to sharing pictures of my car when it arrives. In the meantime I thought I’d share some recent pictures of a PlusFour I borrowed from the London Factory dealer who kindly let me drive the car for a weekend. It was my first Morgan experience, and I was instantly in love. My first car was a 1989 BMW 318i convertible, and this brought back such fun memories of cheerful open top driving. My wife, our little girls, my colleagues, and the boys I teach all loved the car, and it was wonderful for my joy in driving it to be reflected in the faces of those who saw the car zooming along the high street. Pictures at the bottom, if I figured out how to imbed them properly!

I had initially wanted a manual, having really enjoyed my 2009 BMW 3.0si Manual Coupe up along the B roads in the Dales, but the autobox in this was so fun, and the dynamic performance so impressive, that after some back and forth I landed on the auto. Not insignificantly this also means my wife will enjoy driving it on occasion.

Having borrowed the car for the weekend my deposit went in that Monday. Final Build has been confirmed this past Friday and we’re now waiting on the factory for a build date. Obviously a little up in the air with the present break recall.

For those of you interested the spec, I’ve gone for a Porsche Oak Green Metallic paint, black mohair hood, brown pebble leather with black stitching, regular comfort seats with heating, black box weave carpets, Tawney veneer on the centre column and dash, 5 silver wire wheels, silver sports exhaust, the non-homologated luggage rack. Extra driving lights with body colour backings, white indicators front and back, and then a few other bits and bobs like lockable storage, aircon, and Bluetooth, and the silver motolita wheel with black leather surround.

I had a lot of fun with the configurator and went through many iterations to arrive here. I wanted something traditional but still sporty, that reflected both the history of the car and some of its modern performance characteristic. I also wanted something that would look lovely in the Dales.

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you all from a distance through your posts these last few weeks and am delighted now to be becoming part of the Morgan family. Do feel free to pepper me with questions thoughts on the spec or anything else; I’m desperate for more Morgan content and feeling a little like the well has run dry and I’ve yet a couple months to wait till my car arrives!

Apologies in advance for any issues of formatting or with the images. This is my first post on the forum so it may take me some time to come to grips with the technique.

NB. The car in the photos is an alligator green auto with the tan seats.

Welcome! The Alligator Green is nice. Look forward to pics of your new car - the wait will be worth it!

Thanks for the welcome, Jon. The wait may be worth it, but it doesn't make it any easier! Going out to the factory in a couple weeks for a tour, which gives me something to break up the wait!

Welcome to TM. It will be worth the wait.
Hopefully you will see your own car in build on your visit. If your guide knows you have a care in build, I am sure you will find it.

It is lovely to speak to the people who bring these cars to life. Our 4/4 was just going into the paint shop when we visited and we were both able to sign the cockpit wood behind the driver’s seat before the car was trimmed.

Welcome to Morgan ownership , don’t forget to claim your FOC 6 month membership of the MSCC from your supplying dealer. When I was choosing my Plus Four using the configurator I almost melted the laptop as it uses a lot of computing power!

Welcome to TM, Dale, you passed the first initiation which is posting pictures - no mean feat….!
You will have so much fun with your new P & J when it/be/she/other pronouns may be available arrives and the time to wait will pass v v quickly (when you look back….).
The car is a total treat to drive and (imo) you’ve made the right choice with the auto box - it still has an awful lot of poke and will surprise other drivers as you hurtle past…be careful on damp roads as the lack of traction control can be fun on bends or when coming off roundabouts.
Get ready for many comments and chats on the petrol forecourts when you fill up, as well literally every passenger in any car that overtakes you staring at you and straining to check out the beauty.
Others on here will let you know which local mog group is nearby for you to meet up with fellow fans of mogs…
Best wishes
HB

Welcome to TM, your spec sounds good, don't miss looking for your car in-build when you visit the Factory it's an amazing experience

Oh, and those photos of the loan car are very good

Welcome I hope you enjoy your car.

Welcome to the crazy world - you are buying at maybe the best time with the niggles mostly sorted now with the model, well done on posting the photos.
The colour of that loan car is fabulous as is your chosen colour.

@RockSolid What is the FOC six month membership? Sorry for the ignorance!

Thanks, CooperMan! Looking forward to seeing what mine looks like in the sheet metal and will no doubt share lots of pics then!

Fingers crossed! I do feel lucky timing wise. Should be built with the radiator and break fix from the start. Glad too to be getting in this 22 model year before the changes with 2023 come in September. The Alligator Green was really great, and good fun in London, but very light in person and I though something a little richer and deeper would be fitting in the Dales.

Thanks! It's such a lovely car to photograph, so many interesting and beautiful features and curves. Very excited for the taking pictures of it in the Dales!

Welcome to talk morgan, enjoy your car has much has possible, she is made to run all the year

You should join the MSCC- London Centre they are a very friendly bunch.

Meet in a pub off Harley Street once a month

It’s listed on this page:

https://www.morgansportscarclub.com/membership

@DalesPlusFour - thanks for posting the pics. I've been wishfully lurking on TM for 11 years but only just placed my order for a new PlusFour in Alligator Green a few weeks ago!. I came across the washing line version of your images when searching for alligator green online but great to see the other pics too. They look stunning - a bit darker and more sultry than the images of the same car from Morgan London. Look forward to comparing experiences when both cars have arrived.

