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A MODERN CLASSIC
The all new Morgan Plus Four combines seven decades of style underpinned with thoroughly modern technology – but does it retain its timeless touch?
Words by: Peter Malmstrom Published: August 2020
The Morgan Plus Four combines classic design with contemporary touches All Photos © Morgan Motor Company
When I was asked to test drive the latest Morgan Plus Four, released earlier this year, I was delighted. The thought of a leisurely drive in the country with one of Britain’s most enduring (and unchanged) sports cars was right up my street. The Plus Four was first launched in 1950 and, even then, stood out for its vintage 1930s looks – a staple of the automotive company, which was founded in Malvern in 1909 as an antidote to what Morgan Motor Company could foresee, even then, would become a mass-produced market.
I broke out the tweed jacket – with elbow patches, of course – and dug out my pipe, ready for the experience. Then it arrived: a bright teal monster, with its roof down and an attractive blonde at the wheel looking totally at home in this newest offering from the Malvern factory. Clearly, this car was a contemporary hit – pipe and tweed were immediately ditched, and sleeves rolled up for what would be a re-education in just how far Morgan has come in its 111 years of manufacture.
Starting with the colour. Apparently, teal was voted the most-liked colour of 2018 by millennials, and has become popular with challenger banks for just that reason. On the Morgan, this is a striking colour, and makes a statement that Morgan is looking for a younger market while still delivering all the classic thrills to its more traditional audience.
The weather gear on the car is straight from the 1940s – it almost exactly mirrors the weather gear on my 1947 MG TC – as are the triple windscreen wipers and small chrome rear view mirror – but there the similarities end.
The interior is beautifully crafted in black pebble-grain leather, with seats that both hug you and comfort you from the necessarily stiff suspension (optional heated seats take this onestep further). From the design of the cockpit alone, you know this car means business. The lack of the familiar airbag symbols on the steering wheel beg for caution, as do the lack of roll bars and other safety features. With a top end of 150mph and blistering performance to match, this is a car that needs to be treated with respect by an experienced pilot.
The modern Morgan is noticeably wider than its predecessors, at 1,650 mm, with all new suspension and running gear that flings this car into the 21st century. On pulling away, I was amazed how well the car picked up and how easy it was to drive. Those clever chaps at Morgan have managed to squeeze a BMW 2.0ltr inline-four cylinder turbo power unit under the slender bonnet; delivering 253 horsepower in a car weighing just over 1,000kg, it is a veritable work of art.
On acceleration (particularly in sport mode), the exhaust note opens to a pleasing roar through the neat twin exhaust pipes beneath a handy, old-school boot rack.
While my car had a six-speed manual gearbox, there is also the option of an eight speed automatic with sport and manual modes, which is a lot of gears for a little car. The manual gear box needs a ratio change between first and second, as its too long and, coupled with the fact the engine revs don’t slow quickly enough as you come off the gas (a typical BMW trait), makes fast, smooth gear changes difficult. But the mid-range acceleration is breath-taking, and you soon are into 120mph without even realising it – safe to say I kept one eye on the electronic speedo added to the large, traditional dashboard dials.
On hard acceleration, the turbo heat wash billows into the cockpit. It all feels like seat-of-the pants stuff but, in reality, the car is stable at speed despite the noise. Changing into fifth at close on 140mph, it makes sixth gear a bit of a nonsense, but would drop the engine revs to tick over on long journeys even at relatively high speeds – ideal for that trans-continental bucket list journey.
What was billed as a leisurely drive in the country turned out to be a thrilling exploration of this unique sports car. In short, the 2020 Morgan Plus Four is a wonderful fusion of modern technology meeting old-school styling, which delivers a unique driving experience – as well as turning heads and teasing the senses – that will definitely get your heart rate up. Thundering through the countryside in this modern classic, you certainly know you are alive.
This article first appeared in Issue 69 of Tempus Magazine
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