Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax She's gone....

How about http://www.slades-garage.co.uk/maserati-450s-replica-in-penn-buckinghamshire-6214264

I was in Slades this week and had a good look at this car. Absolutely gorgeous. OK its a sort of replica but what would a real 450S cost?

I'm toying with the idea of a Ferrari 360 spider, manual box. Flat plane crank V8 good for 8500 rpm but flexible, all aluminium body with mid engine, proper go cart feel to driving it , and 400 bhp is quite enough thank you.

Are you looking for something new/newish or a little older, perhaps more classic?
Is it to be an everyday car / shopping trolley?

I can vouch for thaat report. I had a test drive in one and was really impressed. But it is an out and out supercar sports car with limited practicality, not easy to get in and out of, and definitely for sunny sundays and track days rather than touring the continent.

Excellent gearbox, better than Ferrari, and great ride, again better than Ferrari. The engine is powerful enough but no comparison noise wise with that in a 458 . I havent driven a 488 so I dont know what Ferrari's turbo engine is like.

I'd have one like a shot but it wouldnt fill the role of something more practical for SWMBO.

I'be bought an F type which does fill that role or would do if I had bought the coupe version - the roadster has laughable boot space but is really comfortable. Really comfortable, lovely looking and not yet another 911 whilst still bridging that sports car / GT car gap like the 911 does..

So why not have a look at a V8 F type coupe?

Probably not what you are looking for Stewart as they are not really more practical than the AeroMax, but they are very comfortable for touring and the 570 GT has added luggage space! We are on our second McLaren and they really are an amazing bit of kit and don’t suffer from the same aggressive behaviour on the road that other similar cars do. Head Office is really sold on the comfort (don’t laugh!) and we have done some long distance tours in our first one.

There is an excelllent club and Boshers has also got one, so you wouldn’t be alone. 😎

More good ideas guys...

To answer some questions helpfully posed along the way:

Graham - I don't want a classic, I've got three temperamental cars already and I'm not sure I've got the temperament to cope. I want a 'just get in and drive' - but with some excitement.

David/Brian - funny you should highlight McLaren, I have been looking at these - a late 12C & Spider especially. The swoopy front intake/headlights of the more recent models isn't my thing. I know it should be about more than looks, but I'm not sure I'd ever use the increase in capability of the later cars. Downside; £5k a year on a factory warranty on a 12C !!!

But there's so much other exciting stuff out at the moment, from Alfa, BMW, MBAMG, Aston - Geneva will be fun this year.

I never got on with the looks of the 12C. Engineering was stunning and understated but I could not get over the looks.

The new 720 is wonderful. I think it is attractive and also not like all the other expensive supercars out there. When we were doing the drive down to Italy last year we fell into convoy with the demonstrator 720 down near Monaco and it looked fantastic in the glowing McLaren orange in the sunlight along the Nice coast.

Don't have any organs left to sell so it will remain a dream for a good bit yet.

The 570 seems very good value for such a labour intensive, custom parts car. With the unique engine, chassis and interior at the price of a high end Porsche or MB GT it is surprising more are not seen.

I didn’t like the looks of the 12C when they first came out and this together with quite a few teething issues, stopped me buying one. However McLaren have been proactive at retro-fitting software and other improvements from the 650S and I must say the looks have aged well and I now do like them. Eventually I bought a new 650S Spider and loved it - the Spiders work very well with no scuttle shake due to the carbon chassis, unlike their major competitors!

The sale of my car in Volcano Red is about to go through (fingers-crossed), it’s with Alistair Bols and I recommend you talk to him if you do decide to consider a 12C - www.alastairbols.com He currently has several in stock...

He’s a mine of Macca information and I’ve enjoyed dealing with him. If you want to drive a modern Mclaren I took delivery of an Azores Orange 720S last year and you’re welcome to try it Stuart.

Like you I wouldn’t have a 12C without a factory warranty and as you rightly say, these have gone from £3.5K to £5K! Still cheaper than a major bill from an authorised Dealer for anything regarding the engine or gearbox...

One of the independents is talking about bringing out his own warranty at circa £3-£3.5K which is more workable. I look forward to hearing of your journey to your replacement to the AeroMax and seeing what you eventually settle on. Do enjoy the journey, as I’m sure you will...

LR Defender Works V8 70th Edition sounds interesting.

Only 150 to be made. 400bhp 5-litre.

If I had the money.........

McL 12C convertible is supernice. I am only scared of the graziano gearbox.

+1

The man maths work - it would never need replacing and would be capable of any task that the family required. Given a spreadsheet and half an hour and you could probably produce an argument that made it work out cheaper than a VW Golf.