@DWil23 and @DalesPlusFour - my Plus Four was ordered on the 8th of June, so we're all within a couple of weeks!

Mine is Emerald Green Metallic (the same as Bentley Racing Green?), along with your Alligator Green and Porsche Oak Green Metallic..

I had a word with the the factory, and they were suggesting there would be a 3 week delay due to the brake issue... but as +8Rich has said, we're getting two of the bugs sorted out up front.

@DWil23 That's really exciting about your order. I really like the Alligator Green it's got a lot of facets to it in different lights. I've got some more pictures for you which I'll post here.

That's very cool, @Jim109b. Team Green!

The Emerald Green is such a fantastic colour. Looks amazing on the PlusSix's I've seen pictures of. Haven't seen any of it on the PlusFour, but I'm sure it's even better there. What interior spec have you gone for?

Welcome to the forum DPF, Good to read that Morgans are still attracting the young folk I hope you can put up with the grumpy old men among us...An injection of youthful enthusiasm is just the ticket...

Very much enjoying your images too, and looking forward to viewing some of your own Morgan and reading tales of your adventures once you get your hands on it..

@Jim109b and @DalesPlusFour - so “team green” indeed! Thanks for the extra images too!

Funnily I started looking at the Emerald Green and ended up going with Alligator. Haven’t seen Porsche Oak Green in person but the Porsche pics look lovely too. We should compare them in the flesh when we have them. I live in the Cotswolds so maybe a meet at caffeine & machine at some point?!

Re rest of spec - I decided early on silver alloys (5j hence not wanting too trad a colour. Also went manual. Test drove an auto and it was lovely and I love my auto Range Rover autobiography but really wanted the full driving experience and think the BMW shifter looks a bit out of place. Interior is Deep Tan with green stitching. Black hood and driving lights plus the main mod cons inside such as Bluetooth audio, aircon and heated seats.

Very excited to get my hands on it for real. I joined TM in July 2010 and the response to DPF was my first post! so this has been a lot of time in the dreaming stage before pressing the button to go!

@Luddite, It does seem like a lot of current owners bought when they were young, but I've not encountered many presently young owners. Glad to be part of the new wave. Very much looking forward to sharing pics and stories of mine when it arrives.

@DWil23, all my early configurations were manual, but I enjoyed the auto so much, and in complete honesty, my wife would never enjoy the manual (it would just stress her out), but she will enjoy the auto, and I'd like her to have some good driving experiences in it as well.

Sounds like we have similar sensibilities car wise, we have one of the new Defenders as our daily driver.

Your spec sounds lovely, the tan with green stitching along with the Emerald green will be stunning.

Would be lovely to meet up at some point. Also sounds like, if @Jim109b and ours are all yet to be built they may go through the factory together. Worth staying in touch so if any of us are out there we can check in and get some pics of the others cars. I'll be doing my first factory tour on Monday the 4th of July, so check with your dealer and let me know if it's been started and I'll get some pics for you.

I've gone for the Pebble Tan interior, black mohair hood, black box weave carpets, gloss walnut dashboard and centre console, walnut Mota Lita wheel, driving lights, air con, heated seats, bluetooth and a few other bits and pieces. Oh, and black wire wheels.

I've gone for the automatic as well - I drove one around for 700 miles over a weekend, all in Sport mode, using the paddle wheels, and I was sold. It's like a 'clutchless' transmission. The manual box was great too, but for me the 8 speed box had me (despite not liking the BMW shifter!!).

@DWil23 - the Cotwolds are kind of on the way to the factory (I bought mine from the factory)...

I'll check!!

I need to get some factory tours in too...went round once a year ago before I'd decided to order one!

Ditto. Haven’t planned anything yet but hope to do so once have more clarity on build time and any delays. Please both let me know if any useful updates. Look forward to catching up further in due course.

You’ve inspired me to also do an introductory post, being one of the “new wave” of soon-to-be owners as you’ve so eloquently described it. I’m currently waiting for a new Plus Four to be built and delivered, having had an original factory completion date of 8th July pushed back due to the recall (which has done nothing to diminish the increasing anticipation!).

DalesPlusFour and I have spoken on other social channels, which as been great, as I have with another owner who has been an incredible help and source of inspiration in my Morgan journey (you know who you are - and I can only say a huge thank you!). As you’ll see with my current cars, I do put value on this owner community aspect, but also the approachability of the brand and relationship with the dealerships and the even manufacturer. If anyone is considering a purchase, I can thoroughly recommend Revolutions in Scotland who have been amazing - even with me being a 5+ hour drive from them.

Spec-wise mine is intended to be a modern interpretation of a Morgan SuperSport, and might not be to all tastes or particularly adventurous in terms of maximising colour variety or traditional touches. Yet this is the joy of Morgan’s; you can have two wildly different cars, all from the same base design, that will also prove to be a canvas for future personalisation (or at least that’s the plan!). With that in mind, the Porsche Frozen Blue (as seen on the Taycan) contrasting with black alloys, black pack, black grilles, black leather, black exhaust, and black roof, should make for a striking car emphasising sporting and motorsport intent. That said I’m also going for some contrasting grey accents and creature comforts; I intend to use it for long road trips down to the Alps as well as in the UK.

