Author Archives: Mark Braunstein

14 Jul

2023 GatorMOG Goes to Space?? (Titusville) 18-20 Aug – UPDATE – Hotel Reservation Link

The Hotel Room block is all set up in the (Hyatt) system and ready for attendees to make reservations.  Hyatt is using the group code of ‘G-MOG’. Don’t procrastinate as the weekend is coming up quickly and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on our reduced group rate!! The link is below. Click the link and then, once the Hyatt page comes up, click ‘Book Now.’ Also make sure the dates show 18 August for check in and 20 August for check out.

https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-place-titusville-kennedy-space-center/mcozt?corp_id=G-MOGS

14 Jul

GatorMOG Goes to Space??

Pencil in the Weekend of August 18 – 20 (Friday through Sunday) for the next major GatorMOG activity. It is likely to be raining so what you drive is your call!!

Drive to the event hotel on Friday.

The planned hotel is the Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center, 6299 Riverfront Center Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780 (less than 5 min from Valiant Air command.) BUT DON’T MAKE YOUR RESERVATION JUST YET!

The hotel has an internet link being produced and they want us to use this link to ensure we get the Group Rate. Their code for our group is ‘G-MOG’. Don’t worry, we will let you know when the link is available.

IT IS NOW AVAILABLE NOW. SEE LATEST UPDATE POST!

Beer call / Dinner Friday night is at the Playalinda Brixworks Project at 1900 (tbd). Again, less than 5 mins away from the hotel. The time is still up in the air but we’ll let you know!!

Saturday Morning we’ll visit the hangars at the Valiant Air Command Inc, Warbird Museum ($12 dollars per a person.) We asked for a tour of the behind the scenes greasy stuff, typically’ out-of-sight’ back shops, so be prepared (e.g. don’t wear your fancy white clothes)! It is not confirmed by they were pretty positive?

I would guess we will form up on Saturday morning at the front of the hotel around 0830. We need to be prompt and be at Valiant Air Command Inc., NLT 0900 but the hotel is just some 4 mins from Valiant Air Command so this shouldn’t be too hard and our tours are estimated to take some 2.5 hours.

Lunch (1300 – 1400) will be at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). There are several lunch spots and we just establish a time to reconvene.

The best group rate we could get is $68 pp but you are welcome to use what ever you might have (annual pass, AARP, Military Veteran, AAA, other?) to swing a better rate. What ever you do, do it quickly as we are likely to go straight to the busses to beat the crowds.

Saturday Dinner is planned for 1800 at the famous Dixie Crossroads. It will take us some 20 minutes or so to get there, and once done with dinner, some 15 mins or so to get back to the hotel.

Things do change so please be flexible!!

Please let Mark know if you plan to attend or not. We need to provide headcounts to various business as soon as we can. (Mark’s email – series1@cfl.rr.com or call 407-322-5060)

A big ‘thanks’ to Adam Hitt work working the details.

Cheers,
Mark

14 Jul

Pre – Labor Day Lunch – Ya Gotta Eat . . . Right??

Pre – Labor Day Weekend – Gator Mog Lunch

Thursday August 31 (1130 AM) Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill, 1848 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL, 32136

Chuck and Karen Bernath have organized it all. Morgans or no Morgans! August is typically rainy in Florida but don’t let the weather put you off. Just come in what ever makes sense!

The Oceanside Grill should be a fun drive whether you drive from Fernandina, Ponte Vedra, The Villages, or Orlando and south.

Wear your hard hat (Labor Day – Get it??) and we hope to see you at Oceanside Grill, Flagler Beach.

Let Karen know if you are coming or not. email her at Bhilda44@gmail.com or call (text) at 904-386-3001

13 Jul

Morgan Is Officially Back In the U.S. With the New Super 3

It’s technically a motorcycle, and it starts at just under $54,000. (11 July 2023 Road and Track)

You have not been able to buy a new Morgan in the U.S since 2019. In the intervening years, Morgan has refreshed its lineup with a new Plus Four, Plus Six, and a successor to the 3-Wheeler, the Super 3. Now, the Super 3 has arrived on American soil, ending a long drought for Morgan’s loyal fans.

As with the old 3-Wheeler, the Super 3 is technically a motorcycle, surely making it easier to sell here than the four-wheeled Plus Four and Plus Six. The changes made for the U.S. market appear to be very subtle, Morgan saying that most have to do with lighting. The obvious difference between the U.K. and U.S. Super 3 is the headlights, which have moved out from near the fenders to just in front of the grille. The U.S. car also gets unique turn signals, and reflectors.

