Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Another New Member

When we married in 1978 my wife sent for a Morgan brochure. We almost coughed up the 50 quid from our first month's salaries to go on the 5 year waiting list but the mortgage rate going from 8% to 15% put paid to that and then other things intervened (children, bigger mortgages, boats). Now, as I approach the other end of my career, I've revitalised my interest and on Saturday went to test drive a four-seater in Bedfordshire. Couldn't agree terms so have bought one (unseen) from Lancashire. My first sight of it will be when I pitch up to drive it home to West Sussex! The previous owner apparently had it for 18 years and part exchanged it at the factory who sold it on to one of their dealers.

I've just discovered the first benefit of being the owner of an old Morgan - I can get into a tax exempt car part at the Goodwood Revival meeting that cuts down on the walk to the circuit.

I have a couple of questions, if I may, of any members who live in West Sussex or Hampshire.

First, is there a local group of the MSCC, and is it very active, and second, how do I find a garage that can undertake servicing on a forty year old car other than by trial and error? I fear that most mechancis nowadays would be looking for somewhere to plug in the diagnostics computer. All the other cars I support are more modern. In other words, any personal recommendations, please?

I hope that this is the beginning of a long relationship with Morgan that takes me beyond the "window shopping" of the last 37 years.

Mark

Welcome Mark. Congratulations on your first Morgan.

If you Google Brands Hatch Morgan, and then Williams Morgan you will find two excellent Morgan specialists. I am not a customer of either as I carry out my own repairs but have only ever heard of both companies being spoken of in the highest terms, from what I hear both have excellent customer focus and I am sure others on here who are customers will also give their opinions. I have visited Williams and in fact there is an open day there on April 25th, I would strongly advise you to go if your free. They are interesting and informative days and your chance to view the facilities and meet the people, same with Brands who have coffee mornings and a look at their website will no doubt have information. Again, welcome to the wonderful world of Morgan's.

Hi Mark - Welcome to the group.

You say you are driving it home to West Sussex but your profile location says Petersfield, are you on the border?

During the summer months the local MSCC group - "SOGMOG" (don't ask!) - meet at the Seven Stars on the Winchester Road.

~ian.

Welcome to the throng.

I am sure you will get lots of suggestions on the best place for service - I have used a Morgan dealer since buying our first Morgan in 2003 (it was 18 years old at that point) and have not been disappointed. The older dealers are all very good - not sure which is closest to you.

The MSCC lists local centre contacts on their web site - http://www.mscc.uk.com/centrecontacts.html
Give the one that looks closest a call and pick their brains. It is worth joining the MSCC and going along to one of your local centres - most make newcomers very welcome. The people you meet there will be able to advise on local firms that provide good service.

Lancashire - was that from Life's? They have a good reputation.

Ian,

Thanks, we live in Rake - in West Sussex for paying council tax, but Hampshire postal address and Petersfield has the nearest Waitrose.

I'll investigate SOGMOG.

Mark

Thanks. Your response illustrates my problem. Neither Bristol nor Sevenoaks is near Petersfield, but they may be the closest dealers, in terms of time at least. I did wonder about taking the car up to Allon White in Cranfield for an annual service and the getting the train to London to go to work. I've no idea how good they are, but the people I met there on my test drive couldnt have been friendlier.

Perhaps I should learn to service it myself, especially when I have more time.

A warm welcome from Lancashire Mark

I bought a 4 seater early last year unseen from a private seller on ebay

Absolutely no regrets

The best customer service I have experienced (by far) was at Brands Hatch Morgans. If it helps, the railway station is almost 'over the road', and Keith knows "a bit" about Morgans.

Oh, and welcome to the madhouse.

You weren't tempted by a Bentley then?

My wife and daughter have just set off to the garden centre at Rake - I elected to stay back and type that last reply!

For regular servicing Petersfield Garage Services have never let me down, although they aren't of course Morgan specific. How old is your model?

The closest main dealer is Richard Thorne just south of Reading, which is where I bought my 4/4.

~iw

A warm welcome to Simons amazing TM group - all quests for information answered in the fullness of time by the collective grey cells on the forum.

Enjoy your miles.

p.s. The servicing of Morgans is very straightforward if you are at all spanner friendly.
Gomog has comprehensive information on things Morgan
http://www.gomog.com/