FAQs
How long have Morgan been building cars?
110 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 manufacture going to France under the Name “Darwent” after the war Morgan did produce 12 “war baby” three wheelers with Matchless engines fitted, the factory moved over to 4-wheel models 1936.
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?
At the current time there are three models that can be ordered, the Plus Four, Plus Six and the Super 3. But historically we can add many more including The Aero 8, Plus 8, Roadster, Plus 4, 4/4a, 3-Wheeler and four seater variants of the 4 and 6 cylinder engined models were at one time also available.
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 now pre-booked by main dealers to avoid this
What is so special about a Morgan?
So many things! It’s unique 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 car built by the last of the true coach builders for a truly superb driving experience.
Did Morgans ever go motor racing and if so, achieve any notable victories?
Yes, and very successful 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?
The Plus Six is powered by the BMW B58 straight six twin scroll turbo while the Plus Four houses the BMW B48 2.0 four-cylinder twin turbo engine. Lastly the Super 3 holds Ford 1.5L 3 cylinder “Dragon” engine as seen in the Focus and Fiesta. Previously, Ford engines were widely used in the 4 and 6 cylinder models with BMW engines used in the 8 cylinder models and other manufacturers were used historically as well.
Does the Morgan factory make everything for the sports cars?
Mostly everything is made ‘in house’ but some components are manufactured outside of the factory, for example the wings are made by ‘Superform’ and some Axles come from the Australia.
Is the company owned by a large corporation?
The Morgan family are still large shareholders but a majority stake is now owned by a venture capital firm (InvestIndustrial) with the company governed day to day by the Board of Directors.
Are they independent from other motor manufactures?
Yes. Morgan are unique in that even now with outside shareholders involved for the first time they have remained true to their roots and are still a custom coach-builder at heart with no shares controlled by other motor manufacturers.
Is servicing expensive?
Compared to the likes of Porsche and the more exotic ‘Super car’ makes, servicing is inexpensive 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 reasonable and very comparable with standard cars of a similar quality. All Morgan Dealers have factory trained and highly skilled technicians who are more than able to ensure that their customers’ Morgans are kept to the highest standards.
Are parts for models that ceased production a long time ago easy to locate?
Generally, yes. 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. Unlike most modern cars, the various Morgan models usually retain a large proportion of the original cost. Also as there is a loyal and enthusiastic client base, specific models of particular interest are much sought after and supply is always scarce so values remain strong. The depreciation curve exists but is shallow with most low mileage cars being fully depreciated in their first five years and, as a rule of thumb, we tend to see low to average mileage Morgans back up near their original new price by the time they are 20 years old.