Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Another up Northerner

Hello to all

Not sure whether I'll take the plunge yet, but I have a date with the MMC in early April with a +4 hire for the afternoon.
Coming on fogey'ish I've always liked the visuals of the Morgan classics.

I've been browsing the morgan dealerships since jag announced that the xk was to be discontinued (driven xk's for the last 12 years)
There doesn't seem to be much choice or stock movement in Morgan dealerships so with current waiting lists reduced I would probably buy new with my prefered colour and options.(I do like gunmetal with Mullberry leather)

But after reading some of the posts on the forum, I do have some concerns over what she'll give me earache over.
Do all new Morgan's leak when it rains? surely they've had time to iron out problems like that, (i had a ragtop spitty in the 70's and it didn't leak.
Could I drive to the South of France without maintenance
and why on earth have they put the speedo were she can see it.
Is there an option to have the speedo in front of the steering wheel.

Hi Ian and welcome to TM

I believe the speedo over one side is historical on a Morgan, I am sure MMC would swap speedo and Rev counter around in build. Or they might do what you want with it behind the wheel.

I have driven my Roadster in some very heavy rain, initially I had the odd dribble from the header rail.
They can let a little water in but nothing like they used to, the hood rail seals very well if adjusted properly, with the use of a little neoprene and D seal around the side frames any leaks/Drafts can be eradicated.

We have a 2012 Plus 4 and the only leaks we have had were from the top of the windscreen pillar, easily fixed with a small neoprene pad (thanks to Dave), and the centre of the hood rail over the windscreenat motorway speeds. Morgan now use a different seal in the hood rail and gave me a length of it, but I have not got around to fitting it.

The only other point was where the main cable loom enters the cabin over the footwell. We had water entering under the ECU cover and dripping through the grommet. I resolved this by fitting a drain tube to the drain from the heater/aircon box and fitting a neoprene seal to the top and side flange of the ECU cover. This may not be an issue with other or later models.

Given the improvements that Morgan have made in the last 2 years I doubt you would have any problems, and if you do you should be able to fix it youself or, if a serious problem, have it fixed under warranty.

I brought a 2012 plus 8 and the only leak that I have had is at motorway speed from the centre of the screen top rail. Silicone grease fixed this for me.

Morgan quality has improved and I believe you can buy with confidence. However, it is hand build so you may have the odd item that requires attention under warranty.

Hi Ian....welcome from another Northerner. I probably shouldn't say this, but please be clear about your expectations after years of driving xk's. You cannot compare a Traditional Morgan to any other modern car and it really is a very individual purchase. You are buying a classic car with its 1930s suspension and chassis albeit with modern engine, brakes and electrics but with no driving aids such as abs and traction control.
Whilst the hoods have improved over the years they can leak at the header rail in some instances although careful fitting of the rail when closing the hood will help.
The sighting of the central dash panel is traditional Morgan although they have changed the layout several times over their history. I swopped my speedo and three instrument cluster to bring the speedo closer and that's easily done. Traditionally the Rev counter is always situated in front of the steering wheel and I very much doubt the factory would swop that around in build particularly with the new Plus4 instruments. You do get use to it and I tend to drive on the Rev counter anyway.
There's no reason why you shouldn't tour in it, the only regular maintenance is the greasing of the front suspension every 1000 miles or so....which surprises non Morgan owners! It's just part of the fun believe me!!

At least you are being sensible and hiring a car to try it out. You need to do more than just a quick test drive to see if a Morgan is for you. If you gel with it, you will find it will get under your skin. Good luck and look me up at the Visitor Centre if I'm back on my feet when you pick up the hire car.

Hi Ian

Welcome to TM. As others have said, the Morgan is a handbuilt car and as such is totally different in manufacture to modern robotically buuilt cars. However, these quirks are what makes driving a Morgan so much more pleasureable. Every journey is fun again no matter what the weather in my opinion. You're doing the right thing by hiring one for an afternoon.

Which part of "up north" are you? I'm based near to Chester.

You can also do what many people do and fit a custom dash. This one is from Borghi in Milan.

Hi Ian,

Morgan could be compared with Marmite - some love them, others don't!
I am on my fourth Morgan - and am very forgivivg of the "foibles" with a car built with "hammer and chisels" rather than robots.

I do have water dripping onto my legs in my Roadster. I carry a waterproof to deflect any dampness. As a Yank I spoke to once said "If you can't handle a little water, then don't buy a Morgan".

Therefore, not perfect, but a fantastic second car. I wouldn't personnaly be happy with a Morgan as an everyday car - but some people are.

Good Luck

Hate Marmite Love Mogs work that one out

.....and everyone loves you when you drive a Morgan.

Mind you I felt a complete fraud when we were driving down to Cottage Point on the Hakesbury River for breakfast the other Sunday. We got caught up in a classic car show. People were leaping out of the bushes to take photos of our car as we drove past the show - in our 2013 4/4!

We had a few water leaks over the top of the screen during a 300 km drive in soaking rain last winter. Since we carry a hand towel to clear mist off the side screens and rear window in traffic, the drops were easily dealt with.

I was new to Morgan motoring at the beginning of last year when I collected my Morgan from the dealer in Melbourne in 36C summer weather. The jury was out for the first few hours and then we got off the motorway and into the hills of NE Victoria and the car and I came alive. Have loved it since. It was my first sports car per se, but have a selection of big engined older Mercs. So am used to creature comforts. But the Mercs seldom get out now cos I can't get enough of the Morgan - in fact I try to use it on the commute into town at least once a week.