Spent a great time (as usual) at the factory today.
Amongst all the plethora of 3W's being prepared for despatch to their lucky owners I had a good look at the plus 8 mule/test car.
Now those of you that know Morgan well will also realise that whilst they plan and try to abide by structured programmes of introducing new vehicles to the Market, they do occasionally acquiesce to prolonged and intense nagging to test a car by "good customers"
and thus I was allowed to nick the keys to the car and head up the road (partner in crime in tow).
This followed an earlier conversation where we were discussing with CM how the car would drive. "Like an Aero?" was our answer. Apparently not!
So, what's the verdict?
Well, I can honestly say, that this unfinished test vehicle was the best Morgan I have ever driven and I have driven (and been passengered) in quite a few!
Where can I start? Exhaust note was fantastic, growly and loud and popping and banging on the overrun. Didn't have the WW2 sound of the side exits that I love so much, but the best rear exit I have heard. The engine, albeit with less than 1000 miles showing, was tight, but still responsive and quick, bloody quick, quicker I think than anything I have ever driven
maybe slightly slower than my old Westfield MegaBird up to 80 but that's it (I have driven/owned a 911 Turbo S). Just under 400 bhp in just under a ton (??) would back this up!
However, the piece de la resistance (best French accents please) was the sublime handling. The steering was superb, light enough but so feelsome, I could feel every ripple and there was no vagueness whatsoever. The shorter wheelbase meant the car was quicker to respond than my Aero SS and S2 before it. The smaller size meant that all round vision was superb and you had no doubt where the extremities were, or what they were doing. Brakes were powerful and progressive, and ride was good; not too stiff but definitely not soft. On handling and performance I guess this car is the closest thing to a quick Caterham? I'm guessing on this one. Would also love to compare it to something like the Atom (never driven one) as I'm guessing it would give t a run for it's money.
Lastly, what was just as (pleasantly) surprising was that the fit and finish, and the solid feel of the car was again better than any Morgan I've been in. And this in a test car!
Not so good bits? I felt the wheel was a bit too close to me, though I forgot to check if the seat was back as far as it would go. The clutch pedal had a particularly high biting point and the floor mounted hinge meant I had to lift my foot off the floor to press. The space inside was narrower than I'm used to (not quite the lithe tester am I
) but the cut down door with comfortable arm rest was ideal. The engine could have revved a bit easier but as described earlier the engine was pretty new and I know through experience that these engines take mileage beautifully loosening up all the way.
I haven't really commented on the aesthetics as firstly it's a test vehicle and not finished to anything like the anticipated standard, secondly I don't like those graphite wheels with a black body and lastly it's so subjective that when the 'proper' demonstratorcarss emerge we can all decide individually
So, the crunch question, is it worth £80k? Well it's a hell of a lot closer to being worth every penny than it was before I drove it
I really look forward to reading the comparison tests on this car as I do think it will make waves!
Lastly, whilst as I said there are no demonstrator cars, I'm sure any serious potential purchaser and customer who wishes to wave their chequebook seriously, may be able to get a 'forward' test before the official launch next year. I do know that many orders have already been taken, including one by email whilst chatting to one of the MMC Directors
A collective well done to all involved.
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you will be a lucky man.
