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New 70th Anniversary Morgan is Worth Flying Out of Country to Own

A New Car Cant Get More Retro Than This

Morgan Motor Company, Britains iconic modern day classic car company, is celebrating 70 years of production, which doesnt seem like all that much compared to Mercedes-Benz, Buick or the now defunct Oldsmobile nameplate, all over 100 years old. But what separates Morgan from these mass market brands is that the anniversary doesnt commemorate the marques founding year, which actually took place almost 30 years prior.

To be clear, Henry Morgan left his job at the railroad to open a garage and run a bus company in 1906, while his first Morgan branded cars, three-wheelers no less, were shown at the Olympia Motor Show in 1910. The Morgan Motor Company was formed as a private Limited Company in 1912, making it officially 94 years old this year. Incidentally, the firm is already taking registrants for its 2009 centenary at the following website: www.morgan-centenary.co.uk.

So whats the 70 year birthday all about?

The new Morgan 4/4, at right, celebrates 70 years of continuous production of a single model, starting with the Morgan 4/4 at left. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

Its to celebrate 70 years of continuous production of a single model, the Morgan 4/4, something no other automaker can claim. You need to go back to 1936, yes, the same year that German troops first occupied the Rhineland, Italy completed its conquest of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Hitler and Mussolini agreed to the Rome-Berlin Axis, the Spanish Civil War broke out when a garrison in Spanish Morocco revolted, the abdication crisis occurred in Great Britain, when Edward VIII resolved to marry Mrs. Wallis Simpson, and the Olympic Games were held in Berlin, when African-American athlete, Jesse Owens, won 4 gold medals.

Most Canadians cant remember that far back, but a storied history documents Morgan 4/4 production from 1936 forward,

With a frame still made of ash hardwood and body panels still hand- and hammer-formed out of aluminum sheets, the 4/4 is a literal blast to the past. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

and other than those dark years of World War II when British automakers didnt produce any civilian cars at all, it has remained the backbone of the company.

With a frame still made of ash hardwood and body panels still hand- and hammer-formed out of aluminum sheets, the 4/4 is a literal blast to the past, especially now that its powered by Fords 125-horsepower 1.8-liter Duratec inline four-cylinder engine. While hardly supercar specs, factor in the 4/4s ultra-lightweight construction and, like Lotus old Super 7, the Morgan sprints away from standstill at an alarming rate.
To commemorate its 70 years of continuous production, Morgan has unveiled a specially prepared "70th Anniversary" model run of just 142 vehicles, 2 for every year of its life.

The limited edition sports car is "individually marked with the year it honors, and finished in period style," says Morgan, which is

The limited edition sports car is "individually marked with the year it honors, and finished in period style," says Morgan. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

a very interesting way of going about a limited run. This means that only 2 vehicles out of the 142 total will be the same, and no doubt many of the 2 chosen per honored year will feature different colors and options. Thats exclusivity.

Other specification changes, such as trim details and hood styles, will be factored in, while the cars classic fold flat windscreen, vintage dashboard, sheep skin bonnet strap and drilled steel wheels with chrome hubcaps, will be included on all models.

Yes, the new cars are still "built to the same tradition as the 1930s," according to Morgan, which means that an ash frame continues to be covered in aluminum panels, as previously mentioned, all sitting on a rigid steel chassis, now galvanized, of course.

Its more robust than it sounds, being fully tested to meet all regulated crash standards, while its engine, available in Fords Focus the world over, meets stringent emission standards in all countries.

"We are really proud to celebrate this anniversary," commented Charles Morgan, founder Henry Morgans grandson and Morgan Motor Company

The only two countries the special edition Morgan is not available in are the U.S. and Canada. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

director. "We have made nearly 10,000 4/4s over the years. The fact that we have kept the essence and character of the car, whilst keeping the functionality and safety totally current is a testament to the original design, and the skills and ingenuity of our engineers at the factory in Malvern."

And what will one of these 142 70th Anniversary 4/4s cost? Not much at £27,950 (the equivalent of $49,000) including VAT (British sales tax), especially considering their handmade exclusivity. Theres only one problem, the only two countries the special edition Morgan is not available in are the U.S. and Canada. Why? It seems that, despite integrating a run-of-the-mill Ford Focus powerplant, it still cant be federalized here. Crash tests? No doubt, this is the problem.

According to a company spokesman, however, the brands racy new Aero 8 can be purchased in both countries, plus a few remaining 3.0 Roadsters can be had from U.S. dealers. "Once theyre gone," said Matthew Parkin, Morgan PR, "thats it on the classic car front for a while."

For those lucky enough to own a winter cottage in Cannes or beach house on the Yucatan, production of the 70th Anniversary 4/4 starts this month and continues through to November, so go to www.morgan-motor.co.uk and get in line.

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