Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) A Very Good Friday

Brian,

I drove a demonstrator 3.7 Roadster for a few miles and wasn't impressed so let me elaborate on my intention when I said "not well matched".
The biggest disappointment was the gearbox: it is fast, slick and light years ahead of the box in the 2009 Roadster which was ponderous. But the ratios? First is next to useless, only good for hill climbing starts or towing. Second is also a bit short, given the torque of the engine. I felt, much of the time, I wasn't in the right gear.

I know MMC don't have much choice in the hardware they get but in this case I felt the engine, box and rear axle ratio just didn't seem to work together well.

I also found the footwell box area cramped, and I have only size 9 feet. There was more room in the old Roadster and that was cramped enough.

Peter,

I can only assume that you drove one of the earlier demonstrators and your comment about the cramped footwell tends to confirm this. As a result of feed-back from the drivers on the Nordkapp trip there were a number of changes made to the cars, and the Roadster was most effected.

In order to create more room in the footwell, the width of the footwell was increased by attaching a box to the side of it on the right. The pedal box was moved and on my car there was room to put my clutch foot (size 8) to the side of the clutch pedal. A real luxury for a trad Morgan.

The gear-lever position was moved and the rear springing was altered and these and some other smaller changes transformed the car. The current Roadster I think is a bit of a weapon and I found the gear ratios to be fine. Due to the torque of the engine, and a light car, it's possible to do a standing start in 2nd I agree, but you can do that too in the manual Plus 8!

I think you need to drive a well sorted Roadster with Rutherford AVO's on the rear and as mine has now gone, maybe Crunchie can let you have a go in his. If you manage to make the Williams Open Day it would be good to try it.

No doubt that the more sophisticated chassis under the Plus 8 is a better solution, but on a bangs per buck basis the Roadster should not be under-estimated imho. I certainly miss mine...

The 3.7 is an excellent car.... very quick and very Morgan. Handling is fine for what it is - but I needed something a bit more comfortable.

The cabin is big enough - I'm 6'2", 15 stone and with size 11's. So I'm not a small fellow - the Roadster was plenty big enough for me. But I wanted something extra - hopefully I've found it.

I've no idea what chassis/suspension combination I have. I don't think there's any choice in the matter, so I'll take what I'm given....

I think it's perfectly acceptable for the older blokes on the forum to seek out more comfort.

And to leave young bucks like Adrian (and I) to rough it in the trads.

I'll drink to that

I was left somewhat disabled from my run down the Med last summer in the Roadster.... hopefully the 8 will be a more comfortable peage muncher!

I'll take that as a compliment, I don't think a trad. modern Morgan is exactly roughing it though. But then I have car memories from the 70's, and I like the throw back to a trad type car. Real motoring for real men.

Hi Neil,

I hope you have a great day I know your son will be delighted and assume you have chosen side pipes

I look forward to seeing the new steed in due course.

I had lunch with Lee the other day and your name cropped up. Hope to catch up again soon.

Cheers

Andy

Good luck with the new car you will love it,but the new Roadster goes like stink and very refined Peter must have been dreaming again.


Em

I resemble that remark!