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{{Short description|British motor vehicle manufacturer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2017}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Morgan Motor Company Limited
| logo = [[File:Morganwings.png|Morgan Motor Company Logo]]
| image = Morgan Motor Car Company - geograph.org.uk - 1882113.jpg
| image_size = 280px
| image_caption = The Morgan factory on Pickersleigh Road, [[Malvern, Worcestershire|Malvern]]
| former_name = Morgan Technologies Limited (2010{{endash}}2018)<ref name="CompaniesHouse">{{Cite web |date=2010-12-03 |title=MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07459137 |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=[[Companies House]] |language=en}}</ref>
| type = Private
| foundation = {{start date and age|1910|df=yes}}
| founder = [[H. F. S. Morgan]]
| location_city = [[Malvern, Worcestershire]]
| location_country = [[United Kingdom]]
| key_people = {{Ubl
| H. George Morgan (Chairman; 1910–1933)
| [[H.F.S. Morgan]] (Chairman; 1910–1959)
| [[Peter Morgan (automaker)|Peter Morgan]] (Chairman; 1959–2003)
| Alan Garnett (Chairman; 2003–2006)
| Andrew Duncan (Chairman; 2013–2016)
| Dominic Riley (Chairman; 2016–2019)
| Steve Morris (Chairman; 2019–2022)
| Lawrence Price (Chairman; 2023–2025)
| Matthew Hole (Managing Director; 2024–present)
| Stephen Armstrong (Non-executive Chairman; 2025–present)
}}
| industry = [[Automobile|Motoring]]
| products = [[Automobile|Motor cars]]
| revenue = (All divisions) £26 million (UK Companies House 2015 Financials)
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| num_employees = 250 (''Miscellany'', April 2023)
| parent =
| owner = {{Ubl
| Investindustrial
| Morgan family
}}
| subsid =
| homepage = {{URL|https://morgan-motor.com}}
}}
'''Morgan Motor Company Limited''' is a British [[automobile|motor car]] manufacturer majority-owned by European<ref>{{Cite news |title=Investindustrial - About Us |url=https://www.investindustrial.com/who-we-are/our-company.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250508023436/https://www.investindustrial.com/who-we-are/our-company.html |archive-date=2025-05-08 |access-date=2025-07-09 |work=Investindustrial |language=en}}</ref> investment group Investindustrial. Morgan was founded in 1910 by [[H. F. S. Morgan|Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan]]. Morgan is itself based in [[Malvern Link]], an area of [[Malvern, Worcestershire|Malvern]], and employs approximately 220 people. Morgan produce 850 cars per year, all assembled by hand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/aboutus/|title=About Us|date=2019|website=Morgan Motor Company|access-date=5 March 2019}}</ref> The waiting list for a car is approximately six months, but it has sometimes been as long as ten years.
Morgan cars are unusual in that wood has been used in their construction for a century, and is still used in the 21st century for framing the body shell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/a-tour-of-morgan-motor-companys-factory/|title=Let the Wood (and Aluminum) Times Roll: A Tour of Morgan Motor Company's Factory|date=14 May 2012|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=28 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828190238/http://blog.caranddriver.com/a-tour-of-morgan-motor-companys-factory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> An Experience Centre and museum have exhibits about the company's history from Edwardian times until the present day, developments in automobile technology, and a display of its most prominent historical models. There are also guided tours of the factory, an on-site dealership and restaurant <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-01 |title=Experience - Experience Centre MMC |url=https://experience.morgan-motor.com/ |access-date=2025-07-09 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Company history ==
H.F.S. Morgan quit the [[Great Western Railway]] in 1904 and co-founded a motor sales and servicing garage in Malvern Link. In 1909 he designed and built a car for his own use. Previously he developed the first independent front suspension in the engineering shop of [[Malvern College]].<ref name="Leng-Ward"/> He began production a year later and the company prospered. Production of three-wheelers approached 1000 by World War I and quickly resumed with both racing and touring models. Morgan's first four-wheeler came in 1935 with three-wheelers phased out in 1952. Morgan continued to run it until he died at age 77 in 1959.<ref name=Motor197005>{{cite journal|first=Harold |last=Hastings |title=Sixty years old and thriving |journal=Motor |pages = 28–31 |date=30 May 1970}}</ref>
In 1990, the company was subject of a critique by Sir [[John Harvey-Jones]] for his television programme ''[[Troubleshooter (TV series)|Troubleshooter]]''. Harvey-Jones recommended modernizing production and clearing the order backlog. The company rejected the advice, arguing that traditional techniques were part of the appeal of the company, and that a waiting list helped the company deal with recessions and preserved their exclusivity.<ref name="Independent Troubleshooter">{{Cite web |date=1995-09-22 |title=Ha-ha, ha-ha, ha, Harvey-Jones |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/haha-haha-ha-harveyjones-1602523.html |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBC anniversary">{{cite news |title=Troubleshooter |url=https://www.bbc.com/historyofthebbc/anniversaries/march/troubleshooter/ |access-date=14 August 2023 |work=History of the BBC |language=en}}</ref> Sales increased as a result of the programme and the company prospered. Sir John said he was very pleased to have been proven wrong in Morgan's case.<ref name="BBC Troubleshooter">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7182857.stm |title=How the troubleshooter's firms fared |publisher=BBC |date=11 January 2008 |access-date=13 October 2011}}</ref>
[[Peter Morgan (automaker)|Peter Morgan]], son of HFS, ran the company until a few years before his death in 2003. He was replaced as chairman by Alan Garnett, a non-family director, from 2003 to 2006. After Garnett's resignation, a four-man management team was established.
