Well, the deed has been done and I have the Roadster.
I drove the M3W to Stourbridge on Friday to trade her in. The dealer suggested they could trailer the Roadster to me and take the 3W away, but that didn't feel a dignified way of ending a relationship. Anyway, one doesn't buy a Morgan to trailer them around.
The drizzle around Birmingham helped to confirm my decision process and eased the guilt felt when trading in something you actually quite like - hence the 5 Guzzi's...
I pulled up next to the Roadster and was shocked by how good she looked. Ferrari metallic grey, burgundy roof, mulberry leather. The spoiler was the right decision, I think it really works well and changes the look dramatically.
I had a couple oh hours or so at the dealers - spent some time with a workshop tech who put me straight on a few basic do's and don'ts, very helpful. And then off, straight into an hour and half queue on the M6. Not the most glamorous start to a new relationship. I immediately noticed that the stop/start facility isn't working and the fuel gauge must be faulty as it moves at a disproportional rate....It rained like hell on the way back, I must say those roof thingies are a good idea.
So, first impressions: Steering heavy at low speed, clutch like a piece of gym equipment, noisy at speed with roof up, bonnet like an oil tanker in front of you, no radio and no refinement. In other words, perfect. Once off the motorway things begin to make sense, a truly British experience. I don't think most drivers will understand why anyone would....but I'm working on the basis that if you need to explain, it 'ain't worth it.
Having had a thousand photos taken of the 3W I was intrigued to get an idea of how the Roadster wold be received by Joe Public - lots of looks, thumbs up and nods of approval. Maybe not quite the same level of love received as a 3W pilot, people think you are a mad eccentric and like you for it, but certainly not the level of resentment I've seen being dished out to other drivers of prestige marques.
I've spent all weekend driving around the Vale getting to know her, my conclusion is 'magnificent''. Opened her up to get past white van man and was shocked by the almost motorcycle level of performance at 4-5000 rpm. Taking it easy on the V6 for first few hundred miles but very impressed so far. Not sure how hard to push into bends yet but will build up gradually and look out for tell tale signs of the limit being reached.
A few niggles - standard steering wheel looks dreadful, will replace with leather/chrome alternative in due course. Headlight bulb blown, rubber bonnet stops missing, both sides, and a few loose bolts when having a check round with spanner and allen key.
But parked outside the local, she looked about as good as it gets, one very happy bunny.
Goodbye M3W, hello Roadster.

JP
5 Guzzi's & A Mog