Morgan Car News
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Steve Morris Appointed Managing Director of Morgan Motor Company
Feb 7th
Steve Morris, Operations Director of Morgan Motor Company, has been promoted to Managing Director of Malvern based Morgan Motor Company.
The MMC board of directors & shareholders have released a brief press release which states:
The board of directors and shareholders at Morgan are pleased to announce that Steve Morris, presently the Operations Director, has now been appointed as Managing Director with immediate effect, responsible for the day to day running of the companies within the Morgan group.
Charles Morgan will concentrate on his vital role as the face of Morgan internationally, promoting the brand and selling the Companies products worldwide.
Morgan Car News wish Mr. Morris every success in his new role at MMC. Having had the pleasure of meeting him in the past, we have no doubt he will undertake this new position with the same professionalism, passion and intelligence that he has shown during his time as Operations Director.
Matt Humphries Opens New Design Business
Sep 24th
The years since joining Morgan Motor Company, straight from university, must have been a blur for Matt Humphries. From the iconic Morgan AeroMax to the reborn Morgan Three Wheeler, Matt, and the wonderful creative team he built around him, have made a lasting impact on MMC. Morgan Car News have had the pleasure of meeting Matt on various occasions and whilst his passion for automotive design is apparent, it isn’t a challenge to see that a desire to turn his skills toward other luxury products is bubbling just beneath the surface. His foray away from automotive design came in the form of a Lonville watch; therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to MCN when the press release for Matt’s new company, Matthew Humphries Design, crossed our desk: -
Matthew Humphries Design is open for business
Matthew Humphries Design and Morgan Design join forces to develop future Morgan sports cars and bespoke one off vehicles.
Morgan Design has obtained the services of Matthew Humphries Design for future vehicle design and development projects. This collaboration extends the seven year working relationship between Matt Humphries, the former chief designer of Morgan cars, and Morgan Motor Company.
The Morgan Design team was assembled by Matt and under his guidance has successfully evolved Morgan into a design-led company. The team specialises in a tremendously wide variety of design applications including product and merchandising, graphics, advertisements, brochures, exhibition design and of course vehicle body and interior design. Amongst the team’s many achievements Morgan Design has defined strong new identities for both Morgan Motor Company and the Morgan 3 Wheeler Ltd.
Throughout the past seven years the most noticeable evolution is apparent in the products Morgan companies now manufacture. Morgan Design led by Matt has been responsible for a range of concept and production cars. These include the Morgan Aeromax, LifeCar, Aero SuperSports, EvaGT, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler and constant visual improvements to the Classic range of cars.
Newly established Matthew Humphries Design, fuelled by Matt’s extensive experience, offers customers a bespoke design service. MHD specialises in automotive, brand and product design that exudes a strong British, hand crafted and unique style.
Matthew Humphries is very proud to be associated with Morgan whilst relating his skills to other projects and companies. For more information about Matthew Humphries Design or to contact Matthew about the services he offers please contact matthew@matthewhumphriesdesign.com or visit www.matthewhumphriesdesign.com
End of release
MCN wishes Matt every success in his new venture and look forward to seeing what springs from the creative mind of the man who gave the automotive world the wonderful Morgan Aeromax. If you would like to know more about Matt, this interview is a great introduction to some of his time at Morgan Motor Company.
2020 Morgan Sports Car?
May 2nd
Perhaps more Tron that Morgan classic car, this video is a result of a project done by two young designers for Morgan Motor Company and inspired by the LifeCar 2. Whilst not news, it is a little bit of fun and shows that young designers grasp the concept of lightweight, open air motoring and traditional Morgan construction techniques. Enjoy…
Morgan Returns to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012
Jan 16th
Morgan Motor Company, in conjunction with OAK, have announced that the British sports car maker will be returning to the Le Mans 25 Hours in 2012.
AutoSport UK had the following report:
“The revised version of the French team’s Pescarolo-based LMP2 prototype will be badged a Morgan LMP2 following a partnership deal with the British sportscar manufacturer. The deal encompasses the solo works OAK entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes Le Mans, as well as customer versions of the car.
