Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum Hello chaps

Hello from a new boy!

I say boy ….. but I will be 60 next month!

I have been addicted, and I do mean addicted, to all things mechanical and particularly those involving the internal combustion engine all my life. I am described by friends as being born with an oily rag in one hand and a spanner in the other.

I have endless stories to tell …. from being introduced to motorcycling at 8 years of age when my father brought home 2 wooden crates and announced “in here son, is a motorbike and when WE have put it together, together, I will teach you to ride it!” Three years later he gave me an Old Ford Prefect, saying “you can ride a bike, the principals the same, the clutch is on the left, throttle on the right, brake in the middle….. off you pop … Me, get in with you? Nope, not a chance.”

I could go on, filling this page and still not be out of my teens, so it’s best not to bore the audience, unless they request more.

My parents were not rich and all the above fun was had on a shoestring, but fun it was.

After university the fun continued even though the career did get in the way from time to time…..

However it’s fair to say I did ok in the world, helped support the old ones into their dotage and have retired early with some lovely motorbikes and mechanical things in the workshop.

Sadly the old man passed away in 2019 and the fun is now had alone, but fun it still is.

Dad loved the idea of a Morgan, but was never financially able to own one, he loved the bikes too and he was satisfied with that.

Also, sadly, the dreaded arthritis is biting me now and the enjoyment of riding the bikes is waning. This was getting me down recently so I totted up their value ….

Well it gets easily into Morgan money……. Hence the introduction…….

I initially thought of a modern 3 wheeler being a good fit for me, however getting in and out will no doubt soon be a challenge with advancing years and arthritis…. I don’t want to be back in this position in a few years again. I also have read some “interesting” comments re reliability and modifications required, so have, I think, decided it will probably be a plus 4 for me.

I am leaning towards the later 2.0 Ford GDi engined plus 4, but still like the post 2009 duratec engined examples, all comments greatly received.

Even if I could stretch to a new plus 4 with the BMW engine I don’t think I want to. I bought myself a new BMW 330d m sport touring for my retirement. I love it to bits, but I want the old school feel, I also want to maintain it myself and don’t want to be plugging in the damn OBD II Code reader all the time.

I had a classic car export business in my 20’s (several pages of stories!) and it’s the feel of cars from that vintage that I am after, with a bit of modernity thrown in.

My inbox awaits your comments, thoughts and advice …..

Welcome to Morgan World Royboy. I am sure with your interest in things mechanical you will be overjoyed with a Morgan. I too had a similar child/teenage upbringing.
I was a Joiner /cabinetmaker and during the early days of my apprenticeship I had an accident at work. Not major but I did get a small amount of compensation money. I thought it would be nice to buy a car for my Dad and Mum as they couldn't afford one.

So I bought a little bit rough Sunbeam Talbot Mk11a, as I thought I might as well buy something classic. Dad and I worked together on it for a few months and he taught me to drive in it. Later on I bought a Morris 8 convertible which we did a lot of work on and he taught me a lot.

A few more Sunbeam Talbots joined the family over the years with my brother and I having different models, also Rileys, Jaguars, MGs, Austin Healeys and many more than I can remember. It fostered my love for old cars (classics) and I have had that kind of car ever since. I miss those days of bonding, my Dad passed away quite early in life but I will always remember those times (far to many as you mentioned, to put into print).

Enjoy your Morgan and enjoy the camaraderie that the enthusiasts on this site have. They are all great people.

Happy Miles.

Hello you "young boy" and welcome to TM

Then I'm curious to see which Morgan you end up with.

Welcome to the group, new to this myself having just bought a GDI engined Plus four, what can I say, we love it. Go for it, life is too short to ponder.

Welcome to the world of Morgan. I've got a Plus 4 GDi which I've had from new eight years ago but I might not be the best person to ask about anything mechanical as nothing's gone wrong, I haven't altered anything and always had it serviced by Techniques in Stotfold. That said, I'm moving on now to a new era where I'm going to be servicing it myself so I'll be on a steep learning curve. You won't be disappointed with the GDi but I'd imagine a Duratec would be nice as well. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Welcome to TM. Good luck in your quest.

Do try and drive a few different cars if you can - you might be surprised at which one chooses you.

Welcome to TM, Roy

Thanks guys for the welcome

Fox terrier, you may be wrong about being the wrong person to ask, as you have encouraged me with your comment about your car not going wrong in the 8 years you have had it……

I do confess to being a little concerned at the extremely low mileage examples offered for sale…… I was wondering if the reliability of this mark may be to blame?

I hope not, as whilst I really enjoy “tinkering” I would hate to sell my beloved bikes to invest in an expensive toy and be forever wondering “what will go wrong next?” Or “what a lovely day ….. let’s go out for a drive in the Morgan” only to find it won’t start!

I want the classic feel, with reliability built in. Simple and enjoyable to maintain myself, but dependable on sunny dry days.

Is that what you all have?

Low mileage is usually because of a fair weather drive to the pub on a Sunday mentality. Having said that, higher mileages are rare for all sorts of reasons.

Just find a Morgan which ticks your boxes. Colour & trim, wires or alloys, spare wheel or not, easy up hood or studded.

These are the defining categories. But read the options list as well because some are quite basic spec and some have bells & whistles.

My Roadster is 18 years old. I bought it at three years old. It's been incredible.
My Plus 4, I had from new in 2016. The same. Neither have been back to a dealer. OK, I get dirty hands but that was the point.

Welcome to TM. Roy and don’t be put off with the mileage. I have you bought a 2013 Morgan 4/4 and the owner enjoyed it more than most having put 37,000 miles on it.