Legend on the Wooden Ridge: Morgan history

Morgan Motor Company was founded in 1909 by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan in the town of Malvern, England. Initially, Morgan worked as a railway engineer, but his ambition to create his own car led him to develop his first three-wheeled vehicle. In 1909, he introduced the Runabout model, which became popular among car enthusiasts due to its lightweight construction and advanced independent suspension.

In the 1910s, Morgan began producing sporty three-wheelers, which quickly gained popularity for their dynamic performance and low ownership costs. His cars participated in races and demonstrated excellent results. By the 1930s, the company had established its reputation as a manufacturer of light and fast vehicles.

In 1936, Morgan launched its first four-wheeled car, the 4/4 model, marking the beginning of a new era for the company. In the post-war years, the manufacturer continued developing classic sports cars, releasing models such as the Plus 4 and Plus 8. The commitment to traditional production methods and the preservation of handcrafted assembly made Morgan cars unique in the market.

Over time, the company faced challenges related to modern environmental standards and changes in the automotive industry. However, Morgan managed to adapt, introducing new technologies without losing its classic aesthetic. In 2019, the company presented the Plus Six with an aluminum chassis and a modern engine, while also beginning the development of electric models.

Today, Morgan remains one of the last independent British car manufacturers, continuing to build vehicles by hand, blending classic style with modern technology.

Some really interesting facts about Morgan:

Wooden Frame – Yes, even modern Morgan cars still use an ash wood frame. This isn’t just a tradition but a key part of their unique construction, making them both lightweight and strong.
The Three-Wheeled Revolution – In the 1910s, Morgan produced three-wheelers that avoided high UK taxes on four-wheeled cars. They were so fast that they outperformed many conventional cars of the time.
Racing is in Their Blood – As early as 1913, Morgan cars competed at the famous Brooklands track, gaining recognition for their victories. Their lightweight three-wheelers could challenge much more powerful vehicles.
The Secret to Longevity – Morgan builds cars by hand, and each unit takes months to complete. Because of this, many owners wait years for their cars, and the second-hand market often has higher prices than new models.
The World’s Longest-Running Production Car – The Morgan 4/4, introduced in 1936, remained in production for a record 83 years, making it the longest-produced model in automotive history!
A Hollywood Star – Morgan cars have appeared in several films. For example, the Spectre (2015) James Bond movie featured a Morgan 3 Wheeler.
Ironclad Testing – In the 1950s, company head Peter Morgan revealed that the main method of testing their chassis was simply dropping it from a great height. If it didn’t break, it was good to go!
Prince Charles is a Fan – The future King of the United Kingdom has been a proud Morgan owner and even visited the factory in Malvern.
The Electric Three-Wheeler – In 2016, Morgan introduced the EV3, an electric version of its iconic three-wheeler. It weighed just 500 kg and had a range of 240 km!
The Legendary Plus 8 – One of Morgan’s most famous models, the Plus 8 combined classic British styling with a powerful V8 from Rover and later BMW. It was so light that it could outrun many modern sports cars.

The most interesting Morgan cars you should know about:

1. Morgan 3 Wheeler (1910, 2011, 2022)

The legendary three-wheeler that started it all. Initially, it was a small, lightweight sports car that avoided taxes due to its missing fourth wheel. In 2011, Morgan revived the model with a V-twin engine, and in 2022, they introduced the modern Super 3, keeping its authentic style alive.

2. Morgan 4/4 (1936-2019)

Morgan’s first four-wheeled car and a record-holder for the longest production run – 83 years! Lightweight, classic, and always true to its roots, with minimal design changes over the decades.

3. Morgan Plus 8 (1968-2004, 2012-2018)

One of the fastest Morgans, powered by a Rover V8 and later a BMW 4.8 V8. Weighing around 1 ton, it could outrun many modern sports cars. In 2018, the Plus 8 50th Anniversary Edition marked the end of its production.

4. Morgan Aero 8 (2000-2018)

The first Morgan with an aluminum chassis and one of the most unusual designs, featuring “cross-eyed” headlights and flowing curves. Equipped with a BMW V8, this sports car blended classic styling with modern performance.

5. Morgan EV3 (2016, concept)

A futuristic electric version of the 3 Wheeler. Weighing only 500 kg, it looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. Unfortunately, the model never made it into production.

6. Morgan Plus Six (2019 – present)

A modern Morgan that retains the classic look but features a new aluminum chassis and a 3.0-liter BMW B58 inline-six (the same engine as the Toyota Supra). It’s lightweight, powerful, and perfect for those who love classic styling with a modern twist.

7. Morgan SuperSports (2020 – present)

A modern take on the classic Morgan, featuring a sleek design, advanced technology, and powerful performance. It combines the brand’s heritage with a lightweight construction, delivering an exciting driving experience. Handcrafted in England with custom options available.

Brief history of Morgan’s sports achievements:

24 Hours of Le Mans – One of the brand’s most famous achievements was its participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1938, the Morgan 4/4 competed in the small-production car class, gaining attention for its speed and reliability. This was one of the brand’s first attempts at such prestigious competitions.
Vintage Races and Festivals – After World War II, Morgan actively participated in various vintage races and festivals, such as the Goodwood Revival. Here, the company showed that older models could still be fast and efficient while maintaining their classic style.
Sporting Versions of Models – Morgan Plus 4 and Morgan 3 Wheeler took part in various sports events, winning awards and setting records in their classes. They showed excellent results in races, combining traditional British style with sporty durability.

Thanks to these achievements, Morgan became an important player in the sports arena, while maintaining its reputation as a brand of classic cars.

Conclusion:

Morgan‘s journey in motorsport is a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy of craftsmanship, performance, and innovation. From early participation in iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans to success in vintage racing events, Morgan has proven that classic design can still compete on the modern track. With a combination of traditional British engineering and a passion for motorsport, Morgan continues to stand out as a symbol of both heritage and performance.