Morgan boss Charles Morgan said: “It is a source of great pride that we have the opportunity to work with a racing car designer and constructor that has achieved such success on the international stage.
“While Morgan sportscars enjoy a great history, we have also gained a reputation for pioneering new technology, and I believe LMP2 represents a superb proving ground in which to develop innovative new methods.”
OAK owner Jacques Nicolet said he was “deeply honoured and proud” to be working with Morgan.
“In Morgan I feel the same passion that has inspired me since childhood, as well as the family spirit that I hope I have been able to create at OAK Racing,” he continued. “Who better than Morgan to embody the gentlemen drivers’ spirit needed for LMP2 competition?”
Morgan is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of its 1962 class win at Le Mans with the Plus 4 Supersport. It will be the first time its name has appeared on the entry for the 24 Hours since the factory ran a GT2 class Aero 8R in 2004.”
Morgan Car News and Talk Morgan wish MMC and OAK every success at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012!
Morgan Eva GT Latest News
Dec 13th
Morgan Motor Company announced today that the EvaGT will not be launched until the Geneva Autoshow 2014. Charles Morgan of MMC had the following to say:
“During the past 6 months, Morgan has secured funding from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to allow it to participate in and manage a £1.4 million collaborative project to use revolutionary materials in a chassis application. The project named MagMog consists of 5 partners who are all experts in their relevant fields. The project partners are:
· Morgan Motor Company Ltd – Lead Partner in the project
· Penso Consulting Ltd – a design house with expertise in several premium sportscar designs.
· Superform Aluminium – the current supplier of Morgan Motor Company wings and body panels, Superform have the forming knowledge required to make this project succeed.
· Coventry University – Specialists in panel joining and fatigue testing
· Magnesium Elektron UK – the world’s largest manufacturer of Magnesium sheet, M.E. have unrivalled knowledge in all areas of Magnesium usage.
The MagMog chassis development project started on November 1st 2011. The project aims to develop appropriate technologies to enable magnesium alloy to be used as the primary material in the construction of a body-in-white structure for the EvaGT. This will improve structural performance at a reduced comparative weight. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal available, 30% less dense than aluminium and is the eighth most abundant elements globally. Due to its inherent properties, use of sheet magnesium for vehicle structural applications will require hot-forming, increasingly being adopted by premium car manufacturers as it can produce larger and more complex panels. Morgan Motor Company intends to provide the initial route to market by adopting the developed technologies on its next generation of premium sports car, the EvaGT.
This project, along with Morgan Motor Company’s desire to exceed the standard safety requirements for the EvaGT has resulted in the planned launch date being delayed. We now intend to launch the EvaGT at the 2014 Geneva Motorshow. While this delay is undesirable and inconvenient, we have taken the decision to pursue these projects to ensure the EvaGT is at the forefront of both environmental and safety technology.”
2012 Morgan Plus 8
Dec 2nd
What do you say when Charles Morgan, of the Morgan Motor Company, asks you if you’d like to drive the companies latest V8 powered sports car? Well, anything other than “yes please!” would be extremely rude.
Here, in brief, are my initial impressions of the 2012 Morgan +8; The first things that impresses you about the reborn Plus 8 are both the ride quality and steering feel. After spending many hours behind the wheel of a standard Aero 8, an Aeromax and a variety of Classic Morgans, the new +8 went straight to the top of the pile in terms of steering precision. The poise is aided by the chassis being closest to the Series 1 Aero and thus with the minimal overhang of the Plus 8 bodywork, the car feels both nimble and lithe (this is also helped by the fact the 2012 Plus 8 will have an excellent power to weigh ratio).
This power to weight ratio also meant the Plus 8 felt extremely quick – acceleration was always rapid (no need for the right gear or the right RPM, the torque seemed to mean the power was always on tap) and it was only the rules of the road that restricted your ability to proceed at a physics bending pace; all the above was only exacerbated by the superb handling adding huge confidence, even on a slightly damp British winter road. A quick nod should also be made to the exhaust note, which in typical V8 fashion is there to egg you on – in the new Plus 8, you cannot help but fall in love with the idea of pressing down on the accelerator, simply to hear the tune it plays.
