Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1975 Morgan +8. I have one but am I killing it ???

I'd be interested to know what members feel is the 'minimum' use, one of the original +8 needs to keep everything healthy. Last year I inherited my fathers 30 year owned lovely steed with 28k on the clock. Last year I put a few miles on it but this year so far have clocked up zero miles. 'Time poor' is the phrase that springs to mind, raising five young children being the primary issue.

I've owned plenty of classic cars so know about rolling the tyres to avoid flat spots, leaving the handbrake off and turning the engine by hand every now and then. I've also kept up the oil and fluid servicing irrespective of the miles; I also inherited about 500 gallons of Duckhams Classic.

I just wondered if this was enough to ensure nothing adverse happens between now and September 2026 when God willing my youngest will leave for University and I'll be free at last; Free At Last; FREE AT LAST!

If you seriously intend to under-use this car for the next fifteen years I would question your reasons for keeping it (accepting that it was inherited). Almost everything will deteriorate over a much shorter period than that, and oil & filter changes won’t really help that much. The battery will fail unless managed. Tyres need replacing every few years. The brake discs will corrode unless the environment is dry. The brake fluid will need replacement every two or three years, and the rear cylinders may corrode internally and leak. The clutch will be prone to sticking – that has happened to me once and is best avoided. The alloy engine can corrode internally so you need to keep topside on antifreeze condition, and the water pump bearing may stick if left undisturbed for long periods. Inactivity can also cause electrical gremlins in relays and corroded terminals.
All you need to do is find an hour or so every week or two and take it out for a decent run. If that’s impossible, then sell it and get another in fifteen years if you still want one.

Second that view!

If you want to keep it just keep it. All the things Dave says do happen - or they do not. The car will without any doubt need some recomissioning in 2026. You will then not only be free at last but have also something to do in the time you don't need any more for your kids

Frank

All the common sense mechanical advise seems very sound, however it doesn't take into account the emotional side of you inheriting your Fathers lovely machine.
The other thing is the investment value of your +8 which will always exceed the likes of the Roadster because of its uniqueness. In about 26 yrs these could well be worth 60k IMHO.
Just try to be a little patient and enjoy owning this special car.
Regards Richard

I will volunteer to put 1,000 m per year on it for you.
You pay the fuel, tax and insurance & my time will be free.
I am sure other TM members could also help.


If I were you I would use it one day a week in summer to commute. Then you might get the bug & discover those miles keep adding up.

I must clarify that the reference to 2026 was purely tongue in cheek and not meant to portray a serious intention to mothball the car for 15 years. It was meant more to portray the wonder / frequent sacrifice that comes from being a father to so many.

It's averaged 830 miles per year since being registered 1.1.75, so has always been an infrequent flyer. Granted there are some 'maybe's' ahead but none of the above have come to light since dad owned it. Light +8 use was further compounded when he came by a 1934 Super Sport in 2004 and swapped his Morgan alliance to the oily beard brigade.

I do take on board the need to at least run it up to temperature more often. It will be taxed this month coming so as recommended a few commutes might put paid to any ideas of not using it more often.

As a general comment all cars just stored will deteriorate, to the point that they will need to be recommissioned when they are used again. What constitutes an optimal level of use is a difficult question, as different components deteriorate at different rates. As an older car, some parts will be a pain to source, so take extra care of the gearbox and differential. The switch gear is also in the rare/hard to find category although the original source was mundane. Stockpile the right bits when you see them at the right price; a distress purchase is always too expensive!

At present my car is a daily driver, so I am no role model but I'd suggest a full service every year and a light greasing every two months, and use for at least an hour, every two weeks. Short journeys are car killers, so go at least 20-25 miles at a time and don't just use the car to get to the newsagent! Keeping it clean and dry is also a good thing but regular use is more helpful.

Back when my car was strictly for high days and holidays, my son, (aged 1.5-8), and I used to go out on trips most Sundays, usually to a steam railway or an adventure playground. He remembers those with a lot of affection, the only problem being he intends to inherit the Morgan sooner rather than later!

find someone who will put some miles on it for you. Ideally someone youngish. There will be many people out there or maybe in here who would love such a car and can't afford the purchase but could make a running cost/maintenance contributtion in exchange for the chance to get some driving miles. Obviously needs setting up with care but I have heard of it done with great success and mutual benefit. I'm not a candidate, I've got too many already.

Ref josher, yep, I'd be up for that ...as long as 49 qualifies as "youngish" . And if you're located somewhere near Somerset!

JW

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