<gallery widths=200 heights=150>
Morgan Runabout (15023622404).jpg|Single-seat Morgan Runabout, similar to HFS Morgan's 1909 car
Morgan Runabout (15645200332).jpg|Rear view, showing [[swingarm]] rear suspension
The Aeroplane - 1912-08-15 - page 158 (Morgan).jpg|Advert for Morgan's four-wheel "Adler", from ''[[The Aeroplane]]'', 15 August 1912
</gallery>
This team was made up of [[Charles Morgan (automaker)|Charles Morgan]] (son of Peter), Matthew Parkin, Tim Whitworth and Steve Morris, and in 2010, after Parkin's resignation, Charles Morgan was named managing director. In 2010, the MMC became dormant and all assets were sold to a new company called Morgan Technologies for an unpaid 15 million and which took over all the former assets of the Morgan Motor Company, Aero Racing, the Morgan M3W Company and all other companies bearing the Morgan name. This cured the negative equity that had occurred over the Charles Morgan tenure. [https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00971255|See UK Company House]
In January, 2013, Morgan was removed as managing director, replaced by Morris, but continued as strategy director until October 2013 when he was removed both as an employee and member of the board of directors.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |title=Charles Morgan describes distress at being ousted from board role |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/10389726/Charles-Morgan-describes-distress-at-being-ousted-from-board-role.html |access-date=12 November 2013 |last=Ping Chan |first=Szu |___location=London |date=18 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=BBC |title=Charles Morgan removed from world-famous UK car firm |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hereford-worcester-24759054 |access-date=12 November 2013 |date=31 October 2013}}</ref>
At the end of 2013, the shareholders appointed Andrew Duncan, a local solicitor and very close friend of the late Peter Morgan, as chairman. In 2016, he resigned as chairman and company director and was replaced as chairman by a new director, Dominic Riley.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|date=2016-05-09|title=Dominic Riley Appointed as new Chairman of Morgan Technologies Ltd|url=https://justbritish.com/dominic-riley-appointed-as-new-chairman-of-morgan-technologies-ltd/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=Just British|language=en-US}}</ref>
In January 2016, the company was once again UK government funded by a £6 million grant by the British Government after a series of visits from UK politicians and [[House of Windsor|Royals]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://malvernobserver.co.uk/news/new-jobs-created-following-6million-boost-morgan-motor-company/ | title=New jobs to be created following £6million boost for Morgan Motor Company }}</ref> In August 2018, the name of Morgan Technologies, was allowed to change its name back to The Morgan Motor Company while the original company, founded by HFS Morgan in 1957, had its name changed to a numbered company and accordingly registered at UK [[Companies House]].
For most of its history, the company was owned by the Morgan family.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/morgan-motor-company-sold-italian-firm-bought-a8810156.html|title=Britain's last domestically owned motor company has been sold to Italian investors|date=2019-03-06|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref> A press release dated 5 March 2019 announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Morgan Motor Company Ltd by the Italian investment group Investindustrial.<ref name="acquisition">{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2019 |title=Press Release: Investindustrial acquired majority stake in Morgan Motor Company |url=https://www.investindustrial.com/dam/Investindustrial/news/Investindustrial-acquires-Morgan-Motor-Company/Investindustrial |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044347/https://www.investindustrial.com/dam/Investindustrial/news/Investindustrial-acquires-Morgan-Motor-Company/Investindustrial%20acquires%20Morgan%20Motor%20Company.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |website=Investindustrial}}</ref> Though it was announced that as a part of Investindustrial's investment, management and staff were rewarded with shares in the company, this appears nowhere in the information registered at Companies House. And though it was also announced that the Morgan family retained a minority shareholding and would continue to be involved in the company this does not appear on any statement filed with Companies House.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.morgan-motor.com/about-morgan/|title=About Morgan Motor Company|website=Morgan Motor Company|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.investindustrial.com/our-business/portfolio-overview/current-portfolio/Morgan-Motor-Company.html|title=Investindustrial - Morgan Motor Company|website=www.investindustrial.com|access-date=2020-03-21}}</ref>
In October 2024, it was announced that Matthew Hole would assume the position of managing director, taking over from former CEO, Massimo Fumarola. Matthew's previous position in the company was as Chief Technology Officer, having joined the company in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Morgan CEO steps down after three years {{!}} Autocar |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/business-corporate/morgan-ceo-steps-down-after-three-years |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=www.autocar.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> In February 2025, the company appointed former Ford of Europe boss, Stephen Armstrong, as Non-executive Chairman, replacing the great-grandson of HFS Morgan, Lawrence Price.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Insider |date=2025-02-14 |title=Iconic sportscar brand Morgan calls in former Ford heavyweight as chair - Insider Media |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/iconic-sportscar-brand-calls-in-ex-ford-heavyweight-as-chair |access-date=2025-07-09 |website=Insider Media Ltd |language=en}}</ref>
{{clear}}
== Early cars: three-wheelers and 4/4s ==
The early cars were two-seat or four-seat [[three-wheeler]]s, and are therefore considered to be [[cyclecar]]s. Three-wheeled vehicles avoided the British tax on cars by being classified as [[motorcycle]]s. Competition from small cars like the