Isn't it often the case when writing about any matter if its addressed solely to cognoscenti its' already preaching to the converted and so much is inferred and understood without having to be expressed.. If its designed for a wider audience it should IMHO be more open and balanced, not only address the highs but also the lows reflecting warts and all of ownership.
But sometimes people only want to hear and buy the dream. but the reality of ownership soon brings some down to earth. To this day why in the nearly 40 years from first owning a Morgan, there is one continuous truth, in that, the second hand market is often full of low ownership hardly used Morgans.
I never understood it, especially when you had to wait 10 years plus for a car to be delivered, other than people flipping for profit. and often wondered whether the Morgan dream and reality collides and what is delivered is not what was promised or bought into.
By way of example, my beautifully spec'd Roadster 4 seater had it first service 4 years after delivery at just over 800 miles. It then went into storage for a few years and then sold. The second owner upon purchase immediately had air conditioning retrofitted, uprated front brakes . SSL front suspension, spots added, rear suspension uprated, spent some serious money before he took it on a continental tour that year doing 3400 miles and then put it in storage for 7 years never used again. I seen this pattern repeatedly. My current Morgan has been in storage for 6 years before I purchased it. My first Morgan had only done a few hundred miles a year. For a car people may have waited years for, many are not well used, which then begs a question as to why. Of course many people do use their Morgans extensively, but the numbers SORN over winter, is revealing, not only of peoples habits but also the lack of robustness of the car itself, although in fairness that has improved somewhat in recent decades.
I could say the same about Harleys, they are a great ownership experience especially the people you met along the way but an absolute literal 'balls ache' to ride far in the summer weather as the rear cylinder heat can burn your legs. From new you used to have to replace the Swiss market spec'd carb, ignition, hard tyres etc., to get anywhere near the legendary torque of the fabled V twin and for the bike to stop and handle half way decently. I know from experience the myth and reality definitely collided. Still didn't stop me buying another one, in fact another 9 in total, but on reflection I think it was more the people I met through the Harleys, than the bikes that will be my lasting memories. Whilst there were a few very memorable rides, you tend to fade out the hardship and rose tint the journey experience, Do you sometimes kid yourself, trying to re-enforce your original decision to acquire whatever it is.
Don't misunderstand me I've had some great times in my Morgan or Harley, but I've equally got as many if not more great memories driving other open topped cars and motorbikes often with less hassle. Sometimes we may be guilty of waxing too lyrical.
Last edited by JohnHarris; 20/12/24 09:39 AM.
