Originally Posted by Hamwich
I can well understand not wanting the complexity of a modern car, but in that case why consider buying a new Morgan in the first place? There are loads of used ones about to give that authentic classic vibe.

Why would someone consider buying a new Morgan? An interesting question smile

Morgan could have updated the chassis in the 50s. At that time everyone else was moving away from an underslung chassis and were arching the chassis rails above the rear axle. The benefit was simply greater suspension travel for the rear axle - ie less bottoming out or topping out over bumps.

Morgan could have moved to double wishbone suspension in the 60s. By then the few other manufacturers that were using some variant of sliding pillar suspension had moved to more modern front suspension systems that did not require regular greasing. In effect the commonly used MacPherson strut could be seen as a cross between a wishbone and sliding pillar suspension but a double wishbone is probably more suitable for the Morgan.

Morgan could have moved to independent rear suspension by the 90s. By that stage only big American cars, light trucks and utility vehicles were not using independent rear suspension.

Until the development of the Aero series Morgan left themselves behind in chassis and suspension technology. If they had made small advances over the years many buyers could easily be satisfied by the existing trad range. Most people who buy a trad don't even know that the kingpins need to be greased regularly.

Now we are making a quantum leap, not to the future, but to 2020. This is why someone would want to buy a new Morgan. To have a vehicle that looks like a classic but rides and handles like a modern sports car, to have a vehicle that has ABS (just in case) and at least the option of aircon, to have a vehicle that looks like a classic but you don't have to get your hands dirty, you don't even have to think about servicing it until you take it to the dealer every 20,000 km.

For those who want a brand new vintage car there are still plenty of trads at dealers and the final Plus 4 can be ordered. When they have gone, and unless the current production complies with Euro 6D they will have to be registered before Jan 2021, it will be used only.

Peter

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