Charles Morgan

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Discussion

Boshly

2,776 posts

236 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
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cardigankid said:
The idea that there is a family squabble going on (and it can only in the end be about money) would absolutely put me off purchasing, at least until it is clearly resolved, and someone who is talented, committed, and responsible, is in charge. It would be better if that is a family member, because of the tradition, but not necessarily. They need to get to that point asap.



Edited by cardigankid on Sunday 8th December 22:14
There is no "family squabble" it would appear CM exceeded his authority on more than one occasion. He was 'reminded' of his role when Steve Morris was appointed MD and continued to do so. He was dealt with like any other employee/Director. The rest of the family appear united.

There IS now someone talented, committed and responsible in charge. He has been with the company a while now. There are family members on the board and they still own 100% of the shares (inc CM).

Your concerns appear unfounded in this respect.

cardigankid

8,849 posts

212 months

Wednesday 11th December 2013
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Pleased to hear it. What's all the steam about on this thread though?

mph

2,332 posts

282 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
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cardigankid said:
Pleased to hear it. What's all the steam about on this thread though?
Understandable I suppose. The grandson of the founder is removed and unfortunately the board issue rather an inept initial statement announcing it.

Charles's family and supporters then crank up their own PR machine and we're in business.

I think Boshly's post reflects the actual situation and the signs that Morgan are moving forward are already appearing smile

As for the steam on this thread - well it is PH after all. The homeland for wild and uninformed speculation that we all love to indulge in wink






Boshly

2,776 posts

236 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
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mph said:
cardigankid said:
Pleased to hear it. What's all the steam about on this thread though?
Understandable I suppose. The grandson of the founder is removed and unfortunately the board issue rather an inept initial statement announcing it.

Charles's family and supporters then crank up their own PR machine and we're in business.

I think Boshly's post reflects the actual situation and the signs that Morgan are moving forward are already appearing smile

As for the steam on this thread - well it is PH after all. The homeland for wild and uninformed speculation that we all love to indulge in wink
Pretty well covers it smile

That and the fact that a certain person with an anti MMC agenda (and numerous PH logins) chose to wade in with holier than though views. Over on TM he was caught with his multiple logins (confirmed by IP address) agreeing with himself and backing his argument up laugh

Gaspode

4,167 posts

196 months

Thursday 12th December 2013
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Boshly said:
Over on TM he was caught with his multiple logins (confirmed by IP address) agreeing with himself and backing his argument up laugh
That really tickled me, knowing the individual concerned and his somewhat inflated idea of his own capabilities...

Jon39

12,826 posts

143 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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cardigankid said:
I want a car which handles predictably ...

I want a car which feels fast, whether or not it is.

I want a car which is safe, i.e. is not wilfully and unnecessarily dangerous to its occupants.
I think we have met before on the AM forum, although cannot remember if you are an owner.

I do hope the Morgan company continues to thrive. Perhaps the absence of the third generation figurehead, will not lose too many sales.

Having only driven a Morgan 'classic' from the factory for one day, I am no expert, but it did give me an impression about three of your points.

Handling - on bumpy roads the Morgan did made me feel quite anxious at times.
I know an AM is in a different league, but so are all modern cars, when going over bumpy surfaces.

Feels fast - it certainly does. When checking the speedo for speed limits, I was usually going slower than I thought.

Safe - clearly it does not match the standards that we have become used to regarding, airbags, no sharp edges, crumple structures etc.

Great fun though.


sawman

4,919 posts

230 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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Jon39 said:
cardigankid said:
I want a car which handles predictably ...

I want a car which feels fast, whether or not it is.

I want a car which is safe, i.e. is not wilfully and unnecessarily dangerous to its occupants.
I think we have met before on the AM forum, although cannot remember if you are an owner.

I do hope the Morgan company continues to thrive. Perhaps the absence of the third generation figurehead, will not lose too many sales.

Having only driven a Morgan 'classic' from the factory for one day, I am no expert, but it did give me an impression about three of your points.

Handling - on bumpy roads the Morgan did made me feel quite anxious at times.
I know an AM is in a different league, but so are all modern cars, when going over bumpy surfaces.

Feels fast - it certainly does. When checking the speedo for speed limits, I was usually going slower than I thought.

Safe - clearly it does not match the standards that we have become used to regarding, airbags, no sharp edges, crumple structures etc.

Great fun though.