Aesthetically, the 2012 Morgan Plus 8 is a very purposeful looking Classic. The rear and the front perspective afford it a wonderfully wide stance; in the Black bodywork of the development car, the Plus 8 possesses an attractively menacing quality, more subtle than many performance cars but with plenty of presence. The profile is more difficult to judge because I simply don’t like the wheels on the development vehicle and therefore, tried to imagine it with another set in situ. Were a set of Classic Morgan wheels fitted, I think you’d be hard pressed to tell it apart from the rest of the range from afar (which given the heritage of the profile, is certainly not a bad thing!). I will watch, with interest, which wheels MMC choose to fit to the production cars because I believe getting them correct is essential to completing the package. I’m sure the company will devise a suitable solution; their Sport line for the Classic range has proven they understand simple beauty and the elegance of clean lines.
Whilst not fair to judge a development vehicle on fit and finish, the interior was a nice place to sit, the cut down doors adding to the elbow room. The dash was still a work in progress but was coming together nicely: blending Classic and modern with panache. The hood seemed substantial and consideration has been given to the side screens and the fit of them when the Plus 8 is at speed. As it stands, the development car was rattle free and felt very solid and well put together. I look forward to sitting the finished product but all signs point to another Morgan cabin that is a pleasure to spend time in.
I believe that gives a fair reflection of my opinion on the new Morgan Plus 8. It is quite easy to fall under the spell of this wonderful vehicle and even in development form, it is an extremely attractive package. Once the development process is over and the car has reached the public, I believe the Plus 8 will sell itself; the words of others, such as myself, will become superfluous to the individuals experience behind the wheel. This is a Morgan which needs to be driven to truly appreciate the depth of its potential and the magic it is capable of.
Morgan 4/4 75th Anniversary Specification Announced
Nov 2nd
Today Morgan Motor Company announced the specification for the latest Morgan Four Four offering. Created to honour the 75th anniversary of the iconic Morgan 4/4, the Anniversary edition will be produced as a limited run special. Morgan Motor Company state that the 75th Anniversary combines “the low size and weight benefits of the entry level 4/4 with the power train from the larger more powerful Morgan Plus 4. A carefully selected set of standard options, with additional unique body graphics, completes arguably the best standard combination of body, engine and aesthetic in the Morgan Classic range.”
This new Morgan 4/4 Sports car is being offered in 3 colours: Sport Black, Sport Red and Old English White. All come with black perforated leather interior, carpets, hood and wheels. The dashboard is polished Tawny ash and a Mota Lita wheel is standard. The combination of the Ford sourced 2.0 engine from the Classic Plus 4 and the narrow wings of the standard 4/4 should make for a very spirited drive. The car is available for £38,750 + on the road charges from Morgan Motor Company and their associated dealers. To discuss the 4 4 75th Anniversary specification photographs and information, or to see more photographs of this exciting Morgan sports car, visit Talk Morgan.
First Drive of 2012 Morgan Plus 8
Oct 10th
One of the team behind Talk Morgan, Brian Voakes, had the chance to drive prototype 2012 new Morgan +8 in September 2011; which is believed to be the first time a member outside the MMC team has been offered a drive of the new V8 engined traditional Morgan. As an owner who has had the keys of many Morgans pass through his hands and done many miles behind the wheels of both traditional and Aero Morgan, Brian was well placed to comment on how this exciting model is shaping up. With praise such as, “(the new Morgan Plus 8 is) really well planted and also very light and without the same slight roll-oversteer you get with most post Series I Aero’s, but there is now doubt that it is fast and there is certainly nothing much wrong with the set-up straight out of the box” you can tell this car has left a positive impression on one stalwart Morgan owner. The rest of the story and photographs of the development Morgan +8+ can be found on Talk Morgan.
