I've been kicking around the idea of a Morgan for a while- long before the 3 wheeler was reintroduced: best (or worst) of both worlds- at least for me- prewar character but new car reliability. I didn't seriously think about the 3 wheeler at first, because it just seemed too extreme, but I'm at a point where even smallish sports cars just seem too big, heavy and lux. I do almost zero highway driving these days, and when I do drive, it's either B roads for fun or getting someplace in town. (I'm a NY'er, but relocating to Austin). So, here's my take along with a few questions: 1. Endemic Issues/Reliability. Having read through the various threads, there were problems with bevel drive noise, and bump steer, but those seem to have been largely rectified in the newer production. Is that true? Anything else I should be aware of that is a chronic problem or one that affects reliability? I need something that is fairly reliable, because I'll drive the damn thing, and I'm not from the old 'stiff upper lip' school, let's take out the tool kit and work on the car in the middle of a drive. That would make me nuts. 2. Superdry. Many of the things about the edition appeal to me- panel finish, interior, wire cages on headlamps, etc. But, is it perceived as too silly by serious Morgan people? I had never heard of Superdry before (heard of Superfly, might dig that, plays the Curtis Mayfield theme on start-up). There also seem to be variations on this edition- some have black heat shields, no checkered flag motif on the front cycle fender, etc. Is it too 'branded'? I gather I can option a bespoke car to achieve close to the same look without the entire Superdry motif, but probably at greater cost. Any consensus on the Superdry as a credible special edition? 3. Dealer. Thinking about ordering the car through Morgan West, not because it is convenient, but simply because he seems to do the most volume in the States, and probably has the most know-how here. Dennis said he can service the beast in Austin through local, affiliated mechanics. 4. Texas. Anybody here in Austin? I'd use the thing to drive locally, and probably to go on jaunts in the hill country. I wouldn't mind having a local network of fellow owners to share knowledge, drives and the occasional brisket BBQ.
Welcome to TM Bill, I'm sure others will be along in a minute as well. I am certainly in a position to answer some of your questions.
I have a bit of car history involving post war sports cars from my early driving days in the '60's, as well as a string of Caterham Sevens over the last 25 years. Like you, I now like the reliability of a modern car with the classic looks and character of an older car. I feel that a 'sports car' should be basic, light, fast, a little noisy and fun, so 2 seaters like the Miata/MX5, Merc SLK and even Porsche Boxters and 911s don't do it for me, they are just 2 seaters!
You have obviously got the hang of various reliability issues? I have recently bought my second M3W, and whilst there are some definite improvements, they have not solved the bump steer yet. My first car has so little bevel drive noise that it was never an issue, the new one is louder, though not enough to need earplugs, and I gather that as the gears wear in, the noise will reduce. There is also the option of using sound insulation around it. I would be interested in whether the bevel box whine actually does get less after a few hundred miles?
The bump steer spoils a good drive, but the car is just so much fun, that it is not the end of the world, just a little annoying, and Morgan tell people that it is part of the character of the car and must be accepted. Obviously I think that is a cop out, but I believe they are working on it, though from what I've heard recently, it may not be possible to retro fit any improvements free. Other than that, the car is getting better the more they build, maybe by the time yours comes through it will be perfect? Oh, sorry I forgot, it's a Morgan and built by hand!
With the Superdry, like all 'limited' editions, I think it is mainly to earn more money for Morgan, [and there is nothing wrong with that, if they didn't make a profit, they wouldn't be able to make cars any more], but there is very little on the car that cannot be done after taking delivery with the use of a good paint shop and a computer graphics company, and a lot cheaper too. However that is my personal opinion and many would rather order the factory car, you have to make up your mind which you would do.
As for dealers etc, you will have to wait and see what local opinions are.
Best of luck, and best to do it sooner rather than later.
Paul J, thank you for the kind welcome and thoughtful response. Just curious, why 'sooner than later,' other than the need for instant gratification (always a factor) and limited number of this special edition?