I’ve chosen the manual (one of a few reasons that led me to the Four not Six). Whilst I found the ratios overly long on a day hire, I feel these best match the chassis and baking performance of the Four, and generate an extra layer of interaction, but in truthful it is predominantly to create a point of differentiation with my Alpine A110 Premiere Edition. The DCT and ratios in that are brilliant, and I don’t miss a manual at all in that car - despite what “the internet” might want you think. It comes alive and fizzes with energy when driven with more vigour, balancing playfulness, immense agility and dynamic poise in a way that a DCT transmission really suits it. That said I do fully understand why people recommend the ZF auto having had it in a previous M135i - it is a fantastic bit of kit.

Which also leads me to the GR Yaris that completes the three, and what a brilliant piece of engineering that car is too. Mechanical and purposeful, with a real feeling of solidity and quality. I consider myself hugely fortunate to have such cars, but I mention the A110 and the GR purely for the purposes of trying to illustrate why the developments Morgan are making and have made now appeal so much now. I’ve had such a soft spot for the brand and cars for a long time, but now feel the time is right to “buy in” to this more modern of Morgan’s. They don’t yet make the perfect car for my dynamic preferences (I have a wish list starting with better body control and brakes) but in every other way the CX platform is brilliant and comes with every other Morgan virtue that I love - the craftsmanship, the styling and the joy of the journey (at a more relaxed pace). So here I am, having cancelled my Emira deposit and ruling out a 718 Spyder, now counting down the days until my very own Plus Four arrives - a true pinch myself moment!

This turned into a longer post than I anticipated, but I also want to reference the recall now I’ve had time to contemplate whilst touring the Alps again. I feel hugely sorry for existing owners who are more impacted than I (including the one who has to leave their car at Morgan Flaving!). However quality comes in many forms, not least in design, engineering, production and reliability, but this doesn’t always align to the “known” brands. Case in point: the A110 is rightly lauded for its dynamic quality, it’s ability to glide over purely surfaced roads with brilliant damping, at least to a point. You’d probably assume the dampers were Bilstein, Ohlins, KW or the like, but they aren’t. They are from a relatively unknown Turkish manufacturer and very much built to a price. And there’s the thing - all aspects of the car contribute to the overall Bill of Parts that each penny makes a massive difference to the sale price. We also need to recognise that in some cases, the larger well known brands will only bid for the supplier contract if volumes are high enough to justify their own investment. For my work I’ve worked closely with Tier 1s and this is such a key factor for them in deciding who to work with. For anyone interested in a better insight into the modern automotive industry that Morgan must compete in, I would highly recommend getting a copy of “Inside the Machine” by David Twohig- chief engineer of the A110 amongst other cars.

Now I’m done, look forward to meeting more of you in due course.

Matt

MattB, thanks for your eloquent introduction. Welcome to the forum. Without going into details, I can very well understand your decision for the A110 and the GR. Strictly speaking, they are the only two exceptional current interesting new cars. I've had an Elise since 2007 with Rotrex supercharger 260 Nm and 230hp, and a 2014 4/4 that has about 145hp, but more importantly, I've put 100,000km on its tachometer since then. I believe that both GR and A110 are in the tradition of my Elise...while they are completely different cars they share a common philosophy of pusistic driving fun. I don't really understand what makes a 1,400+ kg Emira interesting except that it's called Lotus and has become more comfortable. It's a good thing you decided to go for a Morgan instead.

A warm welcome from Sydney, Australia Matt

DalesPlusFour, welcome to TalkMorgan from the land down under....

MattB - wow a level of insight I can only dream of. Look forward to seeing some pics of the end product when you get it. Do you have a revised delivery date? Mine is due late Sept which Is a couple of weeks later than I originally expected so hoping the recall will be cleared well before that without too much knock on. Needless to say the anticipation only continues to build …

MattB... and DalesPlusFour thank you both for your detailed posts

I have a 2013 build Plus 8, it is beginning to show its age and I have been mulling over a new Plus 4 for some time: your post adds evidence in support of a decision. It will not be green..!!

I also have a Tesla 3 Dual Motor and it is everything the Plus 4 isn't..I drive it because it is cheap to run and has a good sound system, not because it talks to me or makes me want to drive it.
The Plus 8 has carried SWMBO and I over 35,000 miles and she sits in the garage tempting me... I bought the car from MMC in 2014 and I've never owned a car for so long.

DalesPlusFour, welcome to TalkMorgan from Northern Germany and congratulation to your new car. I hope you get it soon and without any issues.

Welcome to a fine club of people that will support your interests. Enjoy the car.

DalesPlusFour, congratulations from me on your choice to take a Plus Four. I joined your thread a little later and would like to make up for my greeting.

DalesPlusFour - went to Williams Open Day today in Glos … really nice morning but really happy to actually see an Alligator Green live and in all its glory … wasn’t one in sight when I went to the factory! what a relieve that I LOVE it!

Thanks to the owner of MJF 162G for making my day!

I really can't imagine the level of bravery of someone buying a new cx from the factory now. It's not a small investment.

Lovely colour and wonderful that you can feel vindicated in your choice! I’m counting down the days till my hopeful delivery. Cannot wait!

Appreciate the suggestion that I’m exhibiting great bravery in purchasing a broadly senseless, practically questionable, undeniably beautiful recreational toy. I think my wife and some friends suggested other character attributes, so I’m delighted to be able to add bravery to the list!

