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Aug 24th, 2023
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Joined: Apr 2012
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The conclusion....covered so many times in the past on here, is that MMC prefer to stay with the past on the basis that most of their customers want it. So why go to the expense of developing a new rear suspension until they are forced to when the supply of back axles dries up. I'm not sure customers, universally, do want the current set up. Perhaps I'm unique (I doubt it) but I didn't buy my Morgan for it's handling - I bought it because it's made in the UK and it's a lovely looking vintage/new car. I didn't think 'I must have a car with leaf springs and sliding pillar things'.  I'm not sure many customers would to be honest. The fact that it has rather odd handling characteristics means that I will try and improve it, if I can.
+8 4.8
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,418
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Jun 2011
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Perhaps I'm unique (I doubt it) but I didn't buy my Morgan for it's handling - I bought it because it's made in the UK and it's a lovely looking vintage/new car. I didn't think 'I must have a car with leaf springs and sliding pillar things'. I'm not sure many customers would to be honest. The fact that it has rather odd handling characteristics means that I will try and improve it, if I can. + 1  Jeremy
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,440 Likes: 8
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,440 Likes: 8 |
The conclusion....covered so many times in the past on here, is that MMC prefer to stay with the past on the basis that most of their customers want it. So why go to the expense of developing a new rear suspension until they are forced to when the supply of back axles dries up. I'm not sure customers, universally, do want the current set up. Perhaps I'm unique (I doubt it) but I didn't buy my Morgan for it's handling - I bought it because it's made in the UK and it's a lovely looking vintage/new car. I didn't think 'I must have a car with leaf springs and sliding pillar things'. I'm not sure many customers would to be honest. The fact that it has rather odd handling characteristics means that I will try and improve it, if I can. For me the unique vintage and traditional handling characteristics are part of the appeal. It's part of what makes the car challenging to drive. Surely a Morgan more than looks like a per-war sports car - it's the real thing and it drives like one. I enjoy its demanding handling characteristics and I like the heritage and the history it evokes.
Last edited by Quicksilver; 13/04/13 06:13 PM.
David
2020 Roadster 3.7 Dove Grey.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
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I'm very much with you on this Neil.
Ps. By the time Morgan started building the "current series" (1953?) MG was already using a more modern chassis and suspension design. I can not understand the need to remain locked in a time warp for ever.
Compare an MG TF chassis to a Morgan chassis and you will see what I mean. I see no reason why a simple re-design of the trad chassis would not be hugely beneficial to ride and handling.
Last edited by Gambalunga; 13/04/13 09:10 PM.
Peter ![[Linked Image]](http://bradley.it/public_images/drive.jpg)
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Joined: Jan 2012
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Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
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For me the unique vintage and traditional handling characteristics are part of the appeal. It's part of what makes the car challenging to drive. Surely a Morgan more than looks like a per-war sports car - it's the real thing and it drives like one. I enjoy its demanding handling characteristics and I like the heritage and the history it evokes.
Quite agree, nice to step away from the norm!
Richard
1976 4/4 4 Seater
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Posts: 11,861 Likes: 137 |
Another vote for sensible upgrades here. Well, I would say that, having spent a fair amount of money on my suspension over the last couple of years. I now have the latest 4-leaf rear springs, panhard rod, anti-tramp bars, Spax dampers and a Quaife ATB diff on the rear, and the new Suplex conversion kit on the front.
Anyone who thinks that the standard suspension setup on their car is fine is welcome to come and have a brisk ride in mine down some bumpy potholed back lanes (we have plenty of these in Gloucestershire).
Nothing about the basic design on the suspension has been changed, the car still has traditional damper blades. The basic difference now is that it now works properly! :-)
Tim
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
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Don't get me wrong from my previous posting....I'm all for mods to improve the car but retain the essence of a traditional Morgan and I'll be going down the Suplex front end route next month. But I do think the Company drags its heels with suspension development because it knows it can meet its sales targets pretty easily so why pay out for development. May be thats just my cynical view. That said, they have made some progress over the years...dropped the damper blades!
Jays
Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
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Joined: Apr 2009
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L - Learner Plates On
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L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Apr 2009
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I welcome sensible and progressive upgrades.
One of the best features of Morgan ownership is that the car can remain 'authentic' and enjoy development without prejudice.
From all the contributions I read on this site I am convinced that most Morgan owners are to varying degrees 'engaged' with the spirit of driving. A Morgan allows the owner to indulge his driving enthusiasm in a practical and satisfying way - that for me makes ownership special!
All the best
Tony
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 11,861 Likes: 137 |
I do think the Company drags its heels with suspension development because it knows it can meet its sales targets pretty easily so why pay out for development. I think you're absolutely right. Sadly, I think this lack of development also goes a long way to explaining why many Morgans are so seldom used. I think many people are captivated by the image but don't realise just how bad the ride can be over poor surfaces.
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Apr 2012
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Charter Member
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Charter Member
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Maybe they should develop the suspension and then set the sales targets higher.
I know several people who love the idea of a Morgan but would never consider buying one because of the ride.
Quite a few manufacturers offer 'Special Equipment' packages or 'Handling Packs'. I guess Morgan do, to some extent, with the SS. The roads in Surrey are like the Somme and the Roadster regularly bottoms out on both front and back suspension - so any suspension improvement would be very welcome.
+8 4.8
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