Chris Lawrence Thanks Giving
Sep 12th
As many Morgan owners and enthusiasts were saddened to hear, Chris Lawrence, automotive designer and motorsport driver, passed away on the 13th of August. He was instrumental in the creation of the Morgan Aero 8 but will forever be remembered as the man behind LawrenceTune and the creation of the Le Mans class winning Morgan Plus 4 SuperSports.
For those who wish to pay their respects, there will be a thanks giving service of Chris Lawrence’s life at the Great Malvern Priory on the 30th September 2011 at 2 p.m. followed by refreshments at the Morgan visitor centre at the Morgan factory. All are welcome to attend both the service and the subsequent refreshments. If anyone has any questions please contact Larry Webb at admin@larrywebb.co.uk.
Jay Leno Reviews the New Morgan ThreeWheeler
Jul 18th
Whilst visiting England to enjoy the sights, sounds and petrol fumes for the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, Jay Leno has found the time to visit Malvern and take the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler for a spin (not literally, although Jay does seem to have a tussle with a grass verge at one stage: UK Grass 1, Mr. Leno 0!)
Despite his detour, Jay gives the latest vehicle from MMC a big thumbs-up and from his conversation with Charles Morgan, he has joined the queue of customers for this exciting trike. Enjoy…
Morgan Roadster in China
May 26th
Expat Jim James has gone through the official channels and imported a new Morgan V6 Roadster into China. He tells his story to Bloomberg correspondent Stephen Engle. Not satisfied with importing his own personal car, he is now hoping to become the official agent of Morgan Motor Company in China. You can watch his interview and the video of the first official Morgan V6 Roadster in China by following this link.
Morgan NEEDS You!
Apr 18th
Morgan Motor Company are taking part in the Silverstone Classic event, to raise money for the Bobby Moore Cancer Research UK charity, on Saturday 23rd of July.
Morgan are looking for owners of race prepared Roadster V6 (including the Roadster Lightweight V6), Plus 8s and Plus 4s, who would be willing to lend their car for a 7-lap celebrity race.
In return for the loan of your vehicle, your car will be fully insured and we will provide a new set of tyres before or after the race, any other requests will be given immediate consideration.
Owners will also receive:
• 2 x 3 day admission tickets f/ Silverstone Classic
• 2 places pre-race hospitality with celebrities
• 2 passes to VIP Paddock Assembly Walk
• 2 places post-race hospitality with celebrities
• Signed photograph of owner with celebrity driver
• Duplicate trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Morgan need owners support to make this charitable event a success. Each car driven by a celebrity will raise a minimum of £2,000.00 for The Bobby Moore Cancer Research UK.
Morgan are looking for 15-20 cars – can you help?
The celebrities currently involved are: -
• Cerys Matthews
• Richard Hughes
• Tom Chaplin
• Jonny Saunders
• Rick Parfitt Jnr
• Richard Allinson
• Brendan Cole
• Heston Blumenthal
• Lord Charles Brocket
• Paul O’Duffy
• Neil Primrose
• Charley Boorman
• Comedy Dave
• Frankie Poultney
• Clive Tyldesley
• Claire Tomlinson
• Matthew Wright
• David Seaman
Although, in speaking with Jayne of MMC, there were some other exciting names possibly being added to the event; therefore, this list is by no means complete!
For more information and to support this extremely worthwhile event, please contact Jayne Jones of Morgan Motor Company on: -
Telephone: 01684 580745
or email: Jayne.jones@morgan-motor.co.uk
Please mention Morgan Car News, so that Jayne knows where you heard about this event. If you would like to discuss this event or view the official Morgan letter for the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Race, you can visit Talk Morgan.
Interview with Tim Whitworth, Morgan Motor Company Finance Director
Mar 11th
Following in the footsteps, or should that read pod-steps?, of the audio interviews with Steve Morris, Operations Director of Morgan Motor Company, and Matt Humphries, Head of Design, Morgan Car News, in collaboration with Maximise Potential and Talk Morgan, are pleased to announce the release of Tim Whitworth’s interview.
