Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Aero 8 Maintenance

Having owned, and loved, an Aero 8 S3 some years ago I'm frequently tempted to have another Aero.

Along with most other specialist and classic cars the prices have fallen back and I can just about afford one.

One thing holding me back is concern over maintenance and repair, this given the factories poor reputation in supporting older models and the dearth of experienced Morgan dealers.

So my questions are, how and where do owners go to have their cars maintained and what are the difficulties they've faced in keeping an Aero on the road ?

I'm based in North East England.

Mph. Sometimes it's just the info you need to do or require a certain part. As we all know the BMW engine is fairly bomb proof its just all the other stuff that goes with it. Given the accessability of parts most competant mechanics would be able to work on an Aero wheather they choose to do so is a different matter. After many years of ownership the rear wheel bearing did it for me, no info from the factory Si fab wanted nearly five times of what I eventually had one for and got the jitters pressing the old one out of the cage where do you get another cage if you crack it. Let's not get started on bodywork your into specialized metal work if you have anything but a small dink. But what a glorious car the Aero is I do miss it. The Aero will also pass anything on the road in front of you except perhaps a petrol station. Go on you know you want too..... Em

MPH. I take mine to Techniques in Hertfordshire and they certainly know their way around the Aero chassis cars, I've seen all types there from S1 to Max in for work including a Coupe in for a crash repair on it's rear panel. A replacement for a split radiator has been the biggest job mine has required so far bar routine servicing. They are however a much shorter journey for me from SW London. No connection to Techniques, other than a happy customer over 9+ years.

I think James BW who has an S1 also hails from your neck of the woods, perhaps he'll be able to advise you where he goes.

Hi MPH - as David writes,I am in Newcastle upon Tyne and have an Aero, S1. (see gratuitous picture, below-)



Most of my servicing has been done by Mark Middleton. He is ex Morgan Factory Service Dept. and was involved in building some of the early Aero 8s and was part of the Le Mans 24hr team.

His garage is at Buryend Farm, Upton on Severn, WR8 0NJ. Tel 07880 722638 or mark.middleton11@btinternet.com. or see Ad. in Morgan magazine.

We usually combine the servicing with a few days away as it is quite a trek.

Partly due to Covid (anyone remember that ? ) travel restrictions and for e.g. regular MOT's ,I use R & P Woods, my trusted local garage which I have frequented for 30 years plus!

https://www.facebook.com/randpwoods/?locale=en_GB

Paul is a real enthusiast and has got to know the Morgan pretty well, having variously replaced the starter motor, alternator, power steering pump ,etc. over the years.

I would therefore ,highly recommend either Mark or Paul for any Aero related work...

HTH, James

Hi James, That's very helpful, thank you.

Given the amount of kit replaced on your own car I'm not sure whether I'm re-assured or not.

I guess it does look a bit daunting....

However, the car is now 23 years old and the alternator lives in the 'V' so gets pretty darn hot over the years (it's actually water cooled!).

Whilst they had access to the alternator I took the chance to replace the starter to avoid the (inevitable) 'click' when starting even though the current starter was still OK.

The power steering pump had started to leak a little - not badly but, again once the wings, etc. were off I decided to go ahead and replace.

The car gets treated to the best as and when (just don't tell my wife.... )

If your still tempted and want an Aero with everything fixed , let me know (I've had a knee replacement and it is making motoring life difficult... ....)

James

James, sorry to hear your new knee is making driving a bit difficult. I had mine done last October and was waking up small mountains this summer and hope to be skiing this winter . Hope yours improves and you don’t have to sell the Morgan . Mine is the clutch leg and for years had a tender Achilles tendon so moved to auto cars which solved that issue. . The next Morgan will have to be auto.
Best MM
PS love the car colour and numberplate !