Otherwise, it’s what you get everywhere else. Neat retro-future styling plus the ability to add all sorts of accessories like panniers and other travel equipment. Under the hood is a 1.5-liter Ford three-cylinder that makes 118 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque and sends power to the rear wheel via a five-speed manual gearbox. If that doesn’t seem like enough power, remember the Super 3 weighs under 1500 pounds.

Morgan has a U.S.-specific Super 3 configurator on its website, and beyond being an A-plus time-waster, it also reveals pricing specifics on the car. It’s unfortunately not cheap. The base price is $53,937.88, and there a lot of available (and tempting) options. Still, there’s nothing like it on the market, so if this is the “car” you want, this is what you’ll have to pay. The British automaker also announced that it’s working on federalizing the new Plus Four, though it tells R&T that only the automatic version will come here. Soon, Morgan fans will have more options here than ever before.

11 Jun

Road Rally Details (22 Oct 2023) – The 2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin (20 – 22 Oct, Lakeland, FL)

SUNDAY ROAD RALLY (An SCCA Sanctioned Event) -35$ pp – ‘The Road Rally is NOT A RACE.’

Car viewing starts 8am – Rally starts 9am

To Register for the Road Rally – Go to Rally Registration Link

Per the Lake Mirror Web Site: ‘This is a fun way to wrap up your 3-day Lake Mirror Classic weekend.  The emphasis of the Road Rally is on “fun.”   Create memories and spend time with friends and make new ones.  The event encourages fun and challenges your senses to follow the clues provided.  You will also see some of the most beautiful and scenic roads in Central Florida.‘

Past participants includes world renowned & hall of fame race car drivers and this year’s Rally will include a good number of Morgans and GatorMOG Members!!

‘The word “fun” is not overused in describing the road rally.  At the end, everyone shares stories of their adventure with plenty of laughs over lunch in a laid-back atmosphere.  Some very nice prizes are also awarded to wrap up the event.’     

29 May

Updates for the The 2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin (20 – 22 Oct, Lakeland, FL)

Note: We are calling this a GatorMOG event, but really anyone in MOGSouth is more than welcome!

Registration and hotel reservations are now available on line.

Background Info – Morgan has been selected as the Special Display Marque for the 2023 Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance.  https://lakemirrorcarshow.com/about-the-lake-mirror-car-show/

Saturday (21 Oct) is the day of the Concours, the day of the Futurliner and the day for the GatorMOG Morgan Car Display. 

Meet Hotel:  The meet hotel is the Hyatt Place Lakeland Center, 525 West Orange Street, Lakeland, Florida, United States, 33815 (Telephone: 863-413-1122)  Hotels in Lakeland FL | Hyatt Place Lakeland Center.  We are using one of the Lake Mirror Classic Hotels as our meet hotel.  A discounted room rate of $169 plus tax has already been negotiated so be sure to use the link below to your reservations.  This rate includes breakfast, parking, Studio Suites, and Wi Fi. 

Reservations: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-place-lakeland-center/tpazl?corp_id=g-lm23 Once on the website, update the check in date (20 Oct) and the check out date (21 or 22 Oct) then click BOOK NOW, then select your room type, and complete the reservation.

Alternatively, you can call (1-877-231-2387) to make your reservations but be sure to ask for the Lake Mirror Classic 2023 rate for October 2023.

Registration for the Show and the Show Placard: You must register for this show and registration is all online.  Use the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance website https://lakemirrorclassic.com/ to register.  The Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance will print a special placard for each car to be placed in front of the cars where they will be displayed and the collection of the data (no more than 450 Characters) for this placard will be gathered during the registration process.  Also, you will be asked for up to 5 photographs of your car.  The Lake Mirror Classic folks with publish an online catalog of cars in the show.  

The iconic Futurliner will be on display 21 Oct, 2023.  Same day as the Morgan display!! 

The 2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin schedule:

Friday 20 October 2023

Friday evening Noggin – The Friday event Noggin will be at the lobby bar in the meet hotel’ lobby starting at 4:30PM. This is early enough for folks to check in, say Hi! and then go off to do whatever, perhaps see the cars at the Hot Rod Rendezvous (5:30PM-9PM) , etc.  FYI, The Hot Rendezvous will be within walking distance of the hotel. The Noggin will end whenever everyone goes away. 

Friday dinner is on your own.  There are a number of good restaurants downtown Lakeland.  Ask the Hotel Front Desk for recommendations if desired. 

Saturday 21 October 2023

Saturday Breakfast:  Hotel

Saturday is the day for the GatorMOG Morgan Car Display alongside of the Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance.  Times for departure from the hotel and for arrival to the show field will be communicated once we know the specifics.  (Less than a mile from the hotel.)  Make sure you have a fire extinguisher for your Morgan, it’s a show requirement.