Bill - I'm in Houston, a short 3 hours away from Austin (but ten times as ugly!). My 3Wer should be delivered in September/October. We have a nice crew of Catherham owners who take drives in the hill country regularly, I plan to join them - it will be nice to have another slow 3Wer to keep me company!
I ordered from Brighton in Scottsdale because in a real pinch if the car needs serious fettling I felt I could flatbed it out...Shane is a nice guy and I was happy with the service I got when I took a test drive out there.
You REALLY need to drive the car to know if it really makes sense for you. The roads in Austin, and even the Houston suburbs, are pretty good compared to those experienced by our brothers in the UK, so I don't think bump steer will be as big an issue for us. When I drove on pristine Scottsdale roads it was obviously non-existent.
I posted my initial experiences after my test drive in a different thread:
I drove a noisy bevel box car, and it didn't bother me excessively. There is a Caterham dealer in Dallas, and I think that car should probably be on the list for you as another contender. The 3Wer is more style than performance, and the Caterham is more performance over style, but they both scratch the same itch.
And for what it's worth..I think the stickers on the Superdry are a tad silly Personally, I have no idea what the connection between classic British motoring and a Japanese tee-shirt company is...
1.- Endemic Issues/Reliability - I have put 2,800 miles on the beast since delivery and have had only the one glitch with the rectifier/regulator which is a known item. Easily repaired by, oh, anyone and that would be me. Most any Harley mechanic will have this one nailed and have the replacement parts available. Bump Steer - ah, a known goodie. Where you are, this may not even be an issue unless you hit roadkill. Please try to avoid. It is no fun. Where I am in New England, with ground freeze during the winter, spring thaw and the occasional hurricane, the roads are pretty much crap in Vermont. Good roads are a joy in the Morgan. Bad roads make one wish one were elsewhere...
Bevel box is a big unknown. The whine has dropped appreciably and time and miles have helped but the rest is due to the driver learning just how the engine/transmission interface works on this car and what the drivetrain likes. It gets noisy when it doesn't like it. See the bits about sealing the cockpit from the rear and all the tricks about the so-called trunk. All of it helps.
2.- Superdry. If you want to be aligned with a Japanese clothing retailer then have at it, or get the basic and modify to your hearts desire. I held off on the chrome package and you may have a think about that. The chrome headlamp buckets get very bright in the sun where you are and are a big distraction. I bought the basic Blue with tan leather. People love it. My only statement was the Union Jack on the side. The women think it's cute. Who am I to argue?
3.- Dealer. Whoever is close and convenient works. How are they for doing the weird stuff like modifying body work or adding a luggage rack? Something I am seriously considering as this thing has the carrying capacity of a Kleenex box... Harley-Davidson mechanics will be working on the S&S, hopefully. Parts are mostly interchangeable. I don't expect much grief from the Mazda gear box.
4.- Texas. You're on your own. YOYO
I agree. This is a great forum! It has saved my sorry a@# already!
What's your mileage? Who cares. Is it practical? See #1. What happens when it rains? You get wet.
Thank you all for the considered responses so far. I'm less interested in outright performance than the 'classic motoring' experience, and the charm of the Morgan is very appealing. I'll obviously have to do more research on color combinations and the 'chrome' issue (Thanks for that thought, Michael). Crowbar- Texas is special to me. After a lifetime in the NE, I have grown to love Austin and you are right- the roads, at least the ones I've been on, have been great. More as it develops. And again, thanks for the warm welcome here.
Bill, I too was raised in the northeast, and after 13 years in Texas cannot EVER imagine returning....
...we American's are clearly ignorant - but if Superdry is an English company...what's with the Japanese lettering?
Not that ignorant ..... I suspect that most of us are caught out by the Japanese emphasis! A cult thing I guess but I couldn't envisage driving a car giving free advertising to a clothes company AND pay a premium for it as well! Especially one with a clearly dummy bonnet strap !!
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
and limited number of this special edition?
Personally, I have no idea what the connection between classic British motoring and a Japanese tee-shirt company is...
You know it makes sense! 