Saturday 24th August 2019

Morgan Plus 6 | Pic of the Week

Well, it had to be didn't it...

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In its new Plus Six, Morgan seeks to remind us of everything which makes the venerable manufacturer's products such enjoyable machines to drive. To do this it's had to plant one foot firmly in the 21st century, leaving behind a few of its more traditional aspects and, in the process, shedding a number of the traits which previously were prone to making its products such frustrating machines to drive.

The hand-crafted ash frame, manual cloth roof and beautiful vintage styling all remain; but are now joined by a newly-developed aluminium chassis, 3.0-litre straight-six engine and auto-only transmission. It's much of what we've come to know and love about Morgan, the coachbuilt quality, timeless feel and evocative experience, only now with responsive steering, improved body control and legroom in the cabin.

And genuine pace, too. It may not be the traditional V8, but the 335hp of that BMW six-pot is enough to propel the 1,075kg Plus Six to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 166mph. What's more, thanks to the car's concessions to progress in other areas, that performance is largely accessible on road; Morgan hasn't suddenly become Caterham overnight, but it can now claim to offer a driving experience at least equal to the one its cars aesthetics suggest.

And what aesthetics they are. With its swooping lines, flared fenders and upright stance the Plus Six retains so much of that Morgan magic, whilst successfully integrating subtle modern touches like multi-spoke alloy wheels, digital dash and LED lights. It's a true work of automotive art, one more than deserving of recognition as our Pic of the Week.

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[FlukePlay]

I've never quite understood the hand crafted ash frame, surely they need to progress from that or at least use modern material as an option? How un-eco friendly

[Turbobanana]

Excellent. A Morgan in the middle of some future chassis.

[Roy Cropper]

I’ve had 3 FTypes including my present SVR. Never in a million years would I consider buying a Morgan as a comparison. Just different animals. Like one of each but I would prefer to get an old real MG TD if I’m looking for a retro.

[carinaman]

Having the hard top on helps hide the seats that look out of place.

[Fat Wolfie]

FlukePlay said:

I've never quite understood the hand crafted ash frame, surely they need to progress from that or at least use modern material as an option? How un-eco friendly

Not sure why you see the ash frame as eco unfriendly. It literally grows on trees, I think from Lincoln, where there is a replanting cycle to ensure an ongoing supply.

Morgan make around 750 cars a year of all models, so not really much wood used.

Not the same as mass deforestation to satisfy demand for palm oils, cheap meat for burgers etc, which I entirely agree is not a good thing...