I think he might struggle on the not letting water in aspect too. morgan have been making 4/4's since 1936 and havent managed to make it watertight yet, so I can see that happening any time soon, although tbh, its part of the character, its surprising how quickly you get used to driving with a towel to hand! - its ok when it snows though, as that doesnt seem to get in!

Gaspode

4,167 posts

196 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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Jon39 said:
Safe - clearly it does not match the standards that we have become used to regarding, airbags, no sharp edges, crumple structures etc.

It must be noted that ash framing gives a truly excellent crash absorption capability. Morgans are renowned to be extremely safe cars in which to crash. They don't have any problems passing deformation crash tests, neither are they known to roll easily. Admittedly the external shape causes some issues with pedestrian safety - which is why the wing-top sidelights are now an accessory rather than a standard fitment.

After 13 years with mine, not once have I ever felt physically vulnerable in it, whereas my modern tiptop with its side airbags, curtain systems, and NCAP 5 rating, often gets me looking carefully simply because in the huge blind spots caused by the basic A, B and C pillars.

cardigankid

8,849 posts

212 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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Yes I spend quite a bit of time on the AM forum, but I am a general purpose car enthusiast! I have never owned a Morgan, but have a notion to try one once my present automotive investments are all paid for.

On the danger aspect, I am not seeking to start on elfin safety or be a wuss. I have however driven cars, some extensively modified, in which it would be instantly fatal to have a crash. I was hoping that Morgan have addressed this sensibly, and it seems they have. I would not suggest that they go for 5-star ENCAP.


Jon39

12,826 posts

143 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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Gaspode said:
... often gets me looking carefully, simply because in the huge blind spots caused by the basic A, B and C pillars.
Good point. They may have gradually made us safer in cars, but perhaps we have not seen the collision vehicle.

Certainly an advantage of an open car, but I am slightly reassured when I see the small visible parts of the factory installed roll-over bar, in my coupe.



Edited by Jon39 on Friday 13th December 18:28

Jon39

12,826 posts

143 months

Friday 13th December 2013
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cardigankid said:
Yes I spend quite a bit of time on the AM forum, but I am a general purpose car enthusiast! I have never owned a Morgan, but have a notion to try one once my present automotive investments are all paid for.
Investments eh? You must be very skilled when choosing your purchases. smile

I see that it is a long trip for you, but perhaps when the sunny spring weather arrives, have a Morgan factory tour and rent one of their cars for a day. You will have a great time.

Access to the factory in Malvern Link can easily be arranged, unlike Gaydon.


cardigankid

8,849 posts

212 months

Saturday 14th December 2013
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Their value may fall as well as rise, but the fun makes up for that!

Speedraser

1,656 posts

183 months

Saturday 14th December 2013
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sawman said:
I think he might struggle on the not letting water in aspect too. morgan have been making 4/4's since 1936 and havent managed to make it watertight yet, so I can see that happening any time soon, although tbh, its part of the character, its surprising how quickly you get used to driving with a towel to hand! - its ok when it snows though, as that doesnt seem to get in!
I owned a '71 Plus 8 for 22 years, and miss it dearly. A Morgan is an absolutely full-on adventure. Many things that would be completely unacceptable in anything else are all part of the experience. It's unique, and certainly not for everyone, but if you like the kind of adventure a Morgan provides, nothing else can match it.

cardigankid

8,849 posts

212 months

Friday 7th March 2014
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Jon39 said:
cardigankid said:
Yes I spend quite a bit of time on the AM forum, but I am a general purpose car enthusiast! I have never owned a Morgan, but have a notion to try one once my present automotive investments are all paid for.
Investments eh? You must be very skilled when choosing your purchases. smile
Yes. I may not be rich, but I certainly feel pretty good.

TOV!E

2,016 posts

234 months

Tuesday 15th July 2014
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cardigankid said:
Yes. I may not be rich, but I certainly feel pretty good.
Investments, you must have brought some Tvr,s then.....

Wacky Racer

38,160 posts

247 months

Monday 17th November 2014
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Any updates on the Charles Morgan situation?

What's he up to?

Sorry, I've been a bit out of touch with recent developments.......just curious......

Wacky Racer

38,160 posts

247 months

Sunday 11th January 2015
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Wacky Racer said:
Any updates on the Charles Morgan situation?

What's he up to?

Sorry, I've been a bit out of touch with recent developments.......just curious......
Bump...anyone?