The Ferrari was a 2 year project from the beginning and that 2 years is up fairly soon. So when I was in Cwmbran looking for a new TV, I called in at Newtown to see if I could convince myself about a Morgan.
I tried a Plus 4 and what a pleasant car it was. Sure holding the steering wheel on a back road was a bit like holding a fresh caught mackerel as it writhes in your hands. The trick seems to be to hold it very loosely unless you need to go round a corner. But the steering being manual and direct was excellent, almost Lotus standard, and on smoother bypass type roads the ride was entirely acceptable.
I did think that the balance of power in the Plus 4 was just about right. I have previously tried a Roadster which as far as I was concerned was badly overpowered for the chassis. And a Plus 8 / Aero which in manual form I didnt like.
OK today was a beautifully sunny summers afternoon when you could even have sold me an old Healey
but driving the Morgan at sensible speeds did take me back to my youth. Whether I could consider it for more than a 50 mile bimble is another issue.
There are pro and con as with everything. On the plus side its a simple car which wouldnt leave me vulnerable to the main dealers labout charges. I could self maintain. Its a car you can fiddle with and customise. Straight line acceleration is reasonable and steering and roadholding are acceptable, particularly on smooth roads.And it has character. And a tonneau.
On the minus side getting in and out is only marginally better than the Elise. The roadholding on bumpy roads is a bit of a joke in modern times but it is a fun joke. Less impressed by the brakes. The Italian driving position with the wheel in your chest isnt that good. And luggage capability is poor but then would I really want to do more than a local run out in it? Do you?
Its definitely on the shortlist.Its a "blast from the past" but its not a modern sports car. But then where can I use the Fezza's 185 mph and 500 bhp, and am I capable of using them anyway?
So folks, just suppose that I did go for a Plus 4 ( and it is a supposition for the moment) what extras are important in addition to the tonneau cover and two tone paintwork?
