British open topped 'classic'

[LimaDelta]

Classic in inverted commas, as the modern versions are largely unchanged from the originals. Both offer unique (but different, I imagine) driving experiences, good residuals, and inoffensive styling. Not that keen on a high powered 7, I'm thinking a more useable road variant for longer drives rather than track days.

Which would you choose? Would anyone who has owned both care to comment on their experience?

[tomsugden]

Having been in a mate's Caterham I wouldn't want to travel further than a couple of miles in it at any kind of speed. I was picking flies out of my teeth and I needed some goggles.

[85Carrera]

Not driven a Morgan but wouldn’t choose a Caterham if you want it for long drives on the road.

Have you considered other, older classics? A decent TR6 for example would be cheaper and probably better than either.

[LimaDelta]

Surprised at the 'long drive' comments. I'm not talking about slogging up and down the motorway, but plenty of people tour in a 7.

Not that interested in older classics like the TR6 to be honest. The only ones which have ever appealed are way out of budget these days.

[mat205125]

From the usage that you describe, I'd go for the Morgan.

Why not also consider a Chimera (or other TVR) too?

[blue_haddock]

85Carrera said:

Not driven a Morgan but wouldn’t choose a Caterham if you want it for long drives on the road.

Have you considered other, older classics? A decent TR6 for example would be cheaper and probably better than either.

The morgan would be much better for touring than a caterham but i'd also suggest maybe a Stag as an alternative.

[LimaDelta]

^^^ Nope, not interested in TVRs or Stags. Nothing with a boot.

[Bobupndown]

MGRV8?

[LimaDelta]

Thanks to all those helpfully offering alternatives, however, I have pretty much narrowed it down to these two options.

[blue_haddock]

LimaDelta said:

Thanks to all those helpfully offering alternatives, however, I have pretty much narrowed it down to these two options.

In that case then the Morgan then

[simonas2702]

Having driven both and own a Chimaera I'd say don't buy either buy a TVR Chimaera HA HA

[85Carrera]

simonas2702 said:

Having driven both and own a Chimaera I'd say don't buy either buy a TVR Chimaera HA HA

Or a Griff if you want less luggage space

[HustleRussell]

For me, Lotus or Caterham 7 all the way (Biased as Morgans have never appealed to me)

185/70 tyres, spax dampers, Leather S3 seats... Perfectly comfortable with a windscreen and doors fitted

De dion rear suspension for ultimate comfort

Preferably with sidedraft carburettors... Maybe an S3 with a tuned up Ford crossflow, or a Vauxhall 16v. Clamshell wings if you like ‘em. Maybe an S4 Lotus. Maybe even with a Lotus twin cam.

ETA: but like my first one (until I converted it into a race car)

Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 7th June 13:05

Edited by HustleRussell on Wednesday 7th June 13:05

[HustleRussell]

Morgans are for polishers

[HustleRussell]

Early Ginetta?
Fisher Fury?

[clockworks]

Having built and owned an early Westfield 30+ years ago, I have to say I enjoyed the building far more than the driving.

It was great fun on local drives on good roads, but hard work on anything longer. I did a 2 hour, 100 mile drive once. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

If you want something fast and uncomfortable, with zero creature comforts or weather protection, just do it properly and get a motorbike.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'm not old enough yet for a Morgan, so I'd go in the direction of the Caterham.

[smn159]

The obvious answer is to drive both and see which one you prefer.

Caterham all day for me though

[georgeyboy12345]

I guess one of the wide chassis Roadsport Caterhams with a windscreen could be a viable option. Luggage space and weather protection could be an issue, but also with the Morgan too.

[LimaDelta]

smn159 said:

The obvious answer is to drive both and see which one you prefer.

Caterham all day for me though

There are a few Caterham hire places, on road and track, but no Morgan ones AFAIK.