The Morgan factory in 1998 (& the Plus 8 I ordered in 1993)
Discussion
I originally posted this in the Morgan section but thought some of you here might be interested as well:
As a long time British sports car enthusiast, one of the cars I was always determined to own was a Morgan 2 seater sports. So, in 1993, I placed a deposit with McDonald racing in Durham (£250 if I recall correctly) and began the 5 year wait as it was at the time.
Fast forward to 1998 and my name had begun to approach the top of the list. I'd actually been offered a car after I'd only been waiting about 2 years but it was a Plus 4 to someone elses spec and colour and I remember thinking I'd prefer to wait and get exactly what I wanted. As part of the final ordering process customers were encouraged to contact the Morgan factory at Malvern Link and arrange to go down to see various cars, drive a demo or two and generally get the idea of what final spec you'd like. So, around Spring of 1998, that's what I did and whilst there, I took some photographs which I thought I'd share. Apologies in advance for the quality of the photos, I only had a 35mm at the time so these have been scanned and uploaded.
Bodywork under construction:
Partially finished Plus 8:
Same Plus 8 from the rear with a machine used to roll the metal used to make bonnets seen behind:
New engines awaiting installation:
An 18'' centre lock alloy wheel (part of my final spec) on a plus 8 with a leather reclining seat in front of the car:
A freshly painted Plus 8 just wheeled out of the paint booth:
Peter Morgan's car MMC11:
Interior shot of a RHD Plus 8 with the recently available Passenger airbag fitted. IIRC this was a horrendously expensive option at the time (£1000?):
The works demonstrator 4.6litre Plus 8 just before I took it for a test drive:
Almost complete new cars undergoing final detailing:
When I went visitors could wander freely around the factory, photograph cars being made and chat to the staff. I met Charles Morgan on the day and he seemed pleased to chat to me for a few minutes about the cars and pointed out a couple of useful options to consider. So armed with all this info I went home and drew up my final spec which was a 3.9 litre plus 8, brg with red leather and red wing piping, walnut dash, 18'' centre lock alloys, mohair hood and tonneau (much nicer than the std plastic), clock, maplight and a few other things I can't remember. The car arrived that August and what a beauty she was (see below) I had to sell her after a couple of years to pay for a house move but I will always regret selling this one. Never mind though, I'm happy with what I've got now
As a long time British sports car enthusiast, one of the cars I was always determined to own was a Morgan 2 seater sports. So, in 1993, I placed a deposit with McDonald racing in Durham (£250 if I recall correctly) and began the 5 year wait as it was at the time.
Fast forward to 1998 and my name had begun to approach the top of the list. I'd actually been offered a car after I'd only been waiting about 2 years but it was a Plus 4 to someone elses spec and colour and I remember thinking I'd prefer to wait and get exactly what I wanted. As part of the final ordering process customers were encouraged to contact the Morgan factory at Malvern Link and arrange to go down to see various cars, drive a demo or two and generally get the idea of what final spec you'd like. So, around Spring of 1998, that's what I did and whilst there, I took some photographs which I thought I'd share. Apologies in advance for the quality of the photos, I only had a 35mm at the time so these have been scanned and uploaded.
Bodywork under construction:
Partially finished Plus 8:
Same Plus 8 from the rear with a machine used to roll the metal used to make bonnets seen behind:
New engines awaiting installation:
An 18'' centre lock alloy wheel (part of my final spec) on a plus 8 with a leather reclining seat in front of the car:
A freshly painted Plus 8 just wheeled out of the paint booth:
Peter Morgan's car MMC11:
Interior shot of a RHD Plus 8 with the recently available Passenger airbag fitted. IIRC this was a horrendously expensive option at the time (£1000?):
The works demonstrator 4.6litre Plus 8 just before I took it for a test drive:
Almost complete new cars undergoing final detailing:
When I went visitors could wander freely around the factory, photograph cars being made and chat to the staff. I met Charles Morgan on the day and he seemed pleased to chat to me for a few minutes about the cars and pointed out a couple of useful options to consider. So armed with all this info I went home and drew up my final spec which was a 3.9 litre plus 8, brg with red leather and red wing piping, walnut dash, 18'' centre lock alloys, mohair hood and tonneau (much nicer than the std plastic), clock, maplight and a few other things I can't remember. The car arrived that August and what a beauty she was (see below) I had to sell her after a couple of years to pay for a house move but I will always regret selling this one. Never mind though, I'm happy with what I've got now
Edited by 2slo on Wednesday 27th July 11:03
I was about to start a post on Jay Leno testing a 3 wheeler, then I saw your pics. Great post, great pics 
http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/video-road-test-...
http://uk.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/video-road-test-...
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