This is exactly why I like this "forum". So many varying views and experiences in actual ownership and use, irrespective of bragging rights on mods and "this is better than that".
I bought my +8 on the spur of the moment, never having considered owning such a car. Sure, it was built for my dad, and subsequently bought by my older brother from his estate, with whose demise I am intrinsically connected. A totally irrational and perhaps emotional purchase, and going by that auction result means I've lost a packet! But what I've got over the last 5 years and 80,000 miles is that these cars are something so different, the experience so far removed from the mainstream marque ownership, that is priceless. I'm not a Petrol head, I haven't owned or desired Jag's, Porche's or other high tier cars, and I certainly don't have the skills yet to do anything but nut and bolt maintenance, but it makes me want to do more. I even now have a 4/4 4 seater in the garage waiting for a re-chassis restoration so my teenage son can learn to drive in an "interesting" car (o.k maybe I'm trying to age proof my own mogging) Whichever way, I think they keep us "young", so who cares what that costs, or what they look like or how you enjoy them.
Totally agree. We are all driven (ha!) by different needs and agendas. Before 2013, working full time, and with a demanding Mother, this severely restricted my available hobby anything time. It was basically Sundays only and even then, interrupted by my Mother's needs.Then up to 2018, working three days did release more time, but not really equating to much "on the road" time. 2019 was Grandson time and so the next five years we were three nights in Derby most weeks.
My last classic daily driver was my Gilbern Invader, and that was 1991. My work from 2008 when I bought my Roadster did not really allow its use, because I was travelling large distances to pointless meetings and the train was the only option.
I envy those who are able to do a Morgan daily drive, but I also respect those who chose to do the Sunday pub run and not much else. I sold "something" to a Mog owner from a village near Gainsborough. It's maybe 30 miles away. He came over in his Mog and told me it was the longest journey he had done in it.
I would say that 80% of my Mog pleasure is garage based, but when I take my Mogs out, it's worthwhile. 50-100 miles is usual, and of course the best journeys are road trips which will exceed 1,000 miles in a week. I reckon there will always be enough nutters to support a Trad market. In a classic car market of stupid money for old Fords (for example), a £30k Trad is great value.
