It’s funny, as one of these new “young” buyers (I’m 34) you guys often mention when despairing for the future of Morgan, I read your post with interest. All the things you list as positives are the reasons I decided I was finally able to join the family (comfort, automatic, speakers, air conditioning, and ride quality). All the “negatives” (slower manual hood, time to remove side screens, having the elements inside the car, limitations in terms of what you can bring with you due to space, limited safety features that allow for those traditional design elements inside and out, and the absence of driver aids) are the reasons I went with a Morgan and not a 718 or alternative (though I really can’t think of anything else that could go in the immediately comparable category). My view is I was buying into the Morgan experience. I wanted those slower, traditional, more hands-on experiential aspects. My partner commented a few weeks ago after a 4 day tour of the Lakes in a new Plus Four, that she was surprised people thought it was a car for older people. In her view it is a young persons car. It lacks the sealed creature comforts of a Porsche or BMW or equivalent. It’s hard to get into and out of. You get wet in the rain. It’s noisy at speeds above 45mph. In her view, and mine as well, it’s a fantastic car to have and experience adventures from. “It’s like camping on wheels, except your tent isn’t very waterproof.”
All that’s to say, I think I might be proof that Morgan got it right with the younger crowd and new buyers. What you listed as draw backs were in my view the selling features. Morgan can never be a Porsche competitor on paper. But out on the road, exploring a new place or driving a favourite country lane, there’s no comparison in my books. Morgan is the only and best choice for an adventure.
