Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms The Decline of the Trad !!!

Perhaps the M3W is leading the way in this.

A few years ago there was an attempt to make a commemoration, or Morgan tribute, three wheeler in conjunctions with Triking. A prototype was partially completed using sliding axle front suspension (unlike the Triking which uses wisbone suspension) before the project was abandoned.

Fast forward a few years and Morgan has decided to re-introduce the three wheeler. This time the sliding axle suspension has been left on the shelf.

Perhaps this is the sign that Morgan has finally decided that the sliding axle suspension has had its day.

Much as I love my Morgan I can accept that the suspension, particularly the front suspension, is a weak point. I am intrigued by the Librands front suspension conversion and wonder why a similar conversion has not been attempted for the rear end. The only such conversion that I know of is the Mogvette built by Isis Imports in the States. They used to have some photos of the setup on their site but they have since disappeared.

The point is that Librands and Isis between them have proved that more modern suspension can be successfully adapted to the existing Morgan traditional chassis.

replace the chassis/ suspension on the Trads with something more up to date you could just end up with a car that looks like a classic but rides and handles like a modern car and where is the fun in that? - neither the 4/4 or +4 have enough power to tax a modern set up, the result- no sports car but a genteel jalopy for bimbling around the Cotswolds

I agree. The Trad will then have lost its character and we will be left with a pastiche vehicle, like a Panther Kallista.

To my mind the vintage ride & handling of the classic models provide a large part of their charm. MMC have done very well so far in keeping the regulations at bay without losing the essence of Morgan motoring, so fingers crossed that they can keep doing so. This thread has started to put me in mind of Mark Twain's famous remark - "The report of my death was an exaggeration."

Long live the classic Mog !

I regularly "bimble around the Cotswolds", but then I live in the "Centre for the Cotswolds" (though that sign, as one passed Pitville Gardens coming in from the north, seems to have vanished).
It's a nice are to bimble around in But I'll keep my trad suspension thanks. It's a simple way to keep the wheels upright and a pretty constant tyre contact patch.
Springs do not seem prone to breaking, unlike those of modern suspension systems with the number of potholes and sleeping policemen on our roads.

Cheers,

In view of my impending NIP I think I'd better start doing far more bimbling too!

Ahh, yes!
I'm not going to try following you up a motorway again, either!

Cheers,

I had to google "NIP"- start bimbling!

I don't think anyone would propose fitting American Limousine suspension to a Morgan. Apart from any other consideration the space would not allow it. Also I am not even saying that there is a particular problem with sliding axle suspension in terms of ride and handling but it is clear that the maintenance costs, in terms of both time and money, and the need to replace the king pins at relatively low mileage are a drawback.

I don't think anyone would accuse a Lotus or a Ferrari of have a jalopy ride. It is not so much a matter of power but how fast you throw the car into a corner and the cornering dynamics that matter. In terms of power to weight etc. the latest Roadster must surely be pushing the limits of the current configuration.

Regarding the rear suspension of the Morgan there would have to be several alternatives to give independent rear suspension in the space available without detracting from the Morgan experience. No doubt the current setup is less expensive to make.

Whatever the case a live axle rear suspension system has the disadvantage of heavier unsprung weight and shocks are also transmitted directly to the other side of the car. All in all this makes it more difficult to keep the rubber in contact with the road and leads to a harsher ride for the occupants.
Personally I have never bimbled anywhere as a long list of speeding fines will attest