Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms If not a Morgan, what?

When it comes to replicas I wouldn't worry too much what others may think, enjoy whatever floats your boat. I was some years ago considering purchasing Pete Waterman's Datsun 240Z based Ferrari GTO which was his daily driver for many years, it didn't seem to worry him, mind you he had an original in his garage as well.

I do suggest checking out their new facility. It's more of a large garage but still a nice day out. They also have the option for an upgraded tubular chassis which stiffens things up considerably..

The thought of getting one is slightly there for me. I don't use the Morgan anymore for long journeys and mostly to have a modern classic for the times I have the desire to drive something totally analog.

I visited the original Dorset factory in the mid-00's before they relocated to the West Midlands. A very laid-back "cottage industry", nice guys and a super experience driving the Speedster along the coast road from Burton Bradstock to Abbotsbury and beyond. I didn't buy a car, but still have the original brochure, it could still be on the "some day" pile if I don't run-out of years.

As opposed to partially unique?

Ha! Okay smarty pants, should I stay behind after school?

As in the past I have had the pleasure of owning 3 Plus 4 Morgans and loving every moment, I too felt the need for something different so, if you can find a good one, not one that was built by a spanner with a hammer, do look at the Suffolk SS100. You get the stuff that makes Morgans great but a lusty great 6 cylinder engine and as there only a few around ( many went abroad ) you are very unlikely to meet another. The GP body is a plus and the underpinnings being all Jaguar are modern enough to make motoring as reliable as anything else. Mine is one of, if not, the last works built car and has 1973 oily bits which are very simple to get bits for.

Indeed, that's a cracking piece of road... sadly the last time I drove it in the Aero my lovely wife had made us 5 minutes late, and I had to press on a bit to make up time


Will

As for the kit car mindset, I suspect many of us may be holding on to memories relative to some of the less than well designed, let alone quality of construction of kit cars we came across over he years... Though seem to recall an eMog discussion with Hamwich/Tim H, relative to the very high quality of design,materials and construction of "kit" cars in more recent times that may well have exceed the likely qualities of a new Trad Morgan at the time.

As for safety I suspect when we decide to cover many a mile in a Trad or the last of the M3W`s, we accept we either wear blinkers or accept the risks involved and the sensible amongst us will perhaps adopt a more defensive driving style, and perhaps a little less like those in the recent "Hero" rally link I posted...well for most of the time...

Some great cars have been mentioned, but for one reason or another none of them excites me as much as either my Trad. or a new Plus Four, which is why I posed the question in the first place. I've even been having thoughts about a Nomad, however with a 3 year waiting list, I might be dead by the time it arrives, and even if I'm still here, I doubt I will want to put up with the discomfort then. The new Moke looks interesting too, maybe the electric one, but there isn't much range on them at the moment.

I too loved my M3W however with the thing falling apart around me, it was not something I was prepared to keep long. 2 in two years was quite enough to scratch that itch.

I'm beginning to think that Morgan have got this niche all to themselves, which is a great place to be for a manufacturer and either very clever marketing or just good luck. I really cannot make up my mind which.

Keep those suggestions coming though, maybe there is a car I haven't thought of yet?

I'm going to go totally left field on this one and bring up the often frowned upon Porsche.

About two years ago my toy collection was my 4/4 80th and a Defender 90. I had the Defender for about two years and did some green lane tours and club meets. All amazing and often look back at this period with great fondness. If I could, I'd have three toys but sadly that isn't in the cards.

I've always had a draw to the Porsche brand so on a fateful day while sitting in traffic I turned around and made my way to Porsche Chester. Long story short, I secured a build slot and started my journey. I have to say that the amount of customisation is amazing and the level of care from the retailer was outstanding. My main Morgan retailer does a great job and I've been to a few others but considering the amount a Morgan costs, from a M3W to the CX, it's clear a lot could and should be improved - that's another topic.

I ended up ordering a 718 Boxster GTS and what a car! I know it's on the other spectrum of a Morgan but they are both two seat roadsters, folding roof, an engine and steering wheel. Clearly the Porsche is effortless in all regards, a dream to drive on `B roads and for me at least, an engineering marvel.

My now sold GTS had the 2.5L turbo boxer 4 and 365ps. The base car has a 2.0L 300 ps engine while the new GTS uses a 4.0L NA set up with 400ps! A base Boxster starts at £20K less than the new Plus Four. Sort of puts the whole bang for your buck into perspective.

While I do cherish my 4/4 and have many romantic notions of it, put up with it's many shortcomings etc, having the two to choose from to drive has me almost always grabbing the keys to the GTS. Amazing what proper legroom, comfort etc can do!

And there is no end to club meets, events and tours to keep you busy with it.