Saturday Lunch:  The Lake Mirror Classic Concours will provide Lunch to the Morgan Display Participants.  

Saturday Dinner:  GatorMOG will have a group dinner at Frescoes Southern Kitchen and Bar, 132 South Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801 at 6:30PM (Note Time Change – 30 minutes earlier than previously communicated) on Saturday evening.   The Restaurant is 0.5 miles from the Hyatt hotel.  Leave your car at the hotel or take your chances with parking downtown.

Sunday 22 October 2023

Sunday Breakfast:  Hotel

Sunday is reserved for those wishing to participate in the Lake Mirror Classic Road Rally (see below) or depart for home.

This entire weekend is likely to be a car lovers paradise!  So be sure to bring your camera.

On Friday evening 20 October 2023 there is a Hot Rod Rendezvous (5:30PM-9PM) – a show for all Hot Rods – Trucks or Cars or whatever! 

Saturday 21 October 2023 (10AM-3PM) is the Concours d’Elegance (select cars by invitation only) and the Open Car Show (any and all cars are allowed!). 

As in the past, during the Concours d’Elegance, the Lake itself will host classic mahogany boats and Amphicars, etc.  Worth seeing!!   

Sunday 22 October 2023 there is a Road Rally.  I don’t have much information on theRally as yet so watch the Lake Mirror Classic web site (and this web site) for updates.

If you have questions call or email Mark.  See you in Lakeland FL in October!! 

Cheers,

Mark

09 May

2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin

The 2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin will be held 20 – 22 October in Lakeland, Florida

Make sure you have these days marked off on your calendar!  And, if you do find you have conflicts start deconflicting them now!!   Note: We are calling this a GatorMOG event, but really anyone in MOGSouth is more than welcome!

Registration and hotel reservations will be available starting 15 May.

Morgan has been selected as the Special Display Marque for the 2023 Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance.  https://lakemirrorcarshow.com/about-the-lake-mirror-car-show/

Saturday (21 Oct) is the day of the Concours, the day of the Futurliner and the day for the GatorMOG Morgan Car Display. 

Meet Hotel:  The meet hotel is the Hyatt Place Lakeland Center, 525 West Orange Street, Lakeland, Florida, United States, 33815 (Telephone: 863-413-1122)  Hotels in Lakeland FL | Hyatt Place Lakeland Center.  We are using one of the Lake Mirror Classic Hotels as our meet hotel.  A discounted room rate of $169 plus tax has already been negotiated so be sure to use the link below to your reservations.  This rate includes breakfast, parking, Studio Suites, and Wi Fi. 

Reservations: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-place-lakeland-center/tpazl?corp_id=g-lm23 Once on the website, click BOOK NOW, then select your check in and check out dates, click BOOK NOW, then select your room type, and complete the reservation.

Alternatively, you can call (1-877-231-2387) to make your reservations but be sure to ask for the Lake Mirror Classic 2023 rate for October 2023.  However, do make your reservations very soon to get the discounted room rate.  Don’t procrastinate!!  This show weekend is quite popular so rooms will go very fast and rooms in other hotels will likely be more expensive.  You don’t want to end up sleeping on the curb or in your car!!  (Well, I guess it is doable, as I have slept in my Morgan on several occasions, but it is not recommended!!)

Trailer Parking:  The Robert Palmer Funding Center.  Adjacent to the Hyatt. 

Registration for the Show and the Show Placard:  You must register for this show and registration is all online.  Use the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance website  https://lakemirrorclassic.com/ to register. 

The Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance will print a special placard for each car to be placed in front of the cars where they will be displayed and the collection of the data (no more than 450 Characters) for this placard will be gathered during the registration process.  Also, you will be asked for up to 5 photographs of your car.  The Lake Mirror Classic folks with publish an online catalog of cars in the show.  

(Per the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance organizers) Experience the 70th anniversary of this famous Motorama display with the Futurliner on Saturday, October 21 at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance around the beautiful setting of the Lake Mirror Promenade in Lakeland, FL.  There is an important historic element of this General Motors “Parade of Progress.”  Interestingly, the first General Motors Parade of Progress hit the road on Feb. 11, 1936, opening in Lakeland, Florida – yes in Lakeland!

The iconic Futurliner from the GM Parade of Progress will be the centerpiece of a major display at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours & Car Show – October 20-22, 2023.  The iconic Futurliner from the GM Parade of Progress will be the centerpiece of a major display at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours & Car Show – October 20-22, 2023. 