In all seriousness though, as a Morgan outsider and former BMW and now Land Rover owner, y’all’s hand ringing over this seems a bit precious and pedantic. It’s a car from a tiny manufacturer that’s hand made between factory whistles for tea breaks. Sure they’re having some issues but every exotic car does and most non-exotics do too. They’re working hard to fix the mechanical issues and while I’m sure all the arm chair generals here would have fought the battle differently with hind sight, it seems to me they’re working through things in a reasonable fashion given this scale of the issue. And if I’m wrong, then they’re working through things like every other car manufacturer I’ve encountered. At best they’re doing great. At worst, they’re doing fairly standard by the industry standard.

It’s a shame many owners aren’t able to enjoy they’re completely recreational vehicle for a month or two because of a safety recall, but the ire expressed here just serves to indicate the quantity of free time and limited alternative interests of many owners. Cars get recalled. My in-laws had a mini in with the dealer for three months waiting on a thermostat a few years ago. Things happen. We pivot and adapt and remain glad we can enjoy our completely recreational toys when we’re able. Is the recall ideal? No. Is it desirable? No. Is it unexpected for a car manufacturer of any volume? No. At the end of the day you pay your money and you make your choice.

Well said.

Dales - it’s not the fact there is a recall - all manufacturers have them - it’s the crass lack of transparency and the failing to honour promises about warranty work that is exercising everybody. They say that they are communicating with CX owners - well I haven’t had any communication that I haven’t originated.! The responses to my emails has been Abismal to say the least -see my mail in the brakes recall thread.
Those 1200 or so people who spent a considerable sum on a new car deserve better

They apparently have an aftersales department - I think they either should get the finger out or be fired before The company’s reputation is destroyed

Apart from an errant ‘they’re’ that should read ‘their’. Alas. Despite telling my students to proofread their work I remain incapable of doing so myself!

Also, well said

In fairness to Morgan re: transparency and communication, I think as Morgan owners we are a tad spoilt when it comes to how accessible Morgan is when compared to other OEMs. For example, the ability to tour the factory and place your hand on your build, talk to the MD etc. Most other OEMs send a letter that a recall has been issued and to contact your selling retailer, end of. Perhaps Morgan should try a bit less harder in trying to be so accessible as odd as that sounds.

As I've mentioned in the recall thread, where I tried to bring some insight into the how things happen in regards to recalls, MMC are doing as well if not a tad better than the big players. As Dale touched on, it's not ideal but at the end of the day it is what it is and I'm certain it will sort itself out.

My first 4 months of ownership of my Morgan was spent dropping it off at the retailer and MMC to get it right so I understand the frustration.

Dales, you have the right attitude to become a Morgan owner.

YES owning a Morgan is a total indulgence, and buying one certainly not a rationale. What use is a two seater car with barely enough room for and overnight bag, but who cares? Who would buy a sports car with only a two star safety rating? My brother is an enthusiastic glider pilot – who in their right mind would buy an aircraft with only two seats, no engine, and you always need a tow!

I have been a sports car enthusiast right from the time as a teenager I came home with an old J2 MG – a photo of it is still on my office wall. My Morgans have given me heaps of fun and pure enjoyment. There is nothing better in my mind to heading off on a sunny day to a country pub or café for a lunch then winding one way home on country roads. Plus I find Morgan owners a great group of like-minded people – a fun crowd.

Sure this latest handful of problems is worrying, especially as a Plus Six owner, but once the changes, with the help of MMC, have been made then we will all go happily on our way in total bliss. Your Plus Four is going to give you years of pleasure and great motoring.

DalesPlusFour - we are aligned in our hopes and expectations.

It is understandable that the current CX owners feel aggrieved and the frustration at lack of comms and speed of resolution is also completely normal. Let’s hope we are all happier soon!

From a personal perspective, it am a long time Range Rover owner so used to some challenges with my cars. It’s always pretty bad when something goes wrong but it didn’t stop me buying the next one as I love the cars. It took me a long time and a change of chassis (I am 6’7”) to pluck up the courage to jump into Morgan ownership. I am now besotted with the idea and desperate to get my car at the end of September. I hope for all of us that these issues will be resolved soon and everybody can get back to loving their Morgan and enjoying the life that comes with owning one.

Not often I’m dwarfed at 6’5”! Agree completely and share your joy at the new chassis’ accommodation of our length! That was the selling moment for me. I sat in one in the showroom in London and against every expectation, I fit.

DalesPlusFour - Exactly!

I’ve had the idea of a “fun” car for a long time but always worried about whether I could make it work due to my height. When you search “tall driver” on most sports car forums (inc TM), you struggle to find anyone over 6’3”. Tried a Plus4 many years ago and it was a non-starter and now I am heavier and less agile than I was then.

When I belatedly found out about the CX chassis, and saw the review with Henry Catchpole, who’s 6’5 ish, I thought I’d give it a go. I immediately contacted my local dealer (Williams) to arrange a visit with the opening line of “I read about the new PlusFour and want to see if I can actually get into it”. I could - even with the roof on - although it is not very elegant. So decided to proceed pretty much immediately.

