insideKENT Magazine Issue 28 - July 2014 | Page 136
MOTORS
Brands Hatch Morgans
You’ve most likely seen one cruising down the road, and probably heard someone say, “Check out
that car!” Morgans are definitely head-turners, and for good reason; their great looks, performance
and craftsmanship make these cars stand out from the crowd. If you want to know more about
these incredible autos, Brands Hatch Morgans’ has answered some of your most common questions,
and if you’re thinking about buying a Morgan, they’re here to help you every step of the way.
Are Morgans still handmade?
Since 1909, Morgans have been fabricated by
hand in Malvern Link in Worcestershire. They
continue to be built to the same high standards
by craftsmen in the same factory as they have
been since 1914.
What is so enjoyable about owning/driving
a Morgan?
A Morgan is a fabulous blend of nostalgia (looks
like it did in the 1930s) and modernity (materials,
its engine, gearbox, running gear and associated
technology). It provides a pleasurable, reliable,
comfortable alternative to a ‘classic’ built 40 or
so years ago. The drive is positive and engaging
and the reaction from others (road users, passers
by, children, teenagers and those mature enough
to remember Morgans in the early days) is always
one of appreciation.
What are the common myths about Morgans?
There are two:
1) They have a wooden chassis.
Morgans have traditionally been built on a steel
chassis. The body frame is wood – made of
ash (for its flexibility and lightness) and the
body panels today are all aluminium. The aero
range chassis is a bonded aluminium creation
but again Morgan builds a wooden frame
around the tub on which the aluminium body
panels are located.
2) That one must wait 10 years to own one.
During the past 105 years there has been,
from time to time, a long waiting list from
placing an order to taking delivery. Today the
time scale is closer to 6 months but certainly,
for all models, we would quote a delivery date
in months and not years!
fully comprehensively insured for unlimited UK
miles. If someone is contemplating buying a
Morgan it is a good way to get properly introduced
to the marque.
Are Morgans expensive?
A new Morgan (both the 3-wheeled and 1600cc
Ford engined 4-wheeled car) costs just a little
more than £30,000. Prices increase with engine
size up to the 4.8 BMW engined supercar the
Aero Supersport.
Is there a typical Morgan owner?
One of the pleasures of working with Morgan
owners is the variety of different people with
interesting backgrounds that you meet. Typically
they are social, good humoured people who
enjoy meeting up to discuss all things – not just
their beautiful cars! Twenty years ago one would
have said that a Morgan owner was a mature
male but today there are many young couples
who enjoy ownership, there has been an increase
in lady owners and the re-introduction of the 3wheeler has encouraged many young men to
join the marque.
Used Morgans can be obtained from £14,000
to £18,000 depending on age and condition.
One of the wonderful things about a used Morgan
is that it holds its value well and, for almost every
example of used Morgan that we sell, they remain
worth what was paid for them, until they
appreciate. Many a client in the past three years
of non-existent bank interest have invested in a
Morgan taking the view that they will ‘enjoy the
money in motoring form’ on the basis that they
can ‘get their money back’ at any time they
choose.
It is also worth mentioning that they are
comparatively cheap to insure, often on a 'classic'
insurance policy; and inexpensive to run with
good fuel economy due to their light weight.
Can I hire a Morgan?
Yes. We have a 2014 Morgan 4/4 here at the
garage which is available for hire throughout the
year. It costs £300 for a 2-day period – that is
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Brands Hatch Morgans
Borough Green Garage
45 Maidstone Road
Borough Green
TN15 8HA
01732 882017
www.morgan-cars.com
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