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

I was going to 'Post' this in the 'Malvern Arms' for discussion, but as a 'Newbie' to the Forum I thought I had better adhere to the Guidelines for Posting.

I have been away from the 'Morgan World' since 1994 when I sold my last car - GPU 870 Y. 'Glynis' was the last of a string of Morgans, all 4/4s. Each one an improvement on the one before as my finances allowed - the first a 1958'ish Side Valve was held together with Bailing Wire, but I eventually sold her for GBP 5 more than the 15 Quid I paid originally.

Looking Back to those early cars/times, apart from the '3 Wheeler Brigade' all Morgans and their drivers were equal, even with the advant of the +8 there was never a distinctive 'Divide'; Morgans were Morgans.

Following the Guidelines of this Forum, I have to 'Post' under 'Traditional', surely with 'Due Respect' to the Founders of this excellent site, nothing other than Technical Matters for the various models should be segragated. I am now aware that the current 'Them and US' thinking ie Aero vs Morgans is emanating from no other place than MMC its self. A Marketing stratagy akin to Toyota/Lexus et al.

Am I alone in worrying about the long term future of 'Morgans' and the comraderie we have always enjoyed as a 'group' of enthusiasts ? If I'm wrong in my thinking, please tell me.

Thanks for reading all the way through.

From reading the posts and being a member for a little while (albeit not a Morgan owner yet!), I believe I can say that Simon seems to be less worried about traditional VS modern and more about creating a place where people can meet to share a common enthusiasm for the brand as a whole. This forum seems without pretence and prejudice.

But that is my opinion <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Michael

I tend to agree that Morgan seem to be marketing the Aero at different audiences but for me having owned trad and Aero models they are all Morgans. It is also interesting having read previous ownerships on this forum and PHeads that Aero's are being owned by people who previously had Porsche and Maserati for instance. So maybe they are right. Any business should seek to broaden it's market base if it can. However that is not to say that trad Morgan owners should not consider the Aero as well -it's just where do you want to grow the market.

I think there is a growing acceptance amongst general Morgan owners of the Aero, particularly those who relish performance driving and have actually driven one. Most of my fellow MSCC speed competitors are for instance very jealous of my recent Aero aquistion. Some die hards don't consider it a proper Morgan but I am told that exactly the same happened when the first 4/4 was introduced to the 3 wheel community and the Plus 8 introduced to the four cylinder world. Just look how people prize Series 1's and Moss Box 8's now!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif" alt="" />

A Morgan is a Morgan is a Morgan.......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/love.gif" alt="" />

when reading emog it would be nearly impossible to not see a very us and them mentality in the great morgan community. The line seems to be drawn very clearly, by the trad owners not Aero owners, between the Aero 8 and all other morgans. I find it very sad and simplistic in the thought that goes on behind the protectionist view. As Michael said, that is one of the reasons I gravitated to talk morgan.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hmmmm.....emog......... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I have twice subscribed to that group and twice unsubscribed in disgust at the comments and attitudes made, particularly towards the MSCC. I know others who have done the same. In my opinion emog does not represent the normal UK Mog community and it certainly does not represent the thinking of the MSCC members I know.


I stand by what I say with Aero's. Yes there are die hards but certainly if you went to the two MSCC centres I subscribe to you will find Aero's and Trad's mixing together seemlessly.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/checkeredflag.gif" alt="" />

Myself and Mr_Tony (from PH) were very warmly welcomed in our Aero's at a SexMog BBQ that we 'gatecrashed'.

Understand that may not necessarily be typical but was very nice to see.

Andy

Evening All, I apologize for starting this Thread and not being here when your replies started to come in, but duty called hence "Not on Seat". I'm pleased by your 'Postive View' that in general amount to a 'Morgan is a Morgan'; idiosynrasies and all. God Bless them. I would emphasize, I 'm not 'anti' Aero. In recent memory who can forget the introduction of the GRP +4+! Even my humble 'Side Valve' was treated with disdain by the +4 owners at the time. I admit she was initially not a 'great' advert for Morgan, or more importantly for the status of their owners seen in my company; talking rural Herefordshire! But she soon 'Blossomed' and had a lot of time and attention, if not money heaped on her. Not unusual amongst Morgan owners.

I have only just re-joined the MSCC last Week - End after an interval of twelve years, so I haven't attended a Center Noggin (Spotmog) since about '92. Never ever seen an Aero in the flesh! My impression is what I have gained from the Press and other Morgan sites, hence my arrival here. Unfortunately, it is also from prospective 'Aero' customers here in Dubai, mainly Porsche owners, who know/heard of my past involvment and continuing love of the Morgan.

The possible future problem, IMHO, rests not with the 'Car' whatever its' name/style is, but with what the 'Car' is perceived to be; present company excepted.

I would still suggest that the use of the names Traditional Morgan/Aero is divisive, the point of my original posting - Morgans are Morgans. I will end on that 'Cornerstone of the Morgan Creed'.

Interestingly the most photographed car on the MSCC stand at the Classic Car Show today was Keith Ahlers Aero 8 GT car. Being half term a steady procession of teenage boys produced their camera phones for a pic of it and even some middle aged "teenagers" as well.
We even had to prise a Japanses girl visitor out of the cockpit! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

P.S Glad to hear you have rejoined the MSCC.

I couldn't agree more Phil.

Happy Morganeering <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/woohoo.gif" alt="" />
Brian

Hi Robert,

The structure of the site was a VERY hard call! I actually have a hidden sub-structure (basically forums that have been deactivated) which I intended to use from the start. These were set up by model of Morgan but after feedback from early users, I trimmed them down to Trad, 3-Wheeler and Aero (which was the deemed to be the best way to keep things simple by early users).

As you rightly mentioned, other than tech matters, the conversations need not be separated and really, that is the only reason we have a Trad, 3-Wheeler and Aero section - so that tech questions (or comments reference the cars) can be put in a place that's easy for new users to search. When the site grows in size, it will be important for new members to search old archived posts with ease - and sub sections like Trad, Aero and 3-Wheeler aid this.

I am the last person to want to see the Morgan community divided - I love all types of Morgan and it's the spirit of the owners that made me want to set up a site for all owners and enthusiasts to come together (no matter what they drive or hope to own in the future).

As for Talk Morgan, over time it will evolve and perhaps in the future the site structure will need to change again - this will be done with the help and advice of the members! So keep the feedback coming and enjoy the site. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As others have said, a Morgan is a Morgan, plain and simple and this site is here to aid all facets and members of the community
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Simon