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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Apr 2016
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miles of smiles Talk Morgan Expert
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miles of smiles Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Apr 2016
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it would all depend on what the next 4/4 looks like. Lotus went to the elan - esprit, a huge departure from the 7 and a different market.
Morgan would be daft to allow others to use the model, I bet even lotus wish they’d retained the 7, now they know the popularity.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
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If the sigma engine is discontinued, there might be a new 3-cylinder engine in the trad ladder chassis entry model. The may call it Morgan Runabout. In the long run, they need to move to a new platform.
Harald
Harald
+4 4-seater 2008 Squadron Blue
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317 |
it would all depend on what the next 4/4 looks like. Lotus went to the elan - esprit, a huge departure from the 7 and a different market.
Morgan would be daft to allow others to use the model, I bet even lotus wish they’d retained the 7, now they know the popularity.
Good point. I'm wondering if MMC see themselves as moving inexorably upmarket, relinquishing the affordable lightweight sports car market to Caterham?
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Charter Member
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Charter Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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The exterior styling of a Morgan is what people see. The mechanicals under the skin are not seen( but are the source of many myths). Why bu6 a Morgan? Style is the eye catcher. The chassis/suspension are outdated despite SLOW development tweeks. The ride is a bit Marmite and, date I say it, unique. So, Joe wants a sportscar. Likes the way a Morgan looks. Test drives...gets a shock after his tintop. They might enjoy the “historic feel”. Many will go away. They want a stylish car with modern mechanics and great feel, at a price they consider ok. The Aero has shown how the modern twist can be done. It is only a matter of time before the old chassis/ suspension disappear or become a special build. Why is the average age of Morgan owners high? Cost, style, drive feel are top reasons. Just imagine a Morgan driving like a Lotus with Morgan styling.... This is where the diehards jump in...  When the change occurs is the question. If they could price the new alloy chassis classic Trads at the right level (with a nod to Howard’s comments on Elise pricing) AND improve build quality, they could do well. The current Trads, whilst we love them for what they are, would put most younger car enthusiasts off after their first test drive.....and that’s before they are aware that they have to grease the front suspension on a regular basis! It was always on the cards that the end was nigh for the steel chassis cars due to up and coming regulations. I heard that the development car was quite a revelation. After this post Jays ( and tongue in cheek  ) I'm inclined to throw back the comment I keep getting along the lines of " you just dont understand Morgans". Contemplating getting rid of the bedsted chassis, crude suspension and drum brakes! The only thing that would make me hesitate to buy a new mini Aero would be MMC's lamentable record developing the 3 wheeler. I think I would leave it for other buyers to do the development first. Good british tradition that - it was the BL way of doing things
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Joined: Apr 2014
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Talk Morgan Addict
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Talk Morgan Addict
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I don't see why it would be beyond Morgan to make a bonded chassis in house to control the costing.
There is no reason to loose the wooden framework to dress the body panelling on.
Why people would be against progress is a little odd.
As long as they are still of the similar styling that gives a nod to history and are a low volume hand made / finished car I am sure there will still be a market for them. The big change over the coming decades will be propulsion.
I feel privileged to have been able to finally own and enjoy one, they are quite different to other sports cars but not crippled by the old design that they are based on from a driving experience point of view.
I probably won't be able to afford another one especially if the price for a moderate level model goes above that of the ipace.
What would people rather happen? That Morgan stick their head in the sand and get regulated out of existence?
I for one would like to see them survive.
Mark - No Longer driving Archie the Old English Sheep Mog........... 2010 Roadster 3.0 V6 (S3) 
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317 |
I don't see why it would be beyond Morgan to make a bonded chassis in house to control the costing.
There is no reason to loose the wooden framework to dress the body panelling on.
Why people would be against progress is a little odd.
As long as they are still of the similar styling that gives a nod to history and are a low volume hand made / finished car I am sure there will still be a market for them. The big change over the coming decades will be propulsion.
I feel privileged to have been able to finally own and enjoy one, they are quite different to other sports cars but not crippled by the old design that they are based on from a driving experience point of view.
I probably won't be able to afford another one especially if the price for a moderate level model goes above that of the ipace.
What would people rather happen? That Morgan stick their head in the sand and get regulated out of existence?
I for one would like to see them survive. All excellent points, Mark. I have no problem at all with Morgan modernising their products to meet evolving regulation and customer expectations, it's a must if they are to survive. At the moment they make and sell around 750 cars a year, of which I reckon 700 or so are in the sub <£60k bracket and the rest above that. Just estimates, the point I'm trying to make is that the vast majority of existing customers either can't afford or don't wish to spend Aero-level money on their cars. Your point about controlling costs (and Howards point about the difference between cost and price) are critical in my view. I can't honestly see that the existing 700 trad/3W purchasers could withstand the price hike if MMC continued Aero-level pricing further down the range. But if they can produce an Aero-tub car for little more than trad money it would be excellent and probably attract a wider customer base.
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 979 Likes: 2
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Jul 2015
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I think the point made about Lotus (or indeed Noble) is very valid...in fact more small British Sports cars are now about than 10 year ago??
Ariel
TVR
Caterham
AC
Bowler
Ultima
Ginetta
Radical
Ronnart
And these are just the ones I can think of...plenty of room for MMC to survey...a change is needed...perhaps?
Honesty means doing it right, even when no one is looking!
2004 Roadster S1 3.0 V6 gone!
Mark
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Joined: Jul 2011
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Just Getting Started
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Just Getting Started
Joined: Jul 2011
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how is demand for trads? are international sales larger than domestic? (ie has the established market already been saturated?)
I would have guessed that the time for the rolling bedstead with a tight, offset footwell is up. each generation moves on and the 'connection' with a trad will be increasingly lost.
Trads are charming but it's difficult to walk past a Lotus or Caterham at 2/3rds the price.
+4 since Aug 2012.
Elise S2
Beetle '74
GT86
Mini Cooper
MX5 (track)
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317
Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317 |
Trads are charming but it's difficult to walk past a Lotus or Caterham at 2/3rds the price. Yes, absolutely.
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,009
Member of the Inner Circle
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Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Feb 2011
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Perhaps Charles might be interested....... Talking of Charles....whatever happened to his latest....the Alcraft GT? I notice that all reference to the car has been dropped from Mathew Humphries watch businesss adverts....he being the designer of what was an attractive car.
Jays
Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
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