This is a bit of a rehash of Morgan History narrated by some known Morgan personalities, e.g. Charles Morgan, Peter Morgan, Chris Booth, etc. Many of you will know have this information well ingrained but others are new(er) to the marque and some of this might be new. Regardless, a good refresher.
With all the speculation about the Plus 6, North American Imports, Component Cars, the changed attitudes at Morgan, etc., it is nice to revisit what was and for many of us, an understanding of why we are here in the first place. No real drama, perhaps a pleasant moment with the morning coffee. Enjoy, Mark
Alan Braithwaite will take his Three Wheeler on a a 3,500-mile,
33-day journey.
The Morgan Three Wheeler isn’t the first car you think of for a huge, cross-country drive, but that’s exactly what 73-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist Alan Braithwaite and his wife Pat are planning on doing.
The pair will embark on the Trans-India Challenge, a 3,500-mile, 33-day journey around India that will put the Three Wheeler to the ultimate test on one of the world’s most demanding road networks.
Morgan is officially backing the challenge which aims to raise
£200,000 to support Indian aid NGO Goonj, and fund academic research into
Goonj’s ‘circular economy’ model. The sustainable approach recycles urban
waste to use as a form of ‘currency’ to reward rural communities for improving
their local environment – like roads, water supply, hygiene or schools.
Morgan Three Wheeler Trans-India Challenge
Fashion designer and famed car fanatic Ralph Lauren has also thrown his weight behind the challenge too, by donating polo shirts from his company’s Earth Polo range – a range made from thread derived entirely from recycled plastic bottles and dyed using an innovative waterless process.
Meanwhile the Morgan Three Wheeler being used has had very
little in the way of modifications, keeping the 82 bhp S&S V-twin
motorcycle engine and base weight of 525 kg, but having raised suspension
to help the car cope with the rough terrain.
“The Morgan 3 Wheeler is the perfect car for the
Trans-India Challenge because of the attention it brings: it’s different and
it’s fun,” said Steve Morris, CEO of Morgan Motor Company. “You’re
always on an adventure in a Morgan and you drive with a smile on your face. Not
only does it demonstrate what a Morgan is capable of, but you also know it will
bring attention to Goonj. It’s going to be a fantastic adventure all
round.”
Morgan Three Wheeler Trans-India Challenge
Braithwaite was thrilled to have Morgan’s official backing for the challenge, which will start in Mumbai on 1 February 2020 and take in cities including Pune, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Puri, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, before returning to Mumbai at the beginning of March.
“We are delighted that Morgan has recognised the
significance of the Trans-India Challenge,” he said. “It will be a
massive test for the car, but will certainly put Morgan firmly on the Indian map.
With Morgan’s durability, and the materials used in the cars’ manufacture being
sustainable and re-useable, this is the perfect choice of vehicle. It is
also another milestone in recognising the ‘circular economy’ model championed
by Goonj.”
The start of the adventure will also be a mere six months after
Braithwaite underwent open heart surgery.
“I actually needed more extreme modifications than the car
for this trip, but I’m confident we’ll both reach the finish line in great
shape.”
Morgan confirms plans for additional models in 2020, underpinned
by its CX-Generation aluminium platform
The CX-Generation platform was introduced in the Morgan Plus Six,
launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019
2020 will mark the end of production for the traditional steel
chassis, a variation of which was introduced in 1936 and is currently used in
the Morgan 4/4, Plus 4 and V6 Roadster
All-new CX-Generation models are in development to replace the
existing models built on the traditional steel chassis
The 2020 Morgan model line-up will feature a manual gearbox within
the range, for the first time in a CX-Generation model
New models will feature smaller capacity engines than the 3.0
litre inline six-cylinder engine in the Plus Six
Malvern, 11 December 2019
The Morgan Motor Company is to continue its technology drive with
the launch of new models based on its recently introduced CX-Generation
aluminium platform. The new car introductions will take place in 2020 and form
a core range of models for the British manufacturer.
It follows the success of the first car to use this platform, the
Morgan Plus Six. Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019, it has
received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from both the press and customers,
in large part thanks to its CX-Generation platform.
Designed in house by Morgan, the CX-Generation platform is twice
as rigid as the previous aluminium chassis used by the company, which
underpinned the Aero 8 and second-generation Plus 8 models. Thanks to a focus
on reducing weight, it tips the scales at just 97kg, contributing to the Plus
Six’s mere 1,075kg dry weight.
Although full details of the new CX-Generation aluminium platform
models are yet to be shared, the company can confirm that the range will
feature a variant with a manual gearbox, as well as an engine with a smaller
capacity than the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder unit used in the
Plus Six.
The launch of new CX-platform-based cars in 2020 will mark the end
of production for Morgan’s legendary traditional steel chassis. Introduced in
1936 in Morgan’s first four-wheeled vehicle, the 4-4, the steel chassis has
played a hugely important role in the company’s history, underpinning its
models for 83 years. A variation of the chassis continues to be found today, in
the Morgan 4/4, Plus 4 and V6 Roadster.
Morgan has not confirmed an official end date for production of
the traditional steel chassis models but recognises a period where it will be
produced alongside CX-Generation models before its discontinuation in 2020.
