Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 4/4?

Kenny,

My response: before the Plus 8 we had a S2 Roadster. Fun, but flawed, not as bad as you describe, but I understand where you are coming from.

Then we got Tarka...the Aero Plus 8 is, for me, the perfect Morgan.

The chassis is by no means perfect, but it is a generation (or two?) ahead of the Trad Mog Chassis.

It rides well, corners well and has little roll, yes the turning circle is a joke, but it is warm, waterproof and a load of fun. It doesn't need close to 400 bhp, it would be a great car with 250bhp.

In my view MMC needs an aluminium tub for the trads, it can have a 5 link rear end and live rear, or IRS, but the sliding pillar suspension has had its day.

They need to offer an auto box with all engines: why?
If they want to sell to the younger generation they need an auto box. An increasing percentage of young drivers, especially in China, have "auto only" licences.

Also, we have to accept that turbocharged small engines will be part of the new world.

I love my Roadster and indeed I loved my 4/4 before that but then again, not being into cars, I have nothing to compare them to

It is so far removed from the experience of driving my 5 series BMW, I can hardly call them both ‘cars’ or the action of piloting them both ‘driving’

Not being into cars??????? YOU?????

Not being into cars???????? Huh???

That's it the fish have taken their toll S has flipped...

Thanks guys, I was actually in fairness comparing my particular 4/4 to the Caterhams I've had. I like the grin factor, the leaky hood (even though I never use one lol) and the quirks of these types of cars too, and as I also said the Morgan is one of the prettiest cars ever to grace my garage.

However, I soon realised the Caterham I p/xd had more stowage space, handled like a dream, effortless precise steering and seemed altogether more accomplished on these roads. It was also blisteringly quick too but I'd have happily sacrificed that for a Morgan that at least drove something like as nicely.

Peter, you make some excellent points in your post, thank you.

Nope, glad I at least bought one and never waffled about it, just sad I never fully got in to the groove with it.........as I will still always have a soft spot for Morgan, and admire them when I see them.

Thanks again lads.

Honest appraisals good or bad are always appreciated on here - I just feel sorry that the experience was not what you imagined, you have satisfied your curiosity now which is always a good thing.

We're all different, that's how it is!!!!

I drove an Aero S5 once - not for me. Maybe I would like the Aero Plus 8 more, but I'm not that bothered, because I love the trads.

My experience of trying a Lotus Elise was 'similar'. I just didn't gel (haha) with the drive. I really wanted one and yet the two I drove were soul-less.

So - each to his own!

Kenny has a point and really something that Morgan should be considering as they continue to raise the prices of the cars. If they want to attract a younger buyer who is into sports cars, the days of accepting antiquated suspension systems really has to go. I’m sure that when the current steel chassis cars are replaced in the next couple of years, the cars will handle as a modern spirts car should. The problem is that the prices will be even higher....so other factors such as leaks and rattles need to be attended to as well.

Blimey.....reading that back, a couple of years ago I’d never have thought I’d utter such comments! I got into Morgan wanting a modern classic with all the old fashioned traits but with modern reliability. Going to SSL five link must have started the rot 🙄

I fully agree. I wouldn't want an Aero nor the Aero based +8 - I just don't like the look of either!
I've always been a 4/4 fan of course!!

+1 well said, you can't beat a trade for pleasure motoring.