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Reckon that's unlikely - although possible. Big name franchises tend to give new start dealerships a bit of a helping hand - often for the first 12 months or so: doubt if that's the case with MMC. They may receive a "demonstrator bonus" - who knows? But I think even that's unlikely with Morgan.

Most likely Stratstone apply the big dealer accounting philosophy of applying an immediate write-down in their accounts of any vehicle pre-registered. It then stands them in at a cost which enables them to price competitively. All "wooden dollars" of course - but it's what they might do.

I tried that too but only found one dealer, the one in London who has been with HD through thick and thin, who was prepared to do a deal. The others all said " the factory wont let us discount". Probably didnt try hard enough but clearly HD were trying to prevent discounting.

Could it be a cancelled order?

They're all "cancelled orders" or "demonstrators" aren't they

Doubt if it's a real cancelled order - you wouldn't register it until you'd got your hands on the customer's folding stuff. Would you? Sure Stratstone are too cute to make that mistake!

I would have thought there are some incentives and also Tax things that can be performed to reduce the value of the "loss". I would expect as you say that the "large chain" mentality of having particular sales points on older stock kicks in on the books. 3 months, 6 months and longer. Most of the large chains have these.

Once had lunch with the FD of one of the large dealer groups after a manufacturer's dealer meeting, and was amazed to hear that, once they knew what their "registration target" for the quarter was to be, they'd immediately register the lot (talking 2 - even 3 figures here), and write all the manufacturer's target-related bonus off the cars straight away in the books, so that they stood them in - nominally - at way below cost. They would then trade their way out of them asap in the hope of selling yet more and reaping more bonus later. Only the really big cash-rich dealer groups could do this.

Now I'm not saying that this applies to Morgan: it's not that sort of product; but if there are reg bonuses available the same mentality might apply with the likes of Stratstone. Bet the time-served older, smaller dealers have smoke coming out of their ears if so

Well given I started this thread I figure I should add a little clarity on my comment looking at where it has gone.

I agree the specialists who have protected and supported the mark for all of these years can stand up proud and be counted. I don't think Stratstones will bring a lot of value to the gene pool but I do see them as a great opportunity to grow the business for Morgan which will protect it in the future. It will also bring more into the stock of pre-loved which we can look forward to as trade up in the future.

I am more impressed that HW Motors (of Aston fame and deserved reputation) are carrying Morgan and this makes me happy. I used to drive past their showroom on the way to work and consider it a pulse changing moment looking at the OI V8's. The HW clients are the sort to buy the high end product and understand them. Especially now that Aston is walking the chav tightrope. Support the marque, maintain the future. Virage V600 - love you. AeroMax - Love you. Yet another DB9 platform spin-off ? All done now, boring, nothing to see, move on. We all need something for that mental poster on the wall of a tennis player scratching her ****. Or whatever our lady members prefer as their own mental tweak

I think people who see an Aero or Roadster alongside an Aston/Ferrari etc will then go away and research it and the specialists will benefit by being able to speak to these people in the right way. You don't spend that kind of money without a little interweb trawling. I am certain this site might help them find the right place to begin their journey.

I know I don't go by the tone of spray tan and teeth whiteness when I part with cash. I go with the people who can provide me with the long term service. Richard Thorne have never failed to understand what I need. I would always recommend them. I know they will not sell a "shed".

If we can bring more people into the family and watch the brand grow then it will still be around in 2020. If we can expand the family this way (and they can deal with the handbuilt moment) then we will still have new stock in 2020.

As long as the larger dealers don't force out the little guys..... That would be my only concern.

I guess the archetypal Morgan buyer is going to want a relationship with his/her dealer and will prefer the smaller/privately owned supplier.

From my experience with Stratstone Land Rover they are good at selling but poor on servicing

Just noticed Stratstone have a new plus 8 on ebay with extras at £79,995 which is a major discount on what i paid through my dealer?