Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Plus Four, Supersport & Plus Six (CX & CXV Generation Vehicles) CX moaners

Just returned from our home in Richelieu France 1200 miles of fun in our 2021 Plus Four, it didn’t miss a beat.
Our only issue was bugs (on the screen), certain times during the year/day on country roads they can cover your screen in no time, carry some window cleaner as the screen wash will not cope.

During our trip we went to a few car shows (there’s always a few on) mostly small up to 20 cars. However one reason for the trip was the Chinon Classic. A massive show over two days with lots of runs to include lunch/dinner or you can just stay on site, visit the castle see the wonderful town etc. At 10.00 I found a space on the Morgan stand and parked there, unfortunately there was nobody about on the stand. I stayed until 13.00 still no one. I think it was the heat 45 in the shade. I was told later that everyone went to the local bars/hotels in order to prepare for the rest of the weekend heat. Lots of stands without assistance, lots of enthusiasts and members of the public. My wife was unwell so we missed the main day (Sunday) and headed back to Devon. We’ve attended this show on a number of occasions now with our 1990 +4/4 or Plus Four or our Renault 4. I can highly recommend a visit if your in the area.

We’re back in France during the Cape Epee celebrations in July then hopefully in September to take in the “Locomotion Car Show” 5th/6th September, it’s always a well attended event with a large number of clubs and individuals taking part.

On our return to Devon we set off with our grandson to Malvern for another factory tour (his present for doing well in exams).

Unfortunately I’m still in recovery from a difficult second ‘Hydrocele’ operation and missed the September show. However we’re planning to be there mid September.when there are even more shows/tours with like minded motorists.

Whilst there i was dismayed to read so many complaints/modifications (on line) to the wonderful Plus Four. The following are just a sample (with answers)

1) Upgrades to the sound system (costing thousands). It’s an open top sports car! The engine provides the sound. If you really want to listen to telephone calls, music etc get yourself some SHOKZ open run pro 2’s around £135 ish. you can take call and listen to whatever you wish. At the same time hold a conversation ! See photo they don’t fit in the ear, how do they do it? I don’t know but they solve all your problems. Brilliant.

2) The cabin gets dusty and I can feel wind on the back of my head. Again it’s an open top sports car did these people try before buying? The solution is the humble beanie, pull it down over your ears it’s a wonderful think (sorry I’m not posing in mine) and give the cabin a quick clean.

3) Suspension and go faster issues ? where do they come from ? There’s little wrong with the standard, I’ve driven on the track, hit 120mph before chickening out. Maybe it’s a ‘look what mods i’ve got up to’ phase. Maybe you need these mods to do 148 mph.

4) Luggage space ! I get two expandable cabin bags behind the seats ( I’ve glued on Morgan badges) and a beautiful antique suitcase on the compulsory rack with some excellent very long belts from eBay £16.00 each (Daskz Leather 36359) Two excellent quality cabin bags from eBay £16.00 each (movpleax 40959) the antique one was from a local charity shop £10. I’ve just read I could have got fitted cases for behind the seats for just under £500.

5) What if I get a puncture ? Well this is a simple one, if it’s a small hole you can use a squirty thing from Tesco or call a breakdown company. Unfortunately if it’s a tear the squirty thing won’t work so it’s a breakdown company. Or you could have bought a spare wheel and tire along with the required tools to change the wheel.

Sorry about that I just love my Plus Four and wouldn’t change a thing.

Hmm - a Hydrocele Op - Am I right in thinking that involves a pain in the scrotum? Whatever, I read your contribution with interest and some concern that your condition had rendered you a hint liverish perhaps? Of course, you are entitled to your view, but I rather doubt that the implicit take from your post, that to become a Morgan enthusiast, you must suspend your critical faculties will get much traction. Surely this forum is open to members to both share both the joy and the frustrations of Morgan ownership.