Reading these posts it's pretty clear that most all the depressed/frustrated/angry ones are from actual owners of the cars and all the " don't be so picky and miserable" ones are from people who have one on order or are about to order. I think the words are unrealistic optimism...lets wait to hear from these same people a few months after they have actually parted with 90k and taken delivery....:)
There are those of us who have been buying new mogs for over 25 years who have suffered from qc issues and laughed and carried on anyway. But the company have distanced themselves from a family feel, moved into a much higher price area, presented a corporate image, moved away from small, personalised dealers, set up sales in direct competition with their remainig dealerships ( their advert in this month's Miscellany efectively says..buy even used cars direct from us as we can change interior colour schemes, seats etc to suit you which dealers can't).
And the qc issues are no longer a bit of paintwork here, poor exhaust mounting there, but are now really serious "don't drive the vehicle until fixed" brake failures!

It's no wonder there are fairly jaundiced views expressed. Maybe the new marketing model will be successful but you can't expect people who bought into the old model to admire it.
Nick

Pretty certain Melyvn Rutter & Allon White can offer this service. Unless MMC are offering this as a Free of Charge service?

Just my thoughts on the brake recall. I fully understand the owners frustrations, went through a similar experience with my 1st 3W being off the road for long periods. Totally agree that the recall came at the wrong time of the year, don't think that was intentional though. Parts brake and in some cases they are made incorrectly dispite the manufacturers internal checks and the end suppliers checks. MMC thought the issue serious enough to issue a recall grounding all cars. Wasn't that the correct thing to do? In an ideal world the replacement part would of been in stock and ready and waiting at each and every owners preferred dealer. Unfortunately getting pretty much anything delivered to the UK in time now is a struggle.

European paperwork control apparently......nothing to do with Brexit, get what you vote for comes to mind

What I really don't understand is why would this midly inconvenient issue (it's a toy car after all) cause owners to go into convulsions and fits of rage. Only over the water there's a war raging and owners want compensation for being slightly inconvenienced..wow!

Precisely.

Obviously almost any complaint does not bear comparison with war.I don't think that comparisonwas implied by anyone.
However, there are plenty of us for whom ownership of a Morgan was for daily use as a car, not a toy at all. For many years my Mog was my daily car, business use. At least one of the posts recently was a cx owner who had bought it as an everyday car. I guess this really neatley illustrates the change, you seem to be saying the factory no longer makes cars...it makes toys. But whilst that chimes well with what the sales director at the 2005 motor show said to me, in front of the dealer who had just delivered my new roadster, " we don't sell cars, we sell dreams". I quote exactly.
However, at 90k a pop it seems reasonable to expect a fit for purpose vehicle which could be used everyday if required....?
Porsche manage it.
As for other manufacturer recalls, my experience has always been that a loan car was available, have Morgan offered that to anyone?
See also the post from the roadster owner who sold it for a cx.

It's experience v optimism that's being expressed on these multiple threads.
Nick

Nick, I was attempting to put things into perspective.

My Porsche Boxster S was not fit for purpose and left me stranded quite a few times at the side of the road, so no, Porsche in my experience certainly didn't manage it and Porsche never offered me a loan vehicle as I didn't purchase the vehicle from Porsche, I purchased it new from Lancaster at Colchester who in my experience were utterly incompetent at the time.

Whomever you purchased the vehicle from is your point of contact and responsible for your after sales care and loan car.

There are a handful of owners that have purchased a Morgan as their sole mode of transport and I do feel sorry for them. Seriously was that a rational decision, price has nothing to do with it, they couldn't honestly expect Toyota reliability. Talking of Toyota you may recall the Prius a few years ago that had a brake issue and the dealers could hardly give them away. I know as I purchased a few at the time, I like a bargain. Eventually the brake issue was resolved but it was several months and that's Toyota.

As I said, I do understand the frustration. It will get resolved.

Fair enough Peter, you certainly win on the Porsche! I can't comment as it's now 40 years since I had a Porsche!
I think I'm just so disappointed for the new generation of owners. But I'm an old man and need to clear out of the way.
I don't remember the Prius thing but if you were prepared to buy several knowing they had brake issues it just underlines for me the bravery I don't have! Odd really as when I was young cars were diabolically unreliable, my first 912 rotted away almost before I got it back to london...all servicing had to be done at AFN Isleworth which was very inconvenient and the 911s weren't overly reliable then. Our company Ford cars were finished at 40t miles, two years old, fit only to be junked. Very different times so I suppose, as you say, for a fun purchase the mog looks good really.
No popping up to the factory for a quick spare part though, but again, the new buyer now has it all done by someone else.
Dinosaur, that's me.

NickW, you are not alone in being a Dinosaur, I guess my chosen forum I.D. provides a clue... I spent the best part of a year welding much of an 8x4 sheet of steel into my 1969 912 to enable me to drag it through an MOT, though Porsche engineering was such that every nut bolt and screw would unfasten unlike the more usual hours spent trying to loosen badly corroded fixings on Brit cars... In time the Porsche ethos of improving fuel economy and power output with every new model 911 was impressive and that they galv dipped the body from late 77 on greatly improved upon the former body corrosion issues.. As one might expect when VAG took over things changed a bit. I still rate the air cooled 911`s as the best all round car I owned in that it was reliable, performed as a sports car should, and could happily operate as a daily, take on a track day, and head out to a function in the evening with one`s good lady happily transported in her finest

My current 911 is almost 10 years old with 45k miles on the clock and like Peter`s looks as new, as for it`s 400HP, I have no real need of that though I guess with that available under the foot of an old geezer it is just as well to have all the onboard digital decision making to keep it on the road if there is ever the chance that a bit excitement gets the better of me..

