Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Tips for a new owner...

Hi. Just over 2 weeks till we pick up our new-to-us Plus 4 (It's a 2014 GDI)...and counting the days down with increasing excitement. Also looking forward to catching up with other Scottish owners in due course. (...and further afield too! )

Meanwhile...probably a daft question, but I'm aware from our various test drives that driving a Morgan is a whole new experience unlike any other car I've driven. So I'll be taking it very carefully at first to get my confidence up, but just wondering if you might share some tips on how best to master the cars nuances from a driving perspective.

Any other tips for a newby also welcome.

Many thanks

Mac

Simply imagine that you've been magically transported 100 years into the past and it will all feel perfectly natural.

regards,
Phil

Exciting time Mac ! bet you cant wait.

Im a new owner, having had ours only a couple of weeks.
Personally I find the experience and ride similar to my old MGBs.

I wouldn't worry too much, I find it dead easy to drive on the whole.

Couple of things for me, I have tiny round mirrors so I cant see any curb or back of the car, Im more wary when reversing till I get used to the extremities of it.

The other thing Im getting used to is the hand brake and clutch control on hills. Why is that handbrake so far away! Ive got long legs too which puts me even further away from it so its a bit of a reach! Ill get used to it I guess. Ive been driving a big auto Volvo for a few years so not had to worry about that for a while

See PM (log in, click on "my stuff" and open Personal Message)

You get used to it very quickly.
Visibility is an issue with the hood up particularly at T junctions.

Otherwise enjoy it.

Don't be suprised if you get a lot of attention especially at petrol stations !

Drive it a lot straight away! It will soon become second nature. As madmax says, you will get held up in conversations at garages though.

Things will come to you so don't worry you can always ask on TM . Make sure your car tools are working . Because from now on you will live in the garage . I am not joking ps keep an eye on your fuel gauge they are not very spot on with some, you get used to it . Not forgetting the boy racer up your chuff tribe along with the wooden chassis lot.

PS. Get your map out and write these down if you have not been on them . A74(M) North of Moffat slip on the B797 or B7404 Elvanfoot . Head for Leadhills . If you have been great if not it is an ancient village they used to mine lead and gold . You can pan gold if you wish . The roads are very narrow and you can go over the side in some areas if not driving with care . Along with the Moffat to Selkirk or from Selkirk to Langholm and pop in to Samye Lings Monastery all the roads are great . ENJOY YOURSELF

Drivethe car as often as possible. The more time in it the better you will adjust.
Try to be selective on the roads/routes initially to enjoy the car without traffic worries ( no single track roads initially).
Practice your conversations about the car...
Remember to say it has a lovely wooden chassis and is not a kitcar!
Learn to pose when people photograpgh you and the car.
Learn the “nod”and “thumbs up” response as people comment “nice car”.
Think about where you park. Plenty of space? What is parked next to you?
Go to Morgan events, noggins, trips set up in TM. Go to non Morgan events, car shows.

Leave it in gear when parked on a slope!

I've only had mine since November, and it's taken a while to get used to the whole thing. Sometimes I drive in a relaxed manner, anticipating corners and using engine braking - hardly need to touch the brakes.

But other times, I "push on" a bit, and enjoy some faster cornering, and discovering how effective the brakes are!

Also, I've got into the habit of looking at the road surface more carefully, trying to avoid the bumpier stuff when possible...