Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) water comes in above windscreen with trad hood

The new MX5 has little or no storage in the cabin and a tiny boot - they claim two aircraft approved cabin bags.

But as Dave says it's really good value.

Is it sacreledge to suggest it as a modern day MGB?

The Mx5 today is probably much better than the MGB was in period.

I agree. The modern MGB or perhaps closer to the Lotus Elan. Since the early 60’s I’ve owned just about every reasonably priced British sportscar made including two Morgans. New Morgans now however do not come into the “reasonably priced” category and the MX5 and its Fiat equivalent have the market to themselves, unless you include the cheaper versions of Westfield and Caterham models which are more primitive. As I’ve previously said, I don’t think modern youngsters are that keen on the open sportscar and prefer the hot hatch although even these are pushed out of their reach by extortionate insurance costs. Affluent older drivers will buy Morgans to relive their lost youth but unless you’re a Morgan afficianado would you really want a car with such a poor suspension setup? Morgans have modern engines. Is it asking too much to want modern suspension in the “classic” range. Keep the stying, obviously, but improve the handling.

That's an Aero +8, then..

Yes, if want to spend that much but at that price there are better cars and the Aero is not a traditional Morgan. It would be be a simple exercise to give the “classic” an updated suspension. It already has a state of the art engine - why not give it decent suspension. When I had Morgans back in the 80’s I upgraded the suspension to achieve improved handling.

Wouldn't that mean increasing the gap between the wheel and wheel arch in order to allow more travel? Otherwise any new suspension would also be on the bumps stops all the time. I think that would change to look of the car.

I happen to like the crazy cornering. And I never put the hood up, rain or shine.

I don't disagree with your comments Phil, but whilst better suspension design is a pipe dream for many I think it ought to remain that. Mainly because it's still a 'Z' section ladder style of chassis when all's said and done, and the more modern the engine, the more modern the suspension hung on to it, the more the basic design starts to show flaws, and around the circle we all go again.

Ultimately, people buy 'traditional' Morgans because they are unique, characterful and hark back to a time when seat of the pants driving held appeal. It's primarily a hobby car these days, something to fettle and fiddle and love.

There is only so much you can do to make it handle and go, and don't forget that the design relies upon an 80yr old homologation design along with low volume numbers for it to be built at all. Change the design too much and the car will have to be re-homologated, and where it goes from there is anyone's guess...but it won't be free from safety, electronics etc etc.

The current state of the suspension art with a live rear axle is a five point location with coil over shocks, disposing of the leaves.. Check out Suspension Supplies Ltd for more.

I admit I was being slightly flippant with the +8 comment, but the Aero chassis is now 17 year old and yet it still faces a few turned up noses from the 'Old Guard' despite the fact it's been a financial success for the factory.

Cue in Gambalunga and Peter J from here on in..!!

I don't think We are done Yet with the old Morgan Suspension. What about the "Rising Rate" main spring that Peter Ballard talked about. I don't think this is a dead issue. But Peter had to make concessions on the Suplex Kit. I, for one complained about the cost of the Suplex Kit. I have No Idea of the cost of a Rising Rate Main spring. I would hope, if it can be done, that this spring can be designed for each of the Classic Morgans. 4/4, +4 and +8 (up to 2002 or so) and of course the Roadster.

My conversation with one Spring Manufacturer went like this:
"You supply us a design and We will make it for You. How many would You want the first year 5,000 units or 10,000 units?"

Needless to say I was over my knees in rattlesnakes very fast.

Totally agree with you Steve.

On the MX5 front, I’ve had one in the past and loved it for what it was, relatively inexpensive, good handling fun. And the MGB came to mind!
In the search for a car for Wen, I’ve condidered the current model but I really don’t like the styling. The front wheels look out of proportion with the wings and somewhat awkward and the car overall looks too small. I much prefer the FIAT version.

Only on a Morgan forum could this conversation remain gentlemanly! I think most Morgan “classic” owners are happy to accept the cars for what they are. Too much departure from the car’s basic design would be unacceptable. Having said that, many of us have bought “off the shelf” modifications to make our own improvements. I think that’s what Morgan ownership is about. There’s always something to do to satisfy ones own theories of how it might be better constructed and the relatively uncomplicated engineering allows us to do this. Modern cars are not that easy to tinker with other than by ecu tweaking and that’s usually the prerogative of the boy racers. Getting back into Morgan ownership is a priority for me once I’ve sorted my garage space. I’ll still keep my F Type though!