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

My 1996 1.8 Zetec 4/4 is a good car:

I bought it in 2015 at 50k kms (original condition) from a professional in the Netherlands and was soon to discover that it had not been very well looked after. No proper maintenance whatsoever. The clutch -cable, f.i. was badly guided, the pedal worked rough and hard and I had to replace the whole clutch set after 10k kms. Also I did a certain amount of cosmetic work.
But with some love, time and care jointly put into that car by my favorite local dealer and myself, it became perfect to me. The engine runs pleasantly, supension and steering are fine, it's not absolutely watertight but I don't get wet, it got me to Malvern and back (over 2300km in three days)... .
But anyway here's the list of major issues:


1. New Clutch set
2. King Pins and bushes replaced
3. Belts replaced
4. A lot of nerve wrecking red tape to get the papers from our national MOT!

and that's it! "Touchons du bois!" as we say...

I've been reluctant to post here because I don't like to be too negative....but......

I've had 5 mogs, 2 used, 3 new. Both used ones were good, reliable cars. My 2005 new roadster was pretty good. The exhaust fell off within 200miles due to bad mountings, not properly afixed, but apart from that it seemed to me that the factory had properly done their homework on the development and the quality was good.
Both my 4/4s (either side of the roadster) had serious problems from new. Both had to go back and have gearboxes attended to. One was delivered new in 2015 with headlights not working (what a pdi). Then the back axle had to be shimmed. Despite proper greasing from an experienced owner, king pins failed at 7T miles.
Badly corroded windscreen supports within three months. Replacements have corroded too but I can't be bothered to chase it. Similar bubbling under doors above wings (as Heinz reports) on all 3 new cars.
So, I don't think there's been a golden age about the way the cars are put together. I do think the paintwork has improved massively since I started buying Morgans.
I've concluded that the factory don't take enough care putting them together but that once the first owner has sorted all the weak bits in the first year, the cars are essentially good, solid reliable beasties.
I can't imagine why the factory don't use better quality parts (like rear springs etc) when the engines, chasis, gearbox etc. are so good.

Would I buy again? Oh yes. I love the cars and the factory. I love the idea of supporting a smaller maker who employs people not robots. I love driving it.

Nick

For the sake of completeness, these come to mind:

Exhaust pipe fractured at the manifold
Steering lock barrel came out with the key - tiny springs and tumblers everywhere
Wiper motor issue