Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Daily use

Ialso would love to use mine daily but usually says only on birthdays

I dont know if I can be bothered with a manual box in peak hour trafficc any more, perhaps if I had a long drive without all the traffic lights, it would be more enjoyable. Also not sure about taking the risk everyday with all those other idiots on the road. Perth has a reputation for being full of tailgaters and indicators here should be called (If they ever get used) achievers as they are only put on after the car has actually changed lanes.

As far as reliability, once mine is back on the road, its just a escort with a bloody lovely body (Morgan not mine)and I would trust it untill the cows came home. Even if it breaks, its so easy to fix.

I would say any 4 wheeler Morgan could be used daily, but some features or options would be make it easier than not having them. An easy up hood, the rail fits over the top of the windscreen locks down with latches and is Mutch more water tight. I would opt for an everflex(vinyl hood) as easier to clean than a mohair one, if mohair buy a lightweight water proof cover or make one from modifying a cheap Halfords on as I did, it will save you £80. Some 4/4 engines suffer in bad weather getting under bonnet louvres and collecting down spark plug holes, either avoid or follow DaveW's how to make a shield.

Having just test driven 4 different cars before choosing a replacement for my +8, I would say a 4/4 or Plus 4 with Suplex front suspension would be a great choice. The Plus 4 sport I drove with Suplex was the best Morgan I have driven from the point of view of a comfortable ride and easy to drive, however it was a newer car. A great tourer.

Some of the gearboxes used by Morgan can be slow to change gear and clunky, and I have noticed on some the gear ratios don't fit well with the torque curve, especially around 3rd and 4th. This could be annoying depending on traffic conditions and your regular drive as you could be changing gear more than usual. I am not clued up on the best and worst gearboxes but I am sure someone with here can advise on the best and worst combos.

If running car in dark a lot the I would recommend fitting led bulbs in stop/tail lights and front side lights and fitting some form of 3rd high level brake light(good idea anyway). Also upgrade headlight bulbs to white light hi intensity ones.

Be prepared to grease the front king pins every 500-600 miles, this is a must do, and spray chain grease on the rear springs every 3000 miles for an easier ride.

They are all fun, but some are better than others in small ways. Good luck with you hunt, drive several and one will choose you.

Really helpful advice and much appreciated
many thanks

Every Morgan I've owned has been my daily transport to work, save my current 4/4 as I'm now retired! I clocked over 100K from new in my previous 4/4 and it never let me down! I'd like to know which dealer said a new MOG wouldn't cope with daily use!!

Drove a 76 4/4 for a decade ( not every day!) however sold it last year to buy a new 4/4 -got £1500 less back in a part exchange than I originally paid for it. Not bad depreciation for 10 years driving.

Only major thing I changed - was to fit a fan to help cooling when in traffic.

Whatever Morgan you drive - you drive that Morgan with its various little eccentricities - which include brakes, steering, suspension etc, etc,!

Not a Morgan dealer, surely...? It's a car and designed for only one thing. As has been said elsewhere on here - use it. If it breaks, repair it; when you are tired of it, sell it. Above all, do not keep it in top notch condition simply for the benefit of the next owner.

Far better to use the car regularly. First Morgan I bought had covered 10,000 miles in its one owner 20 year life and Fortunately that owner paid the hefty bill to put it right after various parts had seized. Must admit I don't use my car every day but do use it all year round and, apart from the infamous fuel pump relay failure, it's never let me down and is in far better condition than many cars with very low mileage.

Some great advice, good stories, and a lot of reinforcement that the car would be able to cope, whatever age and model I get. Really appreciate your kind help.

Monty

Well,
We're not exactly unbiased you know!!!

I don't want an unbiased report. I'm buying one of the most bonkers cars you can get. The last thing I need is an injection of objectivity. I'm getting that from the missus who really doesn't "get it" at all and would far rather I squandered the money on a house extension or something...

The common theme in all this though is that there's no right or wrong. Just buy what you like and make it work out.