Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Morgan Roadster - a question of respect

Some really good contributions here, thanks. To reiterate its not my intention to criticise any other trad or CX cars, all of which are marvellous in their own way and have made their own unique contributions. It's just that in Morgan history I feel the Roadster is often glossed over and not recognised for its distinctiveness.

The Roadster has always been a constant and very reliable family member until its end of production, since 2004. It's all in the past but maybe it wasn't such smart marketing that the Roadster was launched more or less as a Plus 8 successor...all "the same" car but with 2 cylinders less...which was perhaps seen as an initial deficit by some consumers.

I've had three 3.0 Roadsters, all were great and perhaps the first was the sportiest and most fun to drive of these three cars, a 2005 S1. Unfortunately I have to say it was my first Morgan so I had no comparison and I had therefore taken its strengths for granted.
It was only later, in comparison with S2 and S3 (also great cars) that I was able to really appreciate the engine's revving ability and the superior Getrag transmission (its shift feel and the very good gradation of the gears). In other words, I am convinced that on the technical side MMC created a very well thought out car with the S1, everything fit together so well.
All these benefits have made the S1 a unique new Morgan. And that's exactly how it should have been marketed. But I have the suspicion that MMC was not self-confident enough, they were busy worrying about how the world would react because there is no V8 anymore.

And the dealers weren't really briefed either. The mechanics of my Morgan workshop mourned the Plus 8 in 2005 and they told me as a customer frankly that they were so irritated when this "Roadster" with "only" 6 cyl. appeared.
MMC could have claimed that the Roadster is a dynamic innovation that realizes even more driving pleasure and the unique sportiness of the car. Perhaps MMC should have to distance "emotionally" as the manufacturer more from the Plus 8. The positioning would have been: "The king is dead, long live the king". From this point of view, a super great car was built, but perhaps not enough faith was placed in it. One more point, the Roadster S2 and S3, while still good cars, have lost some of the uniqueness of the S1's sporty driving feel in my experience. As a result, these models became more "ordinary" and offered less of the experience of that piloting where you merge into one with the car and its transmission. Driving became nice cruising but it felt more "remote".

In summary, this 6 cyl. gave the Morgan S1 a unique character being the „new“ follow up of the Plus 8. Maybe the next generation will appreciate that even better in a time when this Roadster is actually a classic car.

From my experience with S1,2,3 I would have liked to see an evolution like this, engine and transmission from the S1, the smoother elasticity (without sacrificing turning ability) from S2 and the nicely shaped body from S3 because ist was not so trapezoid.

Yes hypothetical of course. This is image of spreadsheet I set up customised to wheel/tyre combination on my Roadster.



Happy to pass on xlsx file to allow customising to any car. PM with email address if interested.

Like David (Quicksilver) i´m on my second (2015) 3.7 Roadster (and Morgon No.4 out of 7) and i widely agree with his words.

I had a 2009 +4, a 2010 Roadster S3, the very first LHD 3.7 in 2012, a +4 GDI (again one of the very first), my still owned 2015 3.7 (ok, ok: rather an AR V6... ) pus 2 80th 4/4s.

So i am so arrogant as to estimate the different beasts and i do agree with Heinz regarding (a WELL! tuned!) 4/4 as one of the very best - but i´d never like to miss my "beauty AND the beast" in form of my (modified, ok) 3.7

The current CX-chassied cars might objectively the best Morgans ever made - but my heart beats for the ("real") Trads.

Can´t help it...

Just my 2 cents though.

I wouldn't be too concerned by the relative positioning of the Roadster in the Morgan line up. Each model brings its relative benefits and downsides to its performance and handling, so the owner just adapts to the operating envelope of his car. I've had great fun in all my Morgans, the earlier Kent and CVH had much less bhp and torque, but could be hustled along and great fun and taken to the edge of their safe handling envelope at much lower/more sensible speeds without too great a consequence/ drama should things get out of hand.
With my S2 Roadster 4 seater I find the engine has great pulling power from low down and can tolerate and forgive lazy /less gear changing in built up traffic making it less tiring to drive compared with constantly up and down the box required with a say a 4/4. Its best feature/capacity is the mid range grunt for overtaking, quite a Jekyll and Hide character (and certainly felt on par with my 930 turbo cabriolet) for surprising and catching out a few people it leaves in the dust.You can also see them wondering what the feck does that have under the bonnet.........as recently acknowledged by a BMW M3 driver as I accelerated down the motorway slip lane, who couldn't catch me until I slowed down to filter into the traffic.......the thumbs up and a big smile as he pulled up along side said it all.

I would love to try a 3.7 Roadster 4 seater, but without the 5 link rear suspension I would image they are quite a handful. I've had enough V8's in my time to appreciate their charismatic charm and burble, but as often reminded by my Mercedes mechanic more cylinders means more maintenance cost and not necessarily a better car.

I remember reading your inspiring account of when you drove your first 3.7 home, Jochen. Back in 2012 I think.You sold me on the 3.7 and I haven't looked back since.

My first black 3.7 had the traditional leaf springs and my current Dove Grey model the 5 link suspension, John. The earlier model could be wayward and featured occasional axle tramp. The 5 link is far more compliant, particularly when cornering. The 3.7 lays down such power that the 5 link is essential, I feel. It makes for a more pleasurable drive without sacrificing too much of the traditional handling characteristics we all love.

It's exactly this sort of perspective (and others that have alluded to similar experiences in this thread) that I find valuable, Heinz. The Roadster has its own character. Whilst replacing the Plus 8, it's no Plus 8 and offers an experience just as muscular, but different. And each iteration of the Roadster is different. That's why it would be nice to have a published history of the Roadster.

Any volunteers ? DaveW perhaps?

I get axle tramp in my 3.OL in first or second if not careful with the right foot. A little too much axle tramp on occasion, especially if trying to pull away on a hill from a stationary start, or pulling away from lights in the wet, so much so that I just get the car rolling in first then straight into second gear. I think they stopped production of the Roadster 4 seater before the 5 link rear suspension was introduced and it cant I believe be fitted retrospectively to a 4 seater, otherwise I would have a 3.7 4 seater in my garage, but there again I've seen a few later 3.7's 2 seaters that might just change my mind, especially with power steering, 5 link and air conditioning. Absolutely great cars.

Although that would be a splendid project, being such a niche category in a niche subject, getting a publisher to consider such a title, won't be easy. I would estimate no more than 5% likely.

The other problem with focusing on Roadsters only, is that the narrative/image content would struggle to fill a book of worthwhile size. Self publishing is an option, but rarely produces the same quality and the potential sales would be tiny..............