Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Classic that drives on Motorways...

Having enjoyed my Morgan Roadster for a couple of years now, I've become a bit obsessed with the idea of a "classic" for the trips that are not suitable for a Morgan ie long trips on busy "A" roads and Motorways and in TRAFFIC - all of which are pretty awful in a Morgan. So I spent a lot of time looking at XK140's and XK150s fhc's but then realized that £70K was too much money for a car. So I started trying to figure out what car costing £5K to £15K today would be a "Classic" in 20 years time and also would fulfill the above requirement and be BEAUTIFUL and a pleasure to drive. Currently looking at W124 Mercedes E320 Cabriolets... but they don't exactly look pretty next to the Jag.. It's a tough one: suggestions welcome!

Having owned an XK150 before the Morgan I'm not sure that either the 150 or the 140 would meet your needs if the Morgan doesn't., unless your going for a car that has been completely modernised. Mine had been fettled and updated a lot, but driving in the rain, or for prolonged periods were always a challenge.

Have you considered a Jag saloon or a interceptor?

Was looking at a 3.8 Mk2.. still a possibility: but when I asked one dealer if he would bring his to Devon from Yorkshire (he was making the trip anyway) he said it was a "bit far" so that put me off a bit! I had an XJS for a couple of years a while back but I found it wallowed around too much... An ad for an Alfa 2000 GTV
attracted me the other day, but that was probably because I had a 1750 GTV back in the day so it was Nostalgia...

Jag XJS. Massively underrated at the moment and a fraction of an E will get you a completely sorted V12 cat that was always built for grand tours.

Also like the xjs - a 1994 or later celebration with the straight 6 is a wonderful machine and should lasts pretty nicely...

Personally I love the idea of an Interceptor and am keeping an eye out for an honest but scruffy one as I quite fancy a project...

The more obvious:

Jaguar XJ (6 cyl. if you want less trouble)
BMW CS (CSL way too expensive)

Now my list:
(don't hang and quarter me, it's getting a bit exotic now...)

With following list I always mean the early models!
Saab 900 Turbo
Audi Quattro
Audi 200
Toyota Crown (the classic Tokio taxi)
Toyota Celica
Toyota Supra (although every single one seems to have been fettled with...)
Honda Legend (should be a REAL bargain)
Lancia Fulvia (nearly as reliable as early XJ's )
BMW 6-series (the one from the eighties)
Maserati Bi-Turbo (nowhere as reliable as early XJ's )
Plymouth Barracuda (ok, I'll stop now, I'm getting silly - just mentioned the last one 'cause I love Nash Bridges...)

Alex. (Petrolhead and certified weirdo)

Agreed...there's a lot you can do to an XJS to sort the steering and suspension etc.

A mighty fine car when sorted properly

XJS is out: been there and don't want to go again!
Audi Quattro was fabulous but wouldn't want it again: too many speeding tickets!
Saab 99 Turbo was nice too: but not again (It was the one in the video: "Don't you Want me Baby..")
Now.. what about a Mercedes 420 SEC..
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C291649#
or.. BEAUTIFUL:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C290811 (bit over budget and might need seasickness pills?)

Go for the Mercedes 124 Cabriolet,having owned one for many years now,i still love the way it's built,the affordable parts,and it's build quality.And,apart from regular servicing,it's never seen the inside of my dealer's workshop.

What's wrong with a Mog on a motorway? In some ways Morgans are at their best on smooth three laners. I wouldn't want to commute daily through the Luton roadwoks on the M1 but a drive over the bridge at Millau and down the A75 is one of my all time favourite roads