Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms MMC Press Release - New models, Steel chassis gone

I see you are a real optimist Daniel. They said the same thing when Morgan changed production to 4 wheelers and again with the demise of the "flat rad".

I think it more likely to ensure that the company still exists after 2020.

I tend to think you are correct Luddite. You only have to look at the prices for "ordinary" cars of the '40's and '50's to see that the desire is not there however, fast Fords are rocketing in price as the "new" classic car fan get what they saw when they were young.

I got my notification from Williams. When I worked at the factory...if you can seriously call being a Tour Guide work...there was an underlying view that the days of the steel chassis were numbered, so it’s no great surprise. Even so, a sad day in my view for the Morgan enthusiast but that must be tempered by the fact that the Trads now really do become classics and I’m sure values will increase. Which is what Williams say so I expect the prices of their stock will suddenly leap!

Exciting times ahead for MMC though, new platform and power train which seems to have hit the spot, new smaller engines models to be announced next year, the end of the steel platform and then the changes to the factory with new visitor and design centres and no doubt big changes to the factory to allow for production to ramp up effectively. I wonder how long it will be before the Italian owners will bring in a new management team?

I’m hoping that there is a modern bodied version of the new chassis on the cards , perhaps an i8 based hybrid. Morgan can’t just rely on the charm of a traditional shaped body with its inherent leaks, crude hood and side screens etc.

Just think how cool an i8-based Eva would look. Wowser.

If you'd seen the guy at our lunch today trying to park an i8 (mind you I wouldn't have tried to get the MINI into the parking slot he was attempting) you might like to consider something a little (or a lot!) narrower...

MMC have to move forward. If I were buying new now I think I would want the new chassis etc. but trad body and 4 cylinder engine & a manual gearbox. However, I am not in the market as I`m happy with my 4/4 sport which will see my driving days out (at least in a Mog). With a bit of luck rarity may increase the value for when I (or SWMBO or the kids) sell it to a new enthusiast.

+1

Personally, I think Morgan should be applauded having the bravery to make such a quantum leap.

Whilst the old chassis contains a lot of history and underpins the brand and what it represents, there comes a point when hard decisions must be made in order for a business to continue being viable, the old chassis is (as I see it) an acquired taste and must have reached the end of its development options long ago, combined when you look at the constant tightening of safety regulations and emissions must have made the chassis incredibly difficult to work with. I suspect building the trad chassis cars must be very labour intensive in comparison to the CX platform as well?

The new platform is undoubtably aimed at bringing the car ‘up to date’ whilst keeping the individual style, this should attract new owners who are not familiar with the brand and will fit in with the ‘white goods’ modern lifestyle, hopefully this will not dilute the Morgan character to far in the drive for a corporate image to match other mainstream manufacturer blandness, I would also hope that the traditional chassis can carry on as a special order, but I doubt this will happen,

Although I am very happy with my car, the new CX platform +4 is something I will be very interested in, however as always, the price will be the deciding factor, I suspect I will be waiting for a few years first.

Just my 2p!

Not surprised. Inevitable after the majority shareholders have had their input. They need to attract a different type of owner, one who expects the car to handle as well as other modern sports cars yet with the appeal of the nostalgic look. I think that they will succeed in this. There are enough trads out there to satisfy the dying demand from those still seeking an analogue experience. It should help maintain trad values as well. It will be very interesting to see how they get on.

An inevitable evolution in my opinion.
The trad design with steel ladder chassis is well past its sell by date in today’s environment. The visual design of a Morgan is a major attraction and the mentality of buyers has managed to keep it going for a long time.
The myriad of comments, threads, stories of ownership, modifications, maintenance etc in TM are a hint to the need to move with the times. How many times has the idea of the ageing owners cropped up and the low numbers of younger buyers been commented on.
At least the modern mechanicals will be one less off putting aspect. Price is the other but the updates to a true modern car will ease that barrier.
“How much is the car? £50k? But you need to grease it, the ride is hard. Wow! That is daft. Look what I could have for that money”.
Nostalgia only works up to a point.
I like my trad and the hands-on and tinkering. How many would love a Morgan but with modern feel?
The CX tub is designed to accept a range of power units so entry level to top of range will be interesting. Prices will be eagerly awaited. I can’t stretch to Plus6 but a smaller engined model at lower price might be tempting.
One potential worry is spares for trads so would it be judicial to get the car sorted now? What would need updating? My guess is that spares will be ok for the near future though. I bet limited edition trads are on the drawing board to reduce stocks though. Interesting times ahead.