The old Morgan with it`s shoogles and shakes, hops and drifts over undulating surfaces with perhaps 150 ish HP on a good day keeps one in check and well aware of all that is going on, and the demands placed upon the pilot.. What`s more to want when in exactly that kind of mood...

Folks - I’m the one who has the Morgan as his sole car - however I am more well versed than most when it comes to Morgans - after all, it is my fourth!!!
What I am really pi**ed off with is the refusal to send replacement parts to the supplying dealer from whom I bought my car and whom the then MD of Morgan gave me assurances ( sadly for me, verbally) that the factory would see to it that said supplying dealer would honour and effect any warranty requirement. The “after sales manager” has now calmly informed me they “had appointed an alternative agent who would carry out the work” — if I wanted the supplying dealer to do the work, he would “sadly” have to pay for the parts!!!!!!!!
The alternative dealer is 200 miles away whereas I bought the car from the then official dealer who is 10 miles from me and who I trust totally.
I think that this is perfectly good reason to be really annoyed - I know it’s only a car and I’m not under Russian shelling, but surely this treatment of a serial long term buyer of their product deserves better!

I wouldn't like it either.

Did you buy yours from a Morgan dealer who has since given up the franchise?

Have they offered to pick yours up and deliver it to the new dealer?

TBM - Yes from a dealer who was not treated very well by the factory, due, I think because the factory did not understand the market here in Ireland and refused to see that it was very different due to the taxation environment. At this stage the new dealer has said he'll discuss the method of my car getting to him as soon as the factory send him the kits - So far they have sent him only 2 and I believe he needs at least 9. I am waiting!!
I think it is really poor that the factory will not send sufficient kits to the former agent for him to fix the cars he is responsible for. They sent the replacement radiators so why not the brake kits?? Radiators were fitted expertly. The majority of owners here in Ireland still prefer to have servicing done by the former agent as we trust their mechanic totally.

Welcome DalesPF.

Things are a bit tetchy on the forum now as you will have seen. I hope things go smoothly for you from this point.

Come on peeps this is a hello thread our bitching should be on the pissed-of-surbiton thread, at least one of the six of them open.

Welcome DalesPlusFour. Morgans are made to be photographed as well as driven so you've a really appropriate hobby there! Hope you enjoy many years of Morgan ownership - you've certainly got a nice colour combination to enjoy!

Apologies to MattB, only on reading through this thread did I pick up on the incorporation of your introduction to that of Dales Plus Four... thus may I extend my belated welcome to the forum. I do hope that you enjoy whatever time you care to spend here and I am looking forward to reading of your Morgan experiences and viewing any images you care to share..

Thank you. I thought it best to tag my intro into this thread. I dare say I’ll be posting some photos (especially when I eventually get the chance to take it on some proper road trips). Just another month or so until it’s built - and I’m resisting the urge to change spec at the last minute!

Hi MattB - as one of the other newbies, a welcome from me too. Not sure I responded but super interested in seeing Porsche Frozen Blue on a Morgan in the flesh! Looks like it will be very striking with the black pack and trim. When's your delivery date? Mine is late September.
David

Thanks. I sometimes wonder if I’m being overly brave with the colour (especially with these delays), but I’m hopeful it will be the right combination of contemporary, bold and distinctive, whilst also having a tenuous link to famous Morgan’s of old (eg Iris Blue and the Choc Ices Supersports) without being too OTT. We’ll see in mid September, assuming the new build date of early September holds true. In fact it should be heading into production soon but will then be sent for ceramic and extended PPF before collection.

Are you hoping to see yours in build?
Matt

Yes if I can. Tentative date to go up in 2nd week of Sept as away in US the following week. Will depend on whether build is running to schedule. We’ll see. Then heading to Williams for PPF and a steering wheel change. Can’t wait to get the car for real although guess the weather will have changed for the worse by then.

Mine on transporter home as I type. Happy! MY22 Labrador Black with everything black! Great car, my fourth Morgan. Live in SW Scotland.

A stealth Morgan! To paraphrase Douglas Adams … black buttons on a black background with black writing that when you press them light up black. Sounds perfect!

Sounds like a great plan. I did the factory tour in May which I knew was far too early even for the initial build slot, but great to see how things have changed since I first went several years ago. Would love to see it just after the paint stage, before it gets too complete in trim, but alas that won’t happen now. In theory it might go into build the early the work week after next, if not sooner, so depending if and when you do go you might see mine before it leaves for Northampton.

My original plan was to take it to the Alps in September but will now take the A110 again (certainly no hardship!), which means I’m not around when it is due for completion. Hopefully there will still be a good few weekends for roof down Morgan motoring this year for us all.

I thought I'd share some pictures and reflections from a recent trip to the Lakes. I was able to borrow a 2021 Plus Four in a really lovely Dove Grey for the trip.

I was a little worried coming into the week that spending more substantial time with the Morgan before mine arrived might serve to disillusion me about my decision to get my own. Additionally, much of the recent negativity in this CX Forum has caused a niggle of anxiety. Happily I needn't have worried. Having done nearly 500 miles in 5 days through beautiful top down sides-off weather through to torrential extended Lakes downpours I was only ever delighted and charmed by the Morgan.

I was also very relived to have chosen the Auto box. It's an absolute dream. Having the left foot rest is great when putting down many miles, and the gentle changes and smoothness in normal driving mode is charming and was welcomed by my passenger. In sport plus, obviously, it's a very different animal and while a lot of fun and rather grin inducing, I found the normal driving mode more conducive to the character of the car.

