Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Just arrived...and already needing suggestions...

Good morning to everybody,
I'm new on this forum so I think that the first post should be made in this section, but there are two reasons for which I'm writing now.

The first is (of course) to present myself to the members of this forum: I'm from Italy (Milano) and I'm 26 years old (ok, nearly 27), and I loved Morgan cars from the first moment I saw one (which occured with an Aero8 some years ago). After that I discovered the history and the range behind this brand which is fairly unknown in Italy, and I loved the concept of making cars with nothing to share with an everyday "mean of transportation from A to B".

Connected to the first point the second point comes: I'm willing to buy a new car, and I need some help from the one of you which faced similar problems (or doubts) about a Morgan car. I went to the Morgan dealer in Milano and I had a very interesting talk with Mr. Borghi about the car's specifications and distinctive traits.

The main point and my big question is: will I be able to use a Morgan Roadster as an everyday car? I guess that most of you are keeping the Morgan as second car, for use in the sunshine and warm days. But I'd like to drive it also to go to work (about 70 km round trip, not everyday) and as my main car. The main concerns are:

- is the soft-top reasonably water proof or should I use a hard-top when it's raining?
- going on higways at 70 mph is the car noisy? I mean, will I have to take an aspririn afterwards?
- having the Roadster the discs only on front wheels it is suggested to install them also on the back?
- is there any specific option that you suggest to install having the idea to use the car nearly everyday?
- can anybody post some pics of the car in closed configurations (with soft-top, with hard-top, with windows, ...)? I know it's not the best view of a Morgan, but...
- is the external luggage rack suggested or the back of the seats can carry some bags (I didn't notice it when I was at the dealer, I was amazed by the view from the cockpit)?

I know that specification vary from model to model, I'm now referring to a newly built (or recent) Roadster, I'm not pretending iPod connection on cars from '80s.

I thank you for reading until here my long requests, I tried to be as compact as possible (with very small result).

Buona giornata a tutti.
Jacopo

Welcome Jack At 26, and your already into Morgan, you got taste
Sorry, I cannot answer your questions as I do not own a Trad, I'm sure someone will come along very soon, and they will be more than happy to answer all your questions, but whatever its shortcomings, it'll be more than compensated by a very large grin on your face whenever you're driving it

We have another member here called Massimo who has a plus4, and also living in Milan

ps driving a Morgan in Milan, we'll expect some serious photograghs from you

Ciao Jacopo

Welcome among us

I wished I had the money to afford a Morgan at your age. It took me more than 30 years, since I first saw one (at the age of 15), until the day I was able to call one my own. (at the age of 48)

But that's OK... Let me try to answer your questions

- is the soft-top reasonably water proof...
Yes, but you will be surprised, where the water sometimes enters the cab.
...or should I use a hard-top when it's raining?
Don't know, but I can imagine that as very unpractical.

- going on higways at 70 mph is the car noisy?...
Yes.
... I mean, will I have to take an aspririn afterwards?
It depends...

- having the Roadster the discs only on front wheels it is suggested to install them also on the back?
The brakes work pretty well

- is there any specific option that you suggest to install having the idea to use the car nearly everyday?
In Italy... maybe the air conditioner. The lower part of the cabin gets pretty warm, because it's right next to the engine, and with high outside temperature there is no way to cool your feet.

- is the external luggage rack suggested or the back of the seats can carry some bags
There is very little space behind the seats.

Good luck, and please, keep us informed

Salut,
Ivo

Jack,
welcome. I own now a 97 plus 4 but also has a 94 4/4.

I used to commute in summer in the 4/4 doing c 7,500 km per annum.

I have driven Morgans in all weathers but they are not a nice drive in the wet at night with the hood up.
They also don't have a lockable boot so in the winter maybe you also need a fiat 500.

To answer your questions

is the soft-top reasonably water proof or should I use a hard-top when it's raining? Soft top is fine especially the newer ones but it would be good to keep it in a garage.
- going on higways at 70 mph is the car noisy? I mean, will I have to take an aspririn afterwards? No but it is noisy with the roof down, the side screens help I often drive for up to 3 hrs like that.
- having the Roadster the discs only on front wheels it is suggested to install them also on the back? The brakes are fine
- is there any specific option that you suggest to install having the idea to use the car nearly everyday? Air con I guess as suggested by IVO.
- can anybody post some pics of the car in closed configurations (with soft-top, with hard-top, with windows, ...)? I know it's not the best view of a Morgan, but... Look on the simmonds site http://www.simmonds.uk.com/homepage.htm
- is the external luggage rack suggested or the back of the seats can carry some bags (I didn't notice it when I was at the dealer, I was amazed by the view from the cockpit)? You can put bags on the back seat but nothing is locked away though Simmonds or Librands make I think a lockable box.

