Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms What`s it worth..?

Watching an episode of Chasing Classic Cars I recorded earlier this week, to see a $10million Fixer upper Bugatti (Season 17 episode 7 ) caused me to think just how fortunate am I not to have to spend that kind of money (chance would be a fine thing) and be able to drive a rip roaring old Morgan for a fraction of that cost, that in appearance is definitely does not look a tad over $9.75 million less of a machine....?

OK so it might not win a Pebble Beach CdE, but it did win a first in class at the Fellmog Windermere weekend in 2003, a car park competition I did not even know I had entered the old thing into....!! I do love to mention that trophy as it wakes up the old Spanner Juggler who I met for the first time in real life at the event, after much typing on EMog.. I`m sure I have a picture of it somewhere. If you need reminding how it looks Colin.. Just SHOUT..

Over the last few days, quite a few people have stopped me to admire my 4 seater roadster, with the roof down but still with the side screens on with its traditional colour scheme and wire wheels it does look very 1930's , So far I've been asked if it was a Bentley and most recently a very nice lady got out of her car and came across to admire and chat whilst I filled up with petrol enquired as to whether it was a Bugatti..........I must admit whilst tempted to say yes, I did own up to it being a Morgan....that didn't seem to matter, she loved it all the same. As we chatted a few people came over to admire......nice to think that you may own something that brings a little bit of admiration, some pleasure and even a little joy to others.

Friends we visited for a few days in the week insisted it went on their driveway, it certainly caused a little bit of a stir in the village and was the subject of much conversation in the local pub.

The USA seems to be the country driving the price of such classics up. I think the reason is deep routed and would look at the other end of Classic vehicle restoration market for explanation.

Having recently purchased a 1945 Moto Guzzi and joined the appropriate international forum I note that Americans are buying up similar and older Moto Guzzi motorcycle classics never previously imported there. Certain service parts are still readily available in Italy but larger not, such that used and often worn parts attract huge prices on eBay and the like. A far from unique example was an engine flywheel for a 1930's 500 for sale. The purchaser offered $500 unseen thinking this was a fair price even after fellow Americans told him closer to half that was the going price.

Given this attitude and the need for originality is it any wonder prices spiral rapidly.

Tempering this argument is that in the USA replacement vehicle parts are readily available and usually cheap. This it seems leads the amateur mechanic there to replace every conceivable part in an attempt to fix a single issue prior to seeking advice and be pointed in the likely direction of a fault. I think you used the term "scatter gun" approach George when seen regularly on TM. I guess lessening knowledge of automotive basics and greater disposable income is to blame although sadly it seems to be a trend creeping over here!

If you think that $10million is a high price what about this for a Blue Oval….The mind boggles.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-62701247

Absolutely balmy, and most likely at that price it will never be driven now

What price Diana's DNA ? It's in there somewhere.

There is more than enough of it walking around in the States and Windsor I think, we don't need any more thank you.

Watch-out for a future sensation thanks to the creators of Jurassic Park.....

I won the Fellmog 1st in class C in 2004 and 2005, you are entered just by attending the event, even to this day. Liked it so much have been every year since and now help organise the event.

OOO..! You won class C two years in a row.. but my +8 won class B thus perhaps a higher accolade....
Truth be told I offered the trophy to Kevin as it was his workmanship that made the Mog the car it was. Though gent as he is, he told me to just to keep it. My car was also featured in Classic & Sports car magazine a while later..

My favourite car at that weekend in 2003 was a Flat Rad which I think might have been restored by one of the Fellmoggers.

Great that you went on to help organise what I found to be a very enjoyable weekend.