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Joined: Aug 2013
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Charter Member
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I like the 2+2 idea too. Decent lockable storeage would make it the perfect tourer. Manual though for me too.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 56
Black Rat Charter Member
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Black Rat Charter Member
Joined: May 2014
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I just can't see what the attraction of a trad Morgan is with an auto box! It's a classic sports car!! Precisely  if you want an auto why not buy an Audi hairdressers car
Keith 2013 narrow bodied + 4 Ruby.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,774
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,774 |
I think the only cars I have driven where I was glad they were autos we're American floaty boaty things.. It was useful to have both hands focused on the steering to avoid going off in the hedges!
Surely a British sports car just has to be manual.
Steve
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,646
Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,646 |
0n more than one occasion I have thought that it would be quite easy for Morgan to build a 2+2 as an option instead of a 4 seater. It could have optional child seats and belts but more importantly without seats it would have more space for touring luggage. The rear line could be halfway between a 2 seater and a 4 seater and the hood could have a more attractive design as it would not have to accommodate the height of adults in the back seat or luggage space (much like the TC). It could be complimented by a rear tonneau/luggage cover and have a slot behind the luggage space for sidescreen storage (like the Sport) and an optional narrow (space saver) spare wheel mounted completely externally.
Ideal for people with small children or dogs, or people who like touring. Development cost almost zero.
A sort of cross between the MG TC and the trad Morgan. A viable concept IMHO. Maybe it could be mashed together with the idea previously mooted on TM of reviving the DHC by giving it doors with wind up windows instead of the cutaway doors & an easy up 3 position drophead roof.
Giles. Mogless in Paris.
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 15,794 Likes: 14
Formerly known as Aldermog Member of the Inner Circle
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Formerly known as Aldermog Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 15,794 Likes: 14 |
I just can't see what the attraction of a trad Morgan is with an auto box! It's a classic sports car!! For those of us of advancing years you are quite correct, but the car market is moving inexorably to auto boxes. In many markets not to have an auto offering eliminates 50% of potential customers. MMC wants to attract younger customers, many in the UK have "auto only" licences. So there is an inevitability about the introduction of Auto boxes and MMC has to follow market needs. There was a bit in Autocar this week about Lotus: they are extending the auto box option across the range. For those models where it is offered 50% of customers chose auto box. I know you can't directly compare Lotus and MMC: according to one main dealer that sells both Lotus sells mostly to the 30 to 55 age group whilst MMC sells to the 55 to 70 age group. If MMC want to sell more cars to the "under 55s" then an auto option is essential.
Peter, 66, 2016 Porsche Boxster S No longer driving Tarka, the 2014 Plus 8...
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149 |
The problem with wind up windows is that you would either have to have a fixed frame or use some sort of system like the Aero to automatically lower the glass for opening and closing the door. I think if you did not do that the accuracy required in manufacturing would be too great for a hand built car.
Regarding design I would love to see bardi1949's take on this concept. He has done some designs based on the 4 seater but not for a 2+2.
Peter
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149 |
I know you can't directly compare Lotus and MMC: according to one main dealer that sells both Lotus sells mostly to the 30 to 55 age group whilst MMC sells to the 55 to 70 age group. If MMC want to sell more cars to the "under 55s" then an auto option is essential. The new Maserati Ghibli is offered only with an auto. Manual is not available. IMHO a smaller engined 250 hp version of the new Plus 8 is also essential. I am sure there is a market there that MMC is either ignoring, is not aware of, or is not understanding.
Last edited by Gambalunga; 22/03/15 08:56 AM.
Peter
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Feb 2011
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And the new Cayman GT4 is manual only! Perhaps when Morgan is forced by legislation to use an alloy chassis and independant suspension on the Trads, that's the time to offer an auto option but in my view, not before then. And what about an auto M3W just to throw that in the pot?
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 14,723 Likes: 149 |
And what about an auto M3W just to throw that in the pot? No! But a sequential shift gearbox would be nice. I wonder if Quaife could build one with an inbuilt bevel drive. Something like this with one side of the transaxle blanked off and just a plain bevel drive internal instead of a diff.
Peter
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,538
Talk Morgan Sage
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Talk Morgan Sage
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,538 |
And what about an auto M3W just to throw that in the pot? No! But a sequential shift gearbox would be nice. I wonder if Quaife could build one with an inbuilt bevel drive. Something like this with one side of the transaxle blanked off and just a plain bevel drive internal instead of a diff. Mmmm nice neat unit! Does it have reverse?
Last edited by 4/4Boy; 22/03/15 05:31 PM.
Neil
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