Good luck
John

Welcome Jack!
I'm 31 and just bought my Aero S1, I too fell in love with the marque when seeing the first Aero.

There's one reason I couldn't live with the Morgan as my only car though: the attention. When I commute, go shopping or have to sit in traffic I don't really need all those looks or cameraphones pointed at me. Morgans are very rare here, I guess it's the same in Italy.

So I only take the Morgan out if I can really enjoy it, I don't think I would love it so much if it's was my everyday car.

Anyway, that's just my point of view. I hope you take the plunge, the more Morgans on the road, the better!

The others have done a great job answering your questions, so I will just say 'welcome' to Talk Morgan, Jacopo.

Hi & welcome from fellow newbe
great to see someone else my age apreciate morgans
I use my 2004 +4 every day and doing 25,000 miles per year in it
I've seen no reason for a hard top here in England i get some rain in round the side screen which you'd still get with a hard top

sterio needs some serious work if you want to hear it and 70mph

I've found the luggage rack usfull for camping trips Le Mans etc. but dont use it day to day

I'd say go for it and enjoy but then I'm slightly biased

Hi Jack

you are wise to buy new as you will need Euro IV emissions control for Italian cities!

I have a 2005 4/4 which is very similar except for the motor.

The hood (new "easy up" type) is very good, mine is waterproof even on the motorway with heavy rain and spray from lorries. A few drops get in around the sidescreens. I had to spend some time making it fit properly though at the front seal, now it is great.

I can drive it at 70-80 mph with the top down or up, no headache. Perhaps my 1800 engine is quieter. I can listen to the stereo up to about 60-65 mph. If anything there is more noise with the top up.

The brakes are fine and well balanced, hardly anyone converts the rear to disc. There is no ABS of course!

The luggage space behind the seats is adequate for 2 people for a weekend away including a soft bag (airline carry on size), 2 small rucsacs, SLR camera, tripod, 2 pairs walking boots, picnic etc...as we did last weekend! I would use the rear rack for a suitcase or perhaps a couple of dry "canoe" bags strapped on.

Mine is a "Sunday" car, and kept in a garage. I have done only about 3000 miles in a year, mostly dry, but do use it in wet weather if necessary. My main concern with daily use in the UK would be leaving it out in all weathers, as I don't think it would stay dry inside if left out for days of continuous rain. You probably won't have that problem!

Here's a dealer website page showing a silver +4 with the roof up, it looks just like mine:
http://www.williamsautomobiles.com/index.php?p=22_7&mid=298

Ciao
Nigel

Hi Jack and welcome. It is good to hear that there are people under thirty that have excellent taste in cars. I sat in my first Morgan as a schoolboy at the Earls Court Motor Show around 1964. My friend and I dressed in our school uniforms were very politely dealt with by the nice man on the stand . Since that day I had always wanted a Morgan and at the age of 51 purchased my first +8 then moved up to one of the last production +8. I dumped my every day car and used the Morgan doing about 15,000 miles a year . The good thing is you cannot use your portable phone because of the noise. As has been said wet weather on dark nights are a real drag not only because of visability but you cannot see where the rain is coming in you just feel damp patches and occasionally the effect of someone throwing drops of water at you. Many a business meeting I have arrived at in a smart suit with a wet patch. But individuality should have a premium and the Morgan is the only car on the road that provides that for me - and I have owned a few cars in my time. Many a hotel I have turned up too and a Porsche or Ferrari has been demoted so that the Morgan can sit proudly outside the front door. Sadly due to change of circumstance the +8 had to go last year, but hopefully into an Aero next year.
Once you have a Morgan you cannot live without one and remember there are two things you will need with a traditional Morgan. First the time to stop and talk because wherever you are someone will want to ask you about it and a cold flannel to wipe the large smile off you face after driving.

Wish you well.

Hi Jack,
Here comes part two of my reply

Take care,
Ivo




Top up:


Side screens only:


Use your imagination


More pictures here: www.ivo.lu