Morgan FAQs

How long have Morgan been building cars?

Over 100 years plus!

Who started the business?

H. F. S. Morgan.

Didn't they originally make motorcycles?

No. The first cars were 3 - wheelers known as ‘Cyclecars', the first prototype using a 7 h.p Peugeot  air-cooled V twin engine. Three-wheeler production ceased in 1936 with the factory moving over to 4-wheel models.

Does a Morgan have a wooden chassis?

NO! The Morgan car has always been built around an ash-frame , and a steel chassis. The new Aero 8 also has an ash frame. This gives unique strength, flexibility and surprisingly, research showed that the frame made the car safer on impact tests.

Have they made any other cars like saloons or only sports cars?

No saloons as we know them today but some models were introduced as fixed-head hard tops most notably the Morgan ‘Plus 4 Plus' in 1963. However Morgan customers have always preferred the true convertible type sports cars as seen in the current model line up..

When does a Morgan become a ‘classic car'?

Almost immediately some would say! But the usual yard stick for any car to be called a ‘classic' is it to be at least 25 or 30 years old. As so many Morgans survive from years ago the number of Morgan classic cars probably exceeds most other marques (MG enthusiasts may dispute that comment!)

How many models are there in the range?

Six. The Aero 8 4.8 litre, Roadster, Roadster Four Seater, 4/4, Plus 4, Plus 4 Four-seater.

I always understood there was a long waiting list for a Morgan, is that still the case?

The waiting list was approximately 7 years. Build slots are pre-booked by main dealers to avoid this

What is so special about a Morgan?

So many things! It's uniqueness in a world of look-alike cars. Its handmade quality - the use of wood in many areas of construction - long standing  ‘hands-on' craftsmanship displayed in the bodywork and interior by the highly skilled workforce at Morgan cars.  An ability to tailor a model to the customer's exact requirements. All adding up to a truly superb driving experience.

Did Morgans ever go motor racing and if so, achieve any notable victories?

Yes and very successfully over many years including Le Mans and many other classic motor racing events. Still competitive today with many Morgans appearing in club meetings throughout the world.

What engines are used in the current Morgan model line up?

Some Ford units plus a BMW engine in the Aero.

Does the Morgan factory make everything for the cars?

Mostly everything made ‘in house' but some components are manufactured outside of the factory, for example the wings are made by ‘Superform'.

Is the company owned by a large corporation?

No. The Morgan family are still the only shareholders though a Board of Directors manages the company.

Are they independent from other motor manufactures?

Yes.

Is servicing expensive?

Compared to the likes of Porsche and the more exotic ‘Super car' makes, servicing is not expensive and bearing in mind that all Morgans require a little more attention that the normal ‘run-of-the-mill' cars, the servicing and up keep is comparable with models of a similar quality. All Morgan Dealers have factory trained and highly skilled engineers to ensure that their customer's Morgans are kept in tip top condition.

Are parts for models that ceased production a long time ago easy to locate?

With such a long standing and highly enthusiastic customer base there are many Morgan Car Clubs, magazines and supporter groups able to assist with the supply of parts for vehicles no longer in production. Some parts can be specially ordered and manufactured by the factory using vehicle records and templates from days gone by.

Do Morgans hold their value?

Yes. Compared to many modern cars which can depreciate alarmingly in the first two or three years, Morgan models do retain a higher proportion of the original cost for longer. Also as there is a loyal and enthusiastic client base, specific models of particular interest are much sought after so keeping values at very reasonable levels.