Morgan Midsummer spawns dramatic Coupe
On paper, a Midsummer with more power and a new roof - but there's more to it than that...
What with it being actual Midsummer today, we probably should have seen this coming. Two years after the Morgan-Pininfarina collaboration was shown to the world (and just a few weeks since production was completed), there’s now this: the Morgan Midsummer Coupe, a ‘defining chapter in Morgan’s coachbuilding evolution.’ After this prototype, or ‘artists’ proof’ as it’s being called in Pickersleigh Road, there will be just nine Coupes made. Remember there were 50 Midsummers built, so this will be an exceptionally rare Morgan. It’s the same number of units reserved for the old Plus 8 GTR, and comparable to the eight-car CX-T.
And while a Midsummer for all year around is perhaps unexpected, we have been here before to some extent with Morgan. Remember models like the old AeroMax and Aero Supersports, dramatic hardtop variants of the traditionally open Aero architecture. The link from those cars to this, with long swooping bonnets, incredible rear split screens and distinctive rumps, is plain to see.
But as is the way with modern Morgans, there’s more to the Midsummer Coupe than meets the eye. Because since the introduction of the Midsummer, the Supersport has arrived, inspired by the look of the Pininfarina collab and often seen with its hardtop affixed. So the nine-unit special edition couldn’t mimic the series production Morgan too far, given the price premium that’ll be attached. Hence the bespoke roof, glazing and body. ‘Creating a distinct fixed-head identity’, reads the press release, ‘enabled Morgan’s designers to explore new proportions and develop a more resolved interpretation of the Midsummer theme, with greater visual tension and a stronger sense of purpose.’
You’re not going to miss it, that’s for sure, the Midsummer Coupe channelling a kind of art deco hot rod vibe with the proportions, glass and details. Note as well how the central stainless spine through the glass is continued inside. The roof is bonded directly to the structure (instead of using seals), so the glass contributes to rigidity, and actually weighs just 2.5 per cent more than a Supersport hardtop. Just don’t park it under any chestnut trees.
The ‘demanding new engineering and construction solutions’ introduced for the Midsummer include billet-machined aluminium A-pillars, bonded structural glazing for the glass and a new drop window solution instead of the detachable sidescreens. ‘The result is a car in which architecture, aesthetics and function are inseparable’, says Morgan. And probably Autoglass won’t be doing any of the repairs; this really is an extraordinary bit of glazing
Inside, the teak theme established with the Midsummer speedster is carried over to the Coupe, but there’s more to be distracted by than the wood. Note, for example, the window switches that are in the roof structure, the new aluminium gearlever from the Superport 400 (you can bet it’s not a £1,700 option here) and a rear view mirror on a solid aluminium rail. The Supersport 400 influence extends beyond the cabin too, with the new Coupe making use of the more potent straight-six turbo.
While bespoke commissioning is really the name of the game here, it’s hardly like the Midsummer is going to be shabby to drive given what we know about the latest CXV machines. The beautiful new wheels here are forged 19s, described as ‘Morgan’s most intricate wheel design to date.’ As if parking wasn’t going to be stressful enough with the roof…
All nine Coupes are spoken for, the lucky few working closely with Morgan to create what’s being called ‘nine completely individual interpretations of the same vision.’ Chief Design Officer Jon Wells added: “Midsummer Coupé represents the culmination of an extraordinary creative journey. What began as a celebration of coachbuilding, craftsmanship and collaboration has evolved into one of the most ambitious and rewarding projects we’ve ever undertaken.”
There’s more where this came from, too, Wells suggesting that this Coupe “opens the door to a future defined by exceptional commissions, meaningful collaborations and some of the most ambitious projects in our history.” Bring on that Zagato-bodied Super 3.
In the face of another never-heard-of-it-before 1000bhp chinease EV, or some hideous 3 tonne squeeze-every-last-concievable-varient-from-the-platfom BMW, It warms the cockles to see a small corner of the Automotive market here doing its own wonderful thing: Morgan, the mcmurtry, Ariels bonkers creations etc etc
MY WORD!!!!!!! That is gorgeous. As someone said above a bit Bugatti Atlantique (also a bit Cruella De Vile) what a stunner.
Ferrari should take note. This is what you get when the cars are designed by Pininifarina!
On. final note, now I've past 50, does this mean I'm now the target audience for Morgan? Or are their cars just getting better and better?
ks sake!Why only nine? Why on earth can't this be a series production but still 'halo' car at £250k or whatever. There's nothing anyone else is making like it, and surely it'd sell sufficient numbers?
A beautiful thing no doubt. The Plus 4 must be due a refresh now to sit between the Super 3 and the Supersports as slightly more mainstream.
ks sake!Why only nine? Why on earth can't this be a series production but still 'halo' car at £250k or whatever. There's nothing anyone else is making like it, and surely it'd sell sufficient numbers?
A beautiful thing no doubt. The Plus 4 must be due a refresh now to sit between the Super 3 and the Supersports as slightly more mainstream.
Perhaps some small productionisation tweaks (although it's hardly like that applies to Morgan!), but as a series car I'd guess it could be sold profitably for much less.
More effort for perhaps the same profit though.
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