Another reflection was with the multiple personalities of the car. Other cars I've had and our current Defender, are largely homogenised in the driving experience. They feel broadly the same regardless of weather or circumstance or driving condition or road condition. The Morgan is has a different character with the roof up, with the sides on, and with the sides off. It's like it's 3 cars in one. I felt I drove it differently and enjoyed it differently in each guise.

I know some have noted the engine note is not particularly sonorous, and I cannot contest that, but even beyond the exhaust, I found my self really enjoying the whoosh and whiz and snort of the engine. Combined with the various characters of the car noted above, it struck me that this is going to be a very easy car to anthropomorphise. It is so characterful in so many delightful ways.

I also really enjoyed having my first really wet driving experience in a Morgan. The rain absolutely pummeled the lakes one evening we were there. The 45 minute drive to supper and the same back proved a great opportunity to experience something I'd been a little tentative about before purchasing. The water trickled down the front windscreen mounts and pooled at the base, and when hit by a cross wind or at any speed over 45mph the sprits and spittle from the back of the window panel proved a refreshing reminder that the car was not water proof, nor even particularly weather proof. Indeed, it is the first car I have ever driving which really demands that your rain jacket be worn while driving it. However, I was surprised to find this didn't alarm or disappoint me but genuinely enhanced my experience of the drive. You cannot escape your surroundings in a Morgan. It's not a cocoon, isolating you from the outside world, nor even a permeable membrane, it is a fully porous experience. What is outside will be inside. The temperature, the wind, the smells, the weather are all present companions while behind the wheel. I liked that. I liked that I remained a part of the world I was passing through, and not separated from it. It turned the drive itself into an adventure and I very much enjoyed being fully present in the world around me while driving.

As an aside, the Lakes are simply stunning, and having an uninterrupted view and experience of them while pottering along the little lanes and climbing the various passes was a joy. It would have been a beautiful and enjoyable few days away in any car, but I can't help feeling that the whole experience was significantly enhanced and made even more enchanting because it was carried out from the remarkably comfortable seats of a Plus Four.

Now for some quality pictures from the camera:









An iphone snap:

^^ Cracking photos sir !

Great review/reminder Dale and a very enjoyable read - thanks for posting inc the pics….
HB

Happy to hear you bonded so well with the car DPF, great write up and lovely pictures too.

What a joy to read Dales man, we need more of this stuff.
What a lovely write up of your open minded and totally honest experience thank you, all stored away for future reference.

Very good photos. Do you have a background in photography ?

+1 DPF. Great pics and nice to read … when is the big day when your Porsche Oak Green (POG?) arriving?

David

Thanks, Rich. It’s fun to take the time to process these experience and put some of the thoughts into somewhat cohesive words. Helps me remember and, I think, makes me appreciate these moments more. My over arching impression of the Morgan so far is that it will be a fantastic vessel from, and in which, to make memories.

Thanks Alistair. I am just an amateur enthusiast now. Mostly pictures of family, cars, and occasional landscapes. But I did make a little money on the side back in my University days selling prints and shooting for a few different organisations.

Luvvin the pics, thanks for posting. I too greatly enjoy taking pics of cars, looking at he quality of yours DPF makes it obvious that I really needed to practice more...

Great Photos. Enjoy your new indulgence....

A vessel from which to make memories. DPF, well said. I’ll take that deal any day. Can’t wait for my “vessel” to arrive too!

On a separate question, what’s the camera / kit you are using to take these wonderful pictures? I think you said it was a Leica? But what model and lenses are you using? Maybe inspired me to go beyond the obligatory iPhone pics!

I use a Leica M10-D, which is very much the Morgan of cameras. An extra charge to have the digital display removed so you cannot view the images you take till you “develop” them when you get home. There are any number of cameras what will do the job better and faster and more simply, but noting that does it with quite as much fun and feel. These pictures from the Lakes were taken with a 35mm Summicron ASPH. The ones at the beginning of the thread are with a 50mm Summilux 1.4.

''It's not a cocoon, isolating you from the outside world, nor even a permeable membrane, it is a fully porous experience. What is outside will be inside.''

Welcome to the world of Morganeering, as with most soft top cars its all a question of degree of eventual exposure to the elements. Nothing quite compares with fresh air open top motoring in grand surroundings with the occasional inclement weather to keep you honest. Enjoyable write up thank you for taking the time and sharing your positive experiences!

Nice set of Spencer. It's been too long since I drove some of those roads

Thanks Graham! Certainly perfect roads for a Morgan!

Well I've just had a call from the factory - my estimated delivery date has gone from the 29th September into early to mid November. Such is life...

I'm going up to Gt Malvern this week anyway, so I'll do a tour of the factory anyway.

Anybody got a car in build that they want some photos of?

It'll soon come round Jim, and will be well worth the wait. I took delivery of my S/H plus 4 in December and got reasonable use of it in the N/E of Scotland to take advantage of the warranty. Enjoy the factory tour, it was one of our first long range trips in the Mog and most enjoyable.

Enjoy the tour Jim.
(Is 109b a reference to Series land Rovers by any chance? )

The 109b refers to a plane I owned quite a few years ago - a Grob 109b (this was the only emo that had sort of flying in it...)

