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SORN
by OldSkrote - 31/07/25 02:07 PM
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New
by Rex_tulips - 30/07/25 07:59 PM
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Aug 24th, 2023
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OP
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The Ferrari was a 2 year project from the beginning and that 2 years is up fairly soon. So when I was in Cwmbran looking for a new TV, I called in at Newtown to see if I could convince myself about a Morgan. I tried a Plus 4 and what a pleasant car it was. Sure holding the steering wheel on a back road was a bit like holding a fresh caught mackerel as it writhes in your hands. The trick seems to be to hold it very loosely unless you need to go round a corner. But the steering being manual and direct was excellent, almost Lotus standard, and on smoother bypass type roads the ride was entirely acceptable. I did think that the balance of power in the Plus 4 was just about right. I have previously tried a Roadster which as far as I was concerned was badly overpowered for the chassis. And a Plus 8 / Aero which in manual form I didnt like. OK today was a beautifully sunny summers afternoon when you could even have sold me an old Healey  but driving the Morgan at sensible speeds did take me back to my youth. Whether I could consider it for more than a 50 mile bimble is another issue. There are pro and con as with everything. On the plus side its a simple car which wouldnt leave me vulnerable to the main dealers labout charges. I could self maintain. Its a car you can fiddle with and customise. Straight line acceleration is reasonable and steering and roadholding are acceptable, particularly on smooth roads.And it has character. And a tonneau. On the minus side getting in and out is only marginally better than the Elise. The roadholding on bumpy roads is a bit of a joke in modern times but it is a fun joke. Less impressed by the brakes. The Italian driving position with the wheel in your chest isnt that good. And luggage capability is poor but then would I really want to do more than a local run out in it? Do you? Its definitely on the shortlist.Its a "blast from the past" but its not a modern sports car. But then where can I use the Fezza's 185 mph and 500 bhp, and am I capable of using them anyway? So folks, just suppose that I did go for a Plus 4 ( and it is a supposition for the moment) what extras are important in addition to the tonneau cover and two tone paintwork?
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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 |
Glad you're getting the idea at last Howard. A good example of why people should try the different models, as their character really is quite different. However, I'm puzzled by this remark. The Italian driving position with the wheel in your chest isnt that good.
Surely the Italian standard is the SIA (Standard Italian ape*), perfect for those who are long of arm but short of leg. * Before anyone starts calling me racist, I'm just quoting an old acronym.
Giles. Mogless in Paris.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,430 Likes: 180
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
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Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,430 Likes: 180 |
Umm, that's the opposite of the Italian driving position, for which you need long arms and short legs - try sitting in a Muira! It's the traditional British sports car driving position. Extras? An umbrella... Brake reaction bars tighten the front end up a little. And adjustable interior rod mirror, rather than the factory glued on fixed version. Lots of other things as time progresses - to suit you 
Graham (G4FUJ)
Sold L44FOR 4/4 Giallo Fly
'09 Gen2 MINI Cooper ragtop
'90 LR 90 SW
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,112 Likes: 57
Black Rat Charter Member
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Black Rat Charter Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,112 Likes: 57 |
The Ferrari was a 2 year project from the beginning and that 2 years is up fairly soon. So when I was in Cwmbran looking for a new TV, I called in at Newtown to see if I could convince myself about a Morgan. I tried a Plus 4 and what a pleasant car it was. Sure holding the steering wheel on a back road was a bit like holding a fresh caught mackerel as it writhes in your hands. The trick seems to be to hold it very loosely unless you need to go round a corner. But the steering being manual and direct was excellent, almost Lotus standard, and on smoother bypass type roads the ride was entirely acceptable. I did think that the balance of power in the Plus 4 was just about right. I have previously tried a Roadster which as far as I was concerned was badly overpowered for the chassis. And a Plus 8 / Aero which in manual form I didnt like. OK today was a beautifully sunny summers afternoon when you could even have sold me an old Healey but driving the Morgan at sensible speeds did take me back to my youth. Whether I could consider it for more than a 50 mile bimble is another issue. There are pro and con as with everything. On the plus side its a simple car which wouldnt leave me vulnerable to the main dealers labout charges. I could self maintain. Its a car you can fiddle with and customise. Straight line acceleration is reasonable and steering and roadholding are acceptable, particularly on smooth roads.And it has character. And a tonneau. On the minus side getting in and out is only marginally better than the Elise. The roadholding on bumpy roads is a bit of a joke in modern times but it is a fun joke. Less impressed by the brakes. The Italian driving position with the wheel in your chest isnt that good. And luggage capability is poor but then would I really want to do more than a local run out in it? Do you? Its definitely on the shortlist.Its a "blast from the past" but its not a modern sports car. But then where can I use the Fezza's 185 mph and 500 bhp, and am I capable of using them anyway? So folks, just suppose that I did go for a Plus 4 ( and it is a supposition for the moment) what extras are important in addition to the tonneau cover and two tone paintwork? A sense of humour helps 
Keith
2013 narrow bodied + 4 Ruby.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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Wow! Howard, I think you're 'getting it'!
The fun factor is definitely kinder on the driving licence!
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,342 Likes: 91
Talk Morgan Guru
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Talk Morgan Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,342 Likes: 91 |
Congrats, Howard.
All the extras will come over time. I would think about two baseball caps to start with.
'14 4/4 graphite grey
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Joined: Aug 2014
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Charter Member
Joined: Aug 2014
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Extras -
TB's
Free flow manifold
Shortened exhaust
R400 cams
5LL suspension at rear
Possible Suplex front
Err...steel rods/high lift pistons aiming for 230 bhp
Geneva 2016 plus 8' The Green Godess' 4 side exits .
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 240
L - Learner Plates On
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L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Jul 2016
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I personally would say an easy up hood is a requirement, most of the newer cars have them, but it makes life easier if caught in the rain
Just mp 1p
2015 Yellow +4
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Charter Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,366 Likes: 15 |
Keith nailed it, "A sense of humour"  If you can't laugh, or at least smile, don't do it !!
Here for a good time not a long time!!
Reg
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,238 Likes: 2
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,238 Likes: 2 |
If you are going to do all that, buy a Caterham!
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