This is one of only two Futurliners restored to their original glory.  Experts from the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana will host tours of the vehicle, answer questions and allow guests inside the Futurliner as well as allow photos and help take pictures for people as they experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

The Futurliner will serve as the centerpiece of a very special display recreating the 1953 GM Motorama. Featuring these very-limited production vehicles:  1953 Cadillac Eldorado, 1953 Buick Skylark, 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta, plus 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.

The 2023 GatorMOG Fall Noggin schedule:

Friday 20 October 2023

Friday evening Noggin – The Friday event Noggin will be at the lobby bar in the meet hotel’ lobby starting at 4:30PM. This is early enough for folks to check in, say Hi! and then go off to do whatever, perhaps see the cars at the Hot Rod Rendezvous (5:30PM-9PM) , et.  FYI, The Hot Rendezvous will be within walking distance of the hotel. The Noggin will end whenever everyone goes away. 

Friday dinner is on your own.  There are a number of good restaurants downtown Lakeland.  Ask the Hotel Front Desk for recommendations if desired. 

Saturday 21 October 2023

Saturday Breakfast:  Hotel

Saturday is the day for the GatorMOG Morgan Car Display alongside of the Lake Mirror Concours d’Elegance.  Times for departure from the hotel and for arrival to the show field will be communicated once we know the specifics.  (Less than a mile from the hotel.)  Make sure you have a fire extinguisher for your Morgan, it’s a show requirement.

Saturday Lunch:  The Lake Mirror Classic Concours will provide Lunch to the Morgan Display Participants.  

Saturday Dinner:  GatorMOG will have a group dinner at Frescoes Southern Kitchen and Bar, 132 South Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801 at 6:30PM (Note Change – 30 minutes earlier than previously communicated) on Saturday evening.  The Restaurant is 0.5 miles from the Hyatt hotel. Leave your car at the hotel or take your chances with parking downtown.

Sunday 22 October 2023

Sunday Breakfast:  Hotel

Sunday is reserved for those wishing to participate in the Lake Mirror Classic Road Rally (see below) or depart for home.

The weekend is likely to be a car lovers paradise!  So be sure to bring your camera.  Also, as is the norm the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance includes a number of unique car activities.  We have tried to deconflict the Morgan events with these Lake Mirror Classic activities so folks can take advantage of whatever tickles their fancy!!   There will be no costs for spectating at any of the Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance events.  That being said, if you can’t get your car on the field, join us anyway and see the displays!!

On Friday evening 20 October 2023 there is a Hot Rod Rendezvous (5:30PM-9PM) – a show for all Hot Rods – Trucks or Cars or whatever! 

Saturday 21 October 2023 (10AM-3PM) is the Concours d’Elegance (select cars by invitation only) and the Open Car Show (any and all cars are allowed!). 

As in the past, during the Concours d’Elegance, Lake Mirror itself will be flush with classic gleaming mahogany boats and Amphicars, etc.  Worth seeing!!   

Sunday 22 October 2023 there is a Road Rally.  I don’t have much information on theRally as yet so watch the Lake Mirror Classic web site for updates.

You will want to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible in order to get the discounted room rate.  Don’t procrastinate!!  This show weekend is quite popular so rooms will go very fast!  You don’t want to end up sleeping on the curb or in your car!!  (Well, I guess it is doable, as I have slept in my Morgan on several occasions, but it is not recommended!!)

If you have question call or email Mark.  See you in Lakeland FL in October!! 

Cheers,

Mark

04 May

MOGSouth Regalia (as of 1 May 2023)

Currently only apparel, branded with the MOGSouth Logo or other related embroidery, is currently available.  There are no longer any car badges, pins or patches available.  Restocking orders are currently being considered.  We will let you know when our stocks have been replenished.

FYI, the on hand stockage levels dwindled with basically no demand in the last year or so.  Investments in these items, given the low level of demand was deemed questionable. However, apparel is still available through our supporting business Fourth Gear LTD.  http://www.fourth-gear-ltd.com/.  Fourth Gear LTD is also available on the MOGSouth web site, http://www.mogsouth.com/ on the SUPPORTERS page.

Fourth Gear LTD has many items, hats, shirts, jackets, etc., all availble for embroidering with the MOGSouth or GatorMOG logos.

Also, any of these apparel items can be embroidered with Morgan related images such as traditional Morgan cars, top up or down, Vintage Morgan Three Wheelers, Stylized Morgan Three Wheelers, etc., and the proprietors at Fourth Gear will even color your images as you desire, just as a note in the field provided on the online order form.

All the Morgan related images and the MOGSouth / GatorMOG logos have been digitized by the club and are now available for you to adorn your chosen apparel item.  Simply follow the ordering process at the Fourth Gear LTD online store.  (And if you want a specific color, put a comment in the order’s note field!)