To commemorate its 70 years of continuous production, Morgan has unveiled a specially prepared "70th Anniversary" model
run of just 142 vehicles, 2 for every year of its life.
The limited edition sports car is "individually marked with the year it honours, and finished in period style," says Morgan, which is a very interesting way of going about a limited run. This means that only 2 vehicles out of the 142 total will be the same, and no doubt many of the 2 chosen per honoured year will feature different colours and options. That's exclusivity.
Other specification changes, such as trim details and hood styles, will be factored in, while the car's classic fold flat windscreen, vintage dashboard, sheep skin bonnet strap and drilled steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, will be included on all models.
Yes, the new cars are still "built to the same tradition as the 1930s," according to Morgan, which means that an ash frame continues to be covered in aluminum panels, as previously mentioned, all sitting on a rigid steel chassis, now galvanized, of course.
It's more robust than it sounds, being fully tested to meet all regulated crash standards, while its engine, available in Ford's Focus the world over, meets stringent emission standards in all countries.
"We are really proud to celebrate this anniversary," commented Charles Morgan,
founder Henry Morgan's grandson and Morgan Motor Company director. "We have made nearly 10,000 4/4s over the years. The fact that we have kept the essence and character of the car, whilst keeping the functionality and safety totally current is a testament to the original design, and the skills and ingenuity of our engineers at the factory in Malvern."
And what will one of these 142 70th Anniversary 4/4's cost? Not much at £27,950 (the equivalent of $57,000 CAD; $49,000 USD) including VAT (British sales tax), especially considering their handmade exclusivity. There's only one problem, the only two countries the special edition Morgan is not available in are the U.S. and Canada. Why? It seems that, despite integrating a run-of-the-mill Ford Focus powerplant, it still can't be federalized here. Crash tests? No doubt, this is the problem.
According to a company spokesman, however, the brand's racy new Aero 8 can be purchased in North America, plus a few remaining 3.0 Roadsters can be had from U.S. dealers. "Once they're gone," said Matthew Parkin, Morgan PR, "that's it on the classic car front for a while."
For those lucky enough to own a winter cottage in Cannes or beach house on the Yucatan, production of the 70th Anniversary 4/4 started in late January and will continue through to November, so go to www.morgan-motor.co.uk and get in line.
Specifications (not available in Canada):
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| The limited edition sports car is "individually marked with the year it honours, and finished in period style," says Morgan. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company) |
The limited edition sports car is "individually marked with the year it honours, and finished in period style," says Morgan, which is a very interesting way of going about a limited run. This means that only 2 vehicles out of the 142 total will be the same, and no doubt many of the 2 chosen per honoured year will feature different colours and options. That's exclusivity.
Other specification changes, such as trim details and hood styles, will be factored in, while the car's classic fold flat windscreen, vintage dashboard, sheep skin bonnet strap and drilled steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, will be included on all models.
Yes, the new cars are still "built to the same tradition as the 1930s," according to Morgan, which means that an ash frame continues to be covered in aluminum panels, as previously mentioned, all sitting on a rigid steel chassis, now galvanized, of course.
It's more robust than it sounds, being fully tested to meet all regulated crash standards, while its engine, available in Ford's Focus the world over, meets stringent emission standards in all countries.
"We are really proud to celebrate this anniversary," commented Charles Morgan,
 |
| The only two countries the special edition Morgan is not available in are the U.S. and Canada. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company) |
And what will one of these 142 70th Anniversary 4/4's cost? Not much at £27,950 (the equivalent of $57,000 CAD; $49,000 USD) including VAT (British sales tax), especially considering their handmade exclusivity. There's only one problem, the only two countries the special edition Morgan is not available in are the U.S. and Canada. Why? It seems that, despite integrating a run-of-the-mill Ford Focus powerplant, it still can't be federalized here. Crash tests? No doubt, this is the problem.
According to a company spokesman, however, the brand's racy new Aero 8 can be purchased in North America, plus a few remaining 3.0 Roadsters can be had from U.S. dealers. "Once they're gone," said Matthew Parkin, Morgan PR, "that's it on the classic car front for a while."
For those lucky enough to own a winter cottage in Cannes or beach house on the Yucatan, production of the 70th Anniversary 4/4 started in late January and will continue through to November, so go to www.morgan-motor.co.uk and get in line.
Specifications (not available in Canada):
- Price Range (MSRP): £27,950 (equivalent of $57,000 CAD; $49,000 USD)
- Body Type: 2-door roadster
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine: 125-hp, 1.8L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc
- Web Site: www.morgan-motor.co.uk
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