Kevin Matthews of Maximise Potential sums of this exciting conversation perfectly: -
“Tim Whitworth, Finance Director of Morgan, has the unenviable task of making the numbers balance within this last remaining marquee of British Motoring history.
Yet Tim views this responsibility as one of the best challenges he could ever be faced with, due to his clear passion and genuine attachment to the brand.
He considers himself to be an unconventional Finance Director, who takes as much interest in the human aspects of the company as the numbers, citing Morgan’s collaborative working culture as key to so much of the company’s success.
This is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes of Morgan and also the man responsible for it’s finances, in this very informative and candid interview.”
You can listen to Tim’s interview by following this link to Maximise Potential. We hope you enjoy listening to it.
Morgan readies Three Wheeler for Geneva Motorshow
Feb 24th
After months of teaser information and just short of a 60-year hiatus, the début of the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler at the Geneva auto show is almost upon us. On March 1st, Morgan Motor Company will reveal the revised 3 Wheeler to press and invited guests in the PalExpo. The following information details what they, and the viewing public in the days to follow, have to look forward to: -
DESIGN
When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.
The iconic design of the Morgan Threewheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance. The car is a fusion of old and new.
Safety is paramount with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for driver and passenger. A sturdy V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre. Some things have not changed. The Morgan Threewheeler still holds long distance speed records for one litre cars set in the 1930’s so why change the shape? The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear. From the design viewpoint, the focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while retaining handy extra space for driver, passenger and a holdall in the rear. But above all the Morgan 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. The car is easy to control with compact dimensions offering a perfect view ahead and to the rear. The car seems to respond as much to thought as physical input.
Dynamism is further enhanced by what the Morgan design team calls a sporty “race on Sunday” design philosophy. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead flow organically and echo the smooth shapes of a racetrack. The smooth profile makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and boot enhance the aerodynamic feel and the short overhangs front and rear emphasize the sports car sense of purpose.
CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS
Morgan chassis experts have worked on the driving experience of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler with the same passion given to the development of any new Morgan. The result is a driver’s car with properties that do the sporting appearance full justice. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the passengers and the car has a planted feel with a very low centre of gravity to ensure it remains glued to the road. During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new 3 Wheeler in parallel with the forthcoming Morgan EvaGT. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that affects a car’s cornering capabilities.
ENGINES
During its first year of production, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler will be available with a V twin from specialist engine builder S & S. The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions. With an economical 115 horsepower the motor provides maximum power at minimum revs. Big torque spells effortless hillclimbing ability. The current focus of the Morgan Motor Company to cut CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption is very much part of the rationale behind the launch of this car. The time is right for Morgan to take a new look at the combination of acceleration, on road performance and economy. The time is right for Morgan to relaunch the 3 Wheeler.
Price £25,000 before tax
Bespoke extras
Bespoke leather and paint are available at extra cost as on the classic Morgan. A Polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl,headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for a more classic look.
Exciting graphic packs to compliment the Sport “race on Sunday” philosophy
High quality decals are available to give the owner the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. These include special designs including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.
We will post more information on the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler as soon as we receive it; however, in the interim you can find more information on the Morgan Three Wheeler web site and photos and videos on Talk Morgan.
Interview with Steve Morris, Operations Director, Morgan Motor Company
Feb 21st
Following on from the excellent interview with Matt Humphries, Head of Design for Morgan Motor Company, Maximise Potential – with the assistance of Talk Morgan – have published the second interview in the MMC series.
The latest discussion is with Steve Morris, Operations Director, and covers a wide range of subjects, which includes: evolution of the Morgan Motor Company, efficiency within production and manufacture, supplier relationships, personal career progression and how government legislation is effecting the automotive industry within the United Kingdom.
Steve’s interview is number 2 in this 4 part series and will be followed with the penultimate interview with Tim Whitworth, Financial Director, and concludes with Charles Morgan, Managing Director. We will bring these to your attention as soon as they have been published. To listen to the interview with Steve Morris, follow this link.