Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Managing Wife's Expectations (no, not like that)

I am always at the Passenger Door to help My "Significant Other" into and out of the Passenger Seat. Frankly this is a courtesy that most Men adhere to but in this case it is a must. My "Significant Other" is now 80 years old, but in great physical shape. She also has and drives Her own '58 +4-4Str. So She knows the drill. However; I still insure I am at the Passenger Door to help Her in and out.

The other suggestion I have is not to pass other cars unnecessarily at first. Go 5 Miles under the speed limit and let the cars pass You. Try to stay on roads with few trucks. Nothing is more scary for a newbie than to be looking straight at the hub of a truck wheel at speed.

So much useful advice already given I know and which may reflect the average ages of typical Morgan owners and purchasers..
When we bought ours my wife was in a wheelchair recovering from a number of problems including a rebuilt hip. She is now mobile and still reliant on a crutch but we have covered more than 10k miles since purchase in reasonable comfort - unavoidable potholes and rough roads excluded. Comments about long door models and roof down motoring are important as are dressing appropriately although that takes a bit of practice and experience. We have met a lovely group of new friends and the camaraderie amongst owners, particularly in the many club centres is second to none. We have been welcomed where ever we have been and have enjoyed much enthusiasm from passers by of all ages. This probably applies to other marques but certainly with Morgans ownership has become as much a pleasure for both of us as driving has been for me.
Re the seat design, I have noticed that these have varied over time. Mine were rebuilt to be a bit higher with more padded squabs than those supplied originally although I had to lower mine as I am 6ft 2in. I suppose what I am saying is they can be altered to suit.
I hope that you manage to find something that enthuses and inspires. Buying one was probably the best thing we did to aid my wife's recovery and we haven't looked back. Mind you she was trying to keep up with my Mum who demanded to be taken out in her 90s!

I think you are right Harald

I’ve just had a look at the parts book and the 4 seater front seats do seem to have a wooden former not shown on the 2 seater seat diagram

The parts book is this

https://mogparts.net/userfiles/ckfiles/files/Classic-2006-to-2014.pdf

In the earlier 4 seater the seats are higher, the windscreen is higher ( allows for wind deflection for passengers)
The side screens are also longer which aids passenger comfort
we have a wind deflector mesh that fastens to the front seat headrests.
You then have a warm , relatively windfree compartment up to and over the national speed limit. ( roof down of course !)
I'm 6'02 and middle 60's
wife is 5'00 and mid 50's

OK a few practical suggestions, back along I had an XJS and after a day of trying it I found that:- (the Morgan works the same)
1. to get in, place one leg in car, slide down onto seat then bring in the second leg
2. To get out, spin 90 degrees, put both legs out of the car then push down on the side of the sill and you spring out.
3. I have a 4/4 4 seater and this has a higher scuttle so there is more room, also the chassis is a plus 8 dimensionally so you are not squeezed up against your companion and the 4 seater is a better all purpose truck, mine is a '99 long door.
4. The Librands door openers are better than the Morgan leather jobs as the door will not come back and chop your legs off.
5. Cold, the Morgan is quite cold with roof down, on no account let your VIP get cold, keep the side screens up and in place, ensure she has a nice smart jacket and a silk scarf she must feel snug, cold is a bigger issue than all else
you will find that without side screens there is a great deal of turbulence and you are risking discomfort. Run the heater even if it is warm, I let my VIP tell me to turn it off - yeah man I got it sorted!
Buy her some nice driving gloves and a smart bonnet from someone like the Cornish sheepskin mob, if she looks smart she'll be happier!
6. Cool it on the throttle unless she says you may go faster keep a nice smooth airflow.
7. If it rains get the hood up pronto - best practice this as wet = cold and now you know what that means!
8. Not much you can do about the seats she either copes or does not, I got lucky but my VIP does not like long days driving so don't go mad unless on your own/with sons etc.
9. Ensure you ask her constantly if she is happy, comfortable, warm.
10. I also avoid motorways etc as best possible using old turnpike roads and Ogilvy mapped roads (1675) as these can be quiet and scenic and historic.
11. Stop often and ensure she gets warm drinks

Of course your VIP may be different but then I have 10 years experience and it was the VIP that gave me permission to buy the car so some TLC was worth the effort!

Lots and lots of great information. And I've wandered off the point with my question on differences between 4/4 or Plus 4. I had originally thought the 4/4 might be under powered but I no longer believe that. As the 4/4 is cheaper I would be able to get a newer Morgan with the same amount of money. I'm budgeting for around £25,000.

Back to the issue of making my wife amenable to driving with the hood down. Keeping her warm is going to be the problem. Even now she needs the heater on in the car much more than I ever do. I was going to make a joke about getting a 12v electric blanket. Then I looked it up on Amazon and they do make them. This could be the answer, well one of them at least. Combined with the side screens etc.

It's all becoming clearer just what I need.

If anything like my roadster you'll be wanting to lose heat very effective heater.

Same with mine and the other Morgans I have travelled in. There is also background heat from the engine and gearbox walls. Having said that, scarves and headgear are important and we always have plenty of options in the car to deal with most weather - all seasons, hot or cold.

I drove my car to work two times last week (80km’s). It was a bit chilly at 7 am, around 7 °C, but the heater is good at the legs and the heated seats keep me warm enough to wear a light skiing jacket.
The only thing you need to think/worry about is keeping neck and head warm enough.

Was this 'hood up' or 'hood down'?