Mine was also pushed back a few weeks - now towards the end of September. Apparently it has an engine fitted but the Plus Four builds are now slower due to fewer dedicated people working on them. So if it is manual, has black alloys and a hint of being painted in Porsche Frozen Blue, I’d love to see a photo! :-) hopefully the time will fly for yours too Jim, and enjoy the tour.

Spencer - can’t wait to see the photos of yours when you do get collect! You have chosen a wonderful spec and it’ll look great.

I shall be prepared...

The big day finally arrived.

It’s a real privilege to be able to drive for recreation and not just transportation. I was really struck yesterday, upon first seeing the car, by how special it is and how fortunate I am to be able to own one.

The whole afternoon of delivery was brilliantly handled by David from Morgan Works London who came up for the delivery, collected me from the station, got me lunch at the Morgan canteen, walked me through every aspect of the car and build, then graciously drove the car around the factory while I took some pictures.

My overwhelming sense was genuinely how special it was to be part of Morgan’s story and history, and the hope that my little Morgan will add to that narrative in its own little way.

The car itself looked brilliant, the care and attention to detail is astonishing. The oak green metallic paint is everything I had imagined and more as it shifts and changes in different lights. The brown leather seats are lovely and proved very comfortable on the 220 mile drive back to the Dales. The white lights and white side indicators look very smart. But perhaps my favourite little bit from yesterday, given how long I was using it for, was the silver and black leather Moto Lita steering wheel. It just brings the whole cabin together aesthetically, and really changes the driving feel from the standard wheel. You really feel you’re driving something that is already a classic.

Now for some pictures from collection. And one last special one of Morgan’s Head of Design, Jonathan Wells, with my little Mog. Was a real treat to get to meet him and talk for a few minutes about the car!

Fabulous car - enjoy your miles.

I shall be very interested to hear how you get on long term with the width and shoulder room, I'm 48" chest and 6' at fourteen and a half stone and I think it would be way too narrow for me unlike my Plus 8 with a ten stud mandraulic roof.

T`is a privilege to share your pick-up and drive home experiences DPF, and the pics make it all that bit more involving, causing me to remember getting behind the wheel of my old Morgan for the first time, with a lengthy drive home from Bishops Stortford back North to Scotland`s Central belt on a cold and somewhat damp February day in 2002... followed on with Southern European trips on consecutive years we created memories to last a lifetime, I hope you do too... ENJOY

Congratulation!
She is magnificent.
I wish you many happy miles.

That is a beautiful car-many congratulations on the delivery…
Have fun old chap….
Best wishes
HB

I'm very excited for a Scotland journey in it at some point. Glad now to have my own collection story to add to others like yours.

Beautiful looking car. Thanks for sharing the magic of collection day with us.

Reading your words really does show the effect these cars have. No matter how often the Coupe does something annoying I love every journey. Enjoy, lots, often.

What a fabulous trinity - the write up, the photos and far from least your Plus Four. A wonderful spec and the colour is fantastic, which is really set off by the clear lights too. Enjoy each and every mile.

What a beautiful colour and stunning paint job...

Somewhere in the bowels of MMC is my Plus 8, still no news about the repair.
I really want her back... As Alistair has said, despite everything they worm their way under your skin....

You've created some wonderful memories of the day, enjoy your Mog !

Enjoy.....

A very nice looking car!

Congratulation!

The colour looked wonderful in the first photo!
Actually, not only on the first photo.

In the past, I would never have given a thought to a "brown" car.
But since I've seen photos of your car and PeterJ's car....

Spencer - fabs pics again and wonderful to see the end result! The Oak Green looks stunning and agree the black mota lita really sets it off nicely. Hope she delivers the joy you were looking for. Will let you when I get an update on my delivery but suspect it will get caught up in some of the delays … David

+8Rich - yes agree re testing the cockpit space and long term comfort, but at 6’7 and 54” chest I think I will be testing that even more when my PlusFour arrives. Am also slightly paranoid about leaning on the roof frame when getting in or out and bending it!

Ps. I recently did the Morgan Driving Academy at Bicester. 2 hours of screeching around the track broke up an hour road driving in 30C+ around Stowe and Silverstone was also an interesting “comfort” experience too. Although my biggest issue was my left leg getting sandwiched against the tunnel on the sharp drifting bends on the track (it’s not very big and quite tight right hand turns with a little chicane that I could never get right!). Oh and the other issue was getting sun burnt due to lack of hat or sun screen. Not sure that counts though!

David, thank you for that it seems like I would fit without getting annoyed with the roof mechanism getting in the way too much if you managed it ok.

It sounds like you had a leary old enjoyable experience excellent stuff.

I'll bet you can't wait for delivery now

That's a stunning car, love the colour and I hadn't noticed before that the side louvres are the right way round again...hooray!
Lovely motor with all the good dimension ratios of a morgan.
Congratulations.
Nick

Congratulations on your Plus Four. I know the colour well from various Porsche models of different generations. It was one of Ferry Porsche's favourite colours, many of his cars were in Oak Green Metallic. Please, if time suits you, more pictures in the sunlight. Really cool.

Oh thanks! I just saw your pics in the Have you driven section.

After months of waiting (I know that’s nothing compared to the old days) but I went again to the factory today to see my car in build and it is nearly there. Just a few more days and will be heading to Williams for a few final tweaks and will be all mine!!!

Cannot wait and looking forward to engaging properly with the wider mog community!