Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Changing one V8 for another...

I've been frustrated with a couple of NLA parts on my S1 Aero and have lived in fear of future parts issues, so thought i'd explore the later cars as i want to use my car more.
Ended up looking at a stunning S5 at Williams (they have a couple for sale at the moment actually) and test drove it.
It was definitely more refined than my S1, and more comfortable, but the sidepipes (whilst sounding glorious) would grate on me for long distances i think.
The steering was also very darty but also quite light, and had a very strong self centring action.
Overall i was struggling to justify the £50k price difference between my S1 and this S5 for my particular requirements.

After some discussions it turned out they had a 2013 Plus 8 manual (recently in, hadn't been prep'd yet) which they offered me a drive in.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!

More compliant suspension, steering which was closer to my S1 Aero but with less kick back, superb brakes (six pots up front!), a lovely 4 pipe sports exhaust out the back (similar to my S1) and carbon bucket seats which were supremely comfortable.
I don't think it's as pretty as the Aero, but it was such a great drive and i know i will be able to put more miles on it and enjoy it as a result.

So i've part ex'd my beautiful S1 and will be in a Plus 8 going forwards.
Wish me luck!

Have fun with your +8! Purely from interest, which parts are unavailable for an S1?

Good luck with your new plus 8

I changed my glorious series 1 for exactly the same reason, enjoy your new purchase .

I changed my S5 Aero for an early Aero chassis plus 8 and apart from the reduced load space I have been more than happy with the car from a performance and fun perspective. It feels quicker and handles better. Had SSL suspension upgrades on both but feels like the Plus 8 upgrades have a greater benefit on both ride and handling. Had two European tours so far, usual hood and door leaks have all been resolved so really pleased with it and hope you will be with yours also.

I am curious about the rationale here - would you sell a Bugatti Type 35 or Ferrari 250 GTO because the factory no longer supported the model, or would you just accept that some parts may have to be fabricated by an engineering workshop? That's where I am in my mind with my S1 which is an amazingly individual car for, in current terms, a reasonably outlay

Interesting point but expect it’s viable on a Ferrari 250 but not so on a £40k Aero… I expect it is more the hassle and effort to do as much as the cost

I suspect there may be companies in England and elsewhere who remanufacture almost anything for Ferrari, I think one company faithfully copies every part for 250`s making their recreation almost imposible to tell from the real thing, similarly Bugatti and Bentley, That Morgan robbed the parts bins of other manufacturers made for an interesting time if trying to find parts as cheaply as possible, fortunately there was always a one if not more specialist dealers, who would buy up Morgan`s old stock, and I guess it is not unreasonable to expect to pay a premium to any such dealer for keeping slow/no moving stock on the shelves year after year....?

Talking of spares, now that the Chinese own MG and Volvo it will be interesting to see the way that pans out in time.... My Tesla was manufactured in China...We do indeed live in interesting times, where Brand names may in no way relate to the item in question...

Watched a vid where it seems Volvo is laying off management at all levels, and numerous office and admin tasks to be handled in China...?

Bingo - i have a busy life and i don't have as much time as i'd like to drive my toys, so when i do have the time i want to be able to use them.

My car went in for a service and MOT in March and i didn't get it back until late May because of a minor issue, and whilst i adore the Aero it's not an ornament for me, it's there to be enjoyed.

Quite apart from that the suspension on the Aero works wonderfully on smooth roads (like in Spain in April last year) but sadly the potholed and rough surfaces of Gloucestershire don't do the car any justice.

I don't want to bash the Aero S1, it's a wonderful car, but for my specific needs something slightly more conventional is more appropriate.

A Bugatti type 35 or a Ferrari 250 GTO are very analogue pieces of machinery, Aero 8's have technology from the early 2000's....which when installed in Malvern is probably not optimal......!

If your car happens to be worth £40m it's probably worth spending a few quid to keep it up to scratch.....not so if it's worth £40k.....or certainly it's not worth spending a fortune unless it's a keeper.....
The smart owner knows when to let it go before it becomes a total money pit.....

With the value of classics dropping at the moment I'd imagine that a few owners of expensive toys with outdated and unobtainable tech might be looking to move them on....!

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