Allow me to declare an interest. I have shared details of how I went about upgrading the factory ICE installation in my Plus Four CX. I am perfectly happy to respect your preference to restrict your listening to the engine note, wind noise and birdsong. But please don't try to impose your preferences on those of us who appreciate cruising the Malvern Hills to the strains of Elgar and wish to be able to distinguish between the string and woodwind sections over and above the whistle of wind and turbo. And to be a marque enthusiast should surely not preclude pointing out where Morgan can improve. The factory ICE installation in CX models was one of the most popular options confirming that most Morgan drivers do want to listen to a soundtrack other than that provided solely by BMW. |And if I am not mistaken the latest CX models come with Sennheiser ICE as standard in response to customer demand.) And doubtless this much improved system is also a result of customer feedback given the Kenwood bluetooth system as OEM equipment and as fitted to my car was abysmal. The much improved system I retro fitted to my car (shared here to assist others of like mind) , cost no more than £500 - way short of the hyperbolic thousands you imagine.

I refrain from comment re the other criticisms and mods you take exception to. They are not things that concern me over much, but hey each to our own, and hopefully the unrestricted feedback both positive and negative, Morgan can access here is a valuable tool to improve the breed to make future Morgans even more enjoyable for all of us, And I very much hope your treatment recovery continues apace, and that the Doctors treating you dont hold back from suggesting improvements in the medical equipment involved in your procedure!

My only complaint is that I can't afford one!

Perfect reply. Thank you.

There getting cheaper second hand Graham. I did a run up to KH horse today loving the twisties from Hadliegh to Bury via Lavenham.

Isn't the whole point of Morgan to facilitate (whether intentionally by design or not) personalisation and improvements to the car, the way it drives and how you the driver interact with it, in accordance with what use you want to put it to. Whilst I enjoy my CX it's IMHO a positive step up from the trads, it's far from perfect, as the saga of radiators and brake recall proves.

Whilst I find the standard audio ok, it's not to everyone's taste, what I don't find ok is the drivetrain clonk. or the low ground clearance which can spoil an otherswise enjoyable drive............but low ground clearance is nothing new to earlier nodels of Morgans eg Roadster's had very low hanging sumps, which wasn't the best or most endearing design feature of the car. Sensible people following a series of cracked sumps, replaced them with aftermarket sumps for greater clearance. Its just par for the course with Morgan, its fallable and owner changes didn't dilute the essence of the cars, often they improved the product, made it more user friendly..

Can the CX be improved, of course it can, as evidenced by Morgan making improvements all the time over the original launch specification.

I'm glad you are enjoying your CX, long may it remain so

OP clearly hasn't suffered leaking radiator(s), squeaky brakes, faulty hand brake - YET

... not to mention the hubs, petrol caps sticking closed and early CX brake recall.

The most endearing aspect of Morgan ownership, is that inspite of it all, we still own one.

Great cars to drive, that often would benefit from a little more development, but even the long established brands like Mercedes reknown for its engineering, still regularly get it wrong.

I understand in part where Malachy is coming from, the CX out of the crate is a good car, it can deliver a great ownership experience, but often with a little further fettling can deliver a outstanding ownership experience..

KISS my trad 4/4 - KeepItSimpleStupid might apply here - the more there is to go wrong, the more likely it is that something will go wrong.

I met a guy and proud owner of a 90 year old M3 at the recent Lustleigh Show here in Devon a few days ago. Immaculate and very original - finished in grey. Both octogenarians we lamented the fact that our knees were giving out. His hope was that he would still be around to see his pride and joy machine reach 100 years old.

At 83 today (Happy Birthday to Me ! ) I won't be around to see my 4/4 reach its 100th but it still drives as well as the day I bought it and someone else might get the joy of seeing that day arrive.

Happy birthday Graham. Time to change your signature!

I traded in my 'simple' 1959 TR3a for my 2025 Plus Six because I had had enough laying on my back in the garage fixing simple, worn out stuff. Still wish I had it as well as the Morgan though. Was a sweet car.

But still a very long way to go to be within my budget!

I think...... the desire to fiddle, modify, tinker with, upgrade, develop or just fanny about with their cars, is irresistible to the average Morgan owner.......😁, probably long after the boundaries of common sense or necessity have been passed........!
A growing range of 'upgrades' are available for the owner who wants to continue development of their CX where the factory ran out of money.....😂...... as there was for trads....🤦🏻‍♂️
However......... it would be naive to go in to Morgan ownership expecting Bentley levels of fit and finish, development or features.
Being expensive to buy new doesn't guarantee satisfaction or trouble free ownership especially if the car was built in Malvern......🤷🏻‍♂️
I'm glad you're a happy customer, they're great cars........🥳😎

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