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 136 Brands Hatch Morgans Borough Green Garage 45 Maidstone Road Borough Green TN15 8HA 01732 882017 www.morgan-cars.com @BHMTweet search for Brands Hatch Morgans