Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Morgan's Quality Production Years?

Here's one intended to get a discussion going!

Here on Talk Morgan, we have owners of cars from almost every period of Morgan production.

Based on impressions of quality and reliability, have there been periods when Morgan have excelled?
Equally, have there been periods where more quality and reliability issues seem to have occurred?

I can only speak from experience of six Mogs, 1981, 1985, 1991, 1997, 1998 and 2007. Never had a problem, other than parts wearing out. Certainly no reliability issues and no quality issues. I bought used, so perhaps any problems (if there wee any) had been addressed by the time I bought the cars.

My experiences - 2005 Roadster has been superb. Extremely well sorted. The paintwork might have been a bit better, but the only fault is that the sump clearance issue ought to have been dealt with. There are also a couple of holes in the wrong place in the floorboards.......................

2012 - Better paintwork by a long way but with the sagging rear springs. Once sorted, a good year and the Duratec with the Mx5 box is probably the best Plus 4.

2016 - better paintwork, but still not 'perfect'. Very well sorted ride. Overall very good quality.

I would agree with that. Of the three I bought from new my 1992 4/4 (galvanised chassis and wings painted off) never caused any problems in 21 years of ownership. In terms of general finishing it was far better than the one I bought to replace it in 2013, which had one poorly fitting bonnet catch and a easy up hood frame that came apart!
I'm pleased to say I seem to have got back on track with my 2017 4/4. It's to early to talk about reliability but the finish is excellent - the trad hood is the best fitting I've ever had!

Are we including M3W production?
Than 2013 was not their best year...🤪

My 4/4 was 1985 and my +8 was 1987. There were minor faults and problems but they were accepted because they were Morgans! They just weren’t put together very well and the 4/4 was sprayed wings on so I had to part rebuild that. The modern ones I’ve looked at appear to well built so when I do buy another it will be a more recent model - certainly not a new one as they are no longer value for money at the market price.

My 4/4 is a 1981. Very reliable with over 80K miles. I have replaced dash switches, rebuilt rear hydraulic dampers, replaced king pins once, and clutch once.

My 1986 Plus 8 is also reliable except for the electrics. Some of which may be attributable to prior owners. Some of which to Lucas (Distributor.)

My 2005 Roadster appears to be much better built (Things fit better, are straighter, tighter, etc.) but I don't have the experience with the car to ascertain its overall reliability.

All my other Morgans have been rebuilt/restored so the question is not valid.

Cheers,

My 1986 4/4 has been very reliable, it's never broken down and left me stranded, although I have had to do a couple of roadside repairs now and again.

Build quality has also not been too bad. All I've had to replace so far is:

Chassis
Engine
Gearbox
Radiator
Front wings
Rear wings
Bulkhead
Front Brakes
Front suspension
Rear suspension (springs & Dampers)
Fuel Tank
Differential
Bits of body tub woodwork
Windscreen
Steering Wheel
Dash Switches
Road Wheels
Head lights
Fuse box
Wiring
Hood
Floor
Gearstick

But apart from that, it's exactly as it left the factory over 30 years ago...

My 1993 4/4 was a decent car. The only issues were age related wearing out or insufficient hands-on by previous owners.
The 2002 Plus8 is a better car as it has updated improvements like stainless firewall/inner wings etc.
My only criticisms are that some aspects have been left alone and no improvements made by better parts. I still think there is scope for better wiring and diagrams.
A premium price should reflect in these types of improvement on a faster track.
Most owners seem pleased with their cars but there is still some lack of customer support evident from cases highlighted where issues have arisen. Why are some sorted promptly while others seem ignored?

Aha!
Built by Morgan and finished by the owner!