Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) The Morgan and the age

I started my motoring in a £90 Austin Mini, and have had many sports cars of various marques since which I will not embarrass myself with or bore you. Needless to say I could have brought an Aero 8 with the money I lost along the way.

Several times I considered a Morgan but practicality seemed to stop me. Most cars I owned were used to commute, except when I was on a train.

I have seen +8's that have been looked after over the last 2 years increase in value, I have done quite a bit on Rosie getting her tip-top and think I would just about get my money back if sold her, which I do not plan to do, probably the most fun I have had in a car.

There's a quest to find the highest mileage Morgan so watch out in Miscellany. I think the present leader is 400k miles.

I had my first Morgan - a secondhand 4/4 Series 2 - in 1961 at the age of 19. Mind you used ones weren't overly expensive (£250) in those days comparing favourably with Sprites & Minis etc. Even then my friends thought I was mad. However it got well used in rallies, grass track racing, sprints & hill climbs etc.
After a few other experiences with a twin cam MGA, Aley mini racer, Cox GTM, modified Midgets etc I came across a Plus Four Plus hidden away in the back of a Glasgow garage. I positively worshiped that car and still regret selling it (£650) to start a more sedate life and try to earn a proper living. A sad day that!
Now that I'm long since retired I've returned to my first love and have a 4/4 Sport - same colour as my original and I thoroughly enjoy every moment of it.
I wonder if I was the youngest Mog owner when I got my first one?

Andrew

Adding a comment from the other side of the pond. The 'graying' of Morgan ownership is topic all of us face, and being a principle in MOGSouth, it is something I know that is directly impacting the Morgan clubs. The rolls here are dwindling. It's a bit more troubling in the US, as we get no new cars, except the odd Aero or MW3, and they are expensive. The old cars require a good bit of maintenance that the younger folks don't understand or desire, and the cars are still expensive when they change hands. They are really only a secondary or play car, so one has to have the means to afford the luxury. We see no simple solution here, but continue to try to entice the young folks at shows and the like. I think it just may be that they are of a different mindset and Morgans may not fit in. Tough to accept but . . . (FYI, I bought my first 4/4 at 25 (still have it) and have just now retired.)

Mark,

The situation is very similar in Australia. Not a lot of cars, and expensive compared to the UK.
It is seen as a "Mid Life Crisis" car by some, but the owners see it more as the realisation of a dream.
I guess the problem lies in that the more the car is seen with older drivers, the less attractive it becomes to the younger generations.

I do believe my grandchildren will grow up with a love for this car.

Graeme, the 'mid life crisis' moniker is a good one. At least in Australia there is a hope of a relatively new traditional car (albeit expensive), which I would think might be appealing. But the Melbourne dealer is along way from WA. Again, it is our dreams and not that of the younger folks. They grew up in a different world. On a separate note, I was in WA a number of years back and met up with Craig Atkins, Brian Nash and a few others. Great fun. Brian Nash was exceptionally helpful in providing information to rebuild my 38 Series 1 DHC top. Please tell then hello next you see them.

Cheers,
Mark

Will do Mark

Happy motoring

It took me 60 years to get my Mog...
I've driven a few, rented one from Richard Thorn and then two things happened.

First my Doc said that I had to stop riding a bike as the weight of a crash helmet was speeding up the decay of the discs in my upper spine, already there is damage that is clear on the MRI.

Then some money in a savings fund came up to re-invest and at 90 days notice the best offer was 0.8%.

I thought to hell with it, I'll put the money into a Morgan, I can always sell it if we need the money (yes, right)!

I am so very glad I did. A great car and a great commuity.

As to the original question: insurance is one issue: Couldn't get cover to include my daughter, age 27, home owner, clean licence ans full own NCD. She has to wait till she is 30. Would she have a Morgan? Yes, simply for the look, the style and the drive.

Morgan's marketing has to change to attract the 30-50 year old group: plenty can afford it, but most think there is still a 5+ year waiting list and it is a kit car, so not safe or green. Image is everything to that sector.

Suggest if they want to be green, they buy a horse and cart, at least there will be some recycling for the roses

And you don't think CO2 will be good for the roses?!