Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Slipping sales at Morgan

Heinz, I can only speak for myself but I did not take offence to any of your comments. In fact, I'm not offended by any of the views on this thread. Also, I wish I had your command of a second, written language; you certainly express yourself very well and have nothing to apologise about.

What I do struggle with (and this isn't directed at your comments) is the general negativity that some people exude (both in life and on the internet).

In the case of Morgan, it is very easy to pick apart both the product and the company. As someone who owns, and has owned, German cars, the difference in quality is obvious; however, on the opposite side of the equation, the sense of occasion in my Morgan, the sheer joy it brings, the pleasure I gain from visiting the factory, the happiness found when meeting the chaps who have built my car and sharing their passion for what they do, out weighs any of the insignificant negatives and is miles ahead of any other car from any other manufacturer (that I am yet to own or experience).

My first Morgan was a dud - I said it during my ownership and I still feel that way about the car. I dealt with it through correspondence with the factory (and the dealer, who proved to be ineffective) and when I still wasn't satisfied with the result, I sold the car. I didn't complain about it, I moved on and thought I'd never own another Morgan. Within a week I realised I missed my car. Within 2-months I was back at the factory, vocalising my concerns about buying another car but planning my next purchase. I gave the factory a second chance and whilst my next car had some minor issues, I worked with them to solve them. The car is now a pleasure.

I do not excuse MMC for poor quality but I have also taken the time to visit, and understand, their quality systems. I also recognise that as a company, they have a pittance of what large car makers have to spend on development. Someone once said to me that BMW spend more money designing, developing and testing a door handle than Morgan do on an entire new car build; this may be an exaggeration, or it may be true, but it also highlights the fact that we are buying a handmade product, that has been developed to a budget that would consider insignificant by the car makers many people compare Morgan products to. If we are going to be fair when it comes to quality comparisons, we should be comparing similar products in both build method, construction techniques and end purpose (use).

I believe we all drive these cars because they are a joy to drive, offer a unique experience and bind us to a wonderful community of fellow enthusiasts. Lastly, and as I have always said, the moment a Morgan gives an owner more heartache than pleasure, is the moment you need to step away from it.

More than 20 years ago, during a stay in Britain, I had my first contact with Morgan and I felt in love immediately with this car. And this love continues until today. But at that time I had other priorities in my life: my family, building a house, my career, … .
Now the mortgage is paid, my daughter is married (with a Brit from North Yorkshire) and retirement approaches. So it’s now the right time for a change; changing from scale 1:43 to scale 1/1, not to dream my life but to live my dream. And always I see Ivo with his black and yellow Roadster I have butterflies in my stomach.
During Summer I visited the factory and it was magic. I talk to the workers and I could feel they are proud of what they create with their hands, that they are proud to work for MMC. I could feel a very special spirit (it’s difficult for me to explain with my 40 year old poor school English).
I know that the build quality is poor, that there is no place for luggage, that they are noisy, …. . I know all the negative points but …. Morgan is like marmite, you love it or you hate it. And I definitively love this car. Buying and driving an Audi TT, BMW convertible or Mercedes SLK is the easiest way to drive topless. The built quality is great and these cars are comfy. But driving these cars is no alternative for me. You don’t drive the hair in the wind. For me it’s just a better sunroof. You don’t drive a real car; everything is electronic, easy, perfect. I prefer driving an old fashion car (like my Defender).
Last week I phoned to the factory to get a brochure of the 4/4-anniversary edition. The sales man I talked to was very friendly and promised delivery of an all-new LHD bespoke 4/4, +4 or a 4/4 75 anniversary edition in just 4 weeks, just in time for X-mas. So it really seems that sales have slown down at MMC.

Times are hard, money is tight. A Morgan is pure soul. Needs no justification (or man logic ) to buy but it is an extravagance, albeit one we push ourselves to buy.

It's not surprising things are tight, it is surprising that some (not on this thread) have an agenda to harm Morgan Motor Company.

However overall you guys have cheered me up no end and your general attitude is what I love about Morgan ownership and TM in general

Unfortunately, the last of the 911s are all sold out.
But they've said the 911 is dead in the past.

I regret not buying one of the later aircooled 911s rather than the Boxster. It's value would have held up much better! But the Boxster is in a lot of ways a better car - better balanced for a start... However, amongst many Porsche owners, if it's not an aircooled 911 it's not a Porsche - that still applies. Fortunately, there are 'new' owners (and have been in ever increasing numbers) who can appreciate the other models - hence the likes of TIPEC, started by a geoup who could not stand the bigoted attitude of tradional owners.

BTW Porsche's biggest market at present appears to be in a rural part of Greece... And it's not for derivatives of the 911

Cheers,

Welcome to the Morgan fold Frank.
We all look forward to your when your new car arrives

Cheers,

Indeed I am superlatively jubilant of having the honour of addressing you through this media.
I can only say that driving a Morgan is as much fun as you can have!(with your pants still on)
If the sales are slipping .. (yearly production 700 cars?), or if there is a change in the production line or any other reason. I believe in MMC - I believe that MMC will still be around long after we are gone and I believe that future generations will still be able to drive new Morgans out through the factory gates!
AND there is nothing wrong with the qualitybuild of the Morgan cars! Appreciate life!

I'll drink to that, Simon. Well said

Quite so.....I bought my Morgan to enjoy life with

Simon, thanks for your very insightful post and your experiences you are sharing. Indeed there is something very unique about Morgans. My first Morgan was also a dud. I mean really, with a lot of faults. We say "Montagsauto", lemon car. But when she worked, she gave an awesome connection - to the elements, to the car, and to oneself (sometimes also to your co-driver). This emotions I can´t describe even in German. And this feel I have never found with any other car/brand. No longer seeking elsewhere.

I see some similarities to your approach. The only difference is it took me six months before I got back into the Morgan world - when I could realize that I had been in car heaven. The second car as well as the current one was a very reliable one. It seemed as if she wanted to approve my decision to give Morgan the (very important) second chance.

I get aware more and more that this feel will extend far beyond the car itself. I plan to visit the factory next year, a long time wish. And I´m in very pleasant anticipation about the new car, which I like to keep for years to come.


P.S. Don´t let us forget how unreliable modern cars can be. It took Mercedes Benz about 10 years to cure such major issues like extreme amounts of rust on W210, and disastrous electronics- and gearbox faults on W211 until 2006.

Congratulations to your decision, Frank. I fully agree with your description how modern cars "try" to awake our emotions but are lulling at the same time...