More information on the model range, launch dates and celebration
plans for the end of the traditional steel chassis will be made in 2020. Morgan
wishes to inform any customers interested in purchasing the latest Morgan
models, or the last of the traditional steel frame chassis vehicles, to contact
their nearest Morgan Dealer.
Steve Morris, CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said “The CX-Generation aluminium
platform represents a significant undertaking for a small company like Morgan.
Following the success of the platform and the Plus Six earlier this year, I am
delighted that we can finally reveal further plans for new models in 2020.
We recognise a need for a more
resolved core product that fits in with our customer’s growing needs, as well
as future legislative requirements. The advanced engineering encompassed within
the new platform is a vital underpinning for the next generation of Morgan
sports cars, and further demonstrates the exciting blend of craftsmanship and
technology that makes Morgan cars unique.
“In addition to new models planned
for 2020, the year will also bring about opportunity for us to mark the
significance of the outgoing traditional steel chassis and its contribution to
the marque. Used in Morgan’s core models since 1936, the traditional steel
chassis has been an integral part of the Morgan story and we look forward to
giving it a fitting send off.”
This picture just popped up in the lastest issue of MOG Magazine. This is Chuck Bernath (Jacksonville FL) with Peter Morgan in the back of the Bernath’s Yellow Plus 4, 4 Seater, circa 1972 at a very early MCCDC MOG Meet. Karen Bernath is driving and Peter Morgan’s wife Jane was up front with Karen. Great shot!!
Reprinted with the kind permission of the author and the Morgan Three Wheeler Club. Previously published in the MOGSouth Newsletter (Vol 12, 2015)
The Club Christmas party was
always enjoyable and this year Gary had an extra reason to be there. He stood
in the garage proudly surveying his toys. On the right was his 1931 Aero Super
Sports looking rather dusty and neglected, whilst today the recipient of his
attention was the gleaming new 5 speeder.
Although he had tried to
convince himself that he’d bought it to run alongside his old Aero, he had not
looked at anything else for the last few weeks. He was hoping that the evening
would be fine so that he could tum up in his new pride & joy.
The weather forecast was looking
good so he did not even have to think about it when Barbara asked if he would
mind if she didn’t accompany him. as she would really like to go with her
sisters to the German market in the city. This of course would mean that she
would need the BMW. Gary agreed as it gave him the excuse to arrive in style
rather than a boring saloon car.
Gary made sure his new sheepskin
jacket and leather helmet were squeaky clean as the day approached. The
winter’s morn dawned with a hint of a watery sun coming up over the horizon.
This was enough for him and as soon as he had breakfasted he opened the garage
doors, carefully he removed the dust sheet unceremoniously dumping it in the
Aero, pressing the aircraft type starter switch he eased the new car out onto
the road.
Within minutes he was rushing along the road trying hard not to laugh out loud as his pleasure knew no bounds. After ten miles of ‘testing’ he turned for home and as soon as he had reversed into the garage set about wiping the bodywork down and applying a lick of polish Barbara brought him a cup of coffee and smiling, said ‘you’ll wear it out’. Taking the coffee he replied, ‘you have to admit, it’s a bit gorgeous’.
As evening approached, they got
themselves ready for their respective evening trips. Barbara was first to leave,
and Gary had already called his mate, Trevor, asking him to secure a parking
space close to the front door of the pub so that he could show off his new
pride and joy. He opened up the garage and jumped into the new trike. Switching
on and uncovering the fancy starter switch he pressed the button. The engine
spun over and that was it. It didn’t fire up. Trying again he got the same
negative result. He checked the fuel which of course was how he had left it,
almost full, checked plug leads and the multi-plug connections that seemed to
surround the engine, everything seemed fine.
He assumed he had flooded it, so
fetching his plug spanner from under the seat of the old Aero he was upset to
find that it did not fit. By now he was getting rattled but eventually he found
a long socket that just fit enough to remove the plugs. Both looked dry as well
as being the right colour. Putting them back resulted in the spanner slipping
and skinning his knuckles. This left a blood stain on his clean shirt.
The engine still refused to
start and was turning over ever more slowly. As he jumped out he slipped and
hit the floor with his knee, leaving a dirty mark on his trouser leg. At the next
try the battery gave out and there he sat with no way of starting the device
even if he had known what was wrong. Looking at his watch, which, to his
chagrin now boasted a cracked glass, he saw that he was now late. I’ll just
have to go in the BMW he murmured to himself until he remembered where Barbara
had gone.
He sat for several minutes with
his head in his hands quietly swearing until he spied the old Super Aero
sitting there. For a second he sword that he saw the one headlight wink. He
realized that it must have been a reflection of some sort and dismissed (he
thought, well, he mused, better than nothing.) As he had not even started the
engine for a long time he was full of trepidation as he turned on the petrol,
tickled the carb. Putting the handle in the side he turned it a few turns
before dropping the valve lifter. The big JAP instantly crackled into life and
settled down to a steady tick-over.
As he turned into the car-park, Trev and the others were standing by the vacant space waiting for him. Gary swung the old Aero up the slope and with practiced skill rolled back into the space. Trevor walked up to him and said. ‘What . . . ?’ ’Don’t ask replied Gary, just get me a bloody drink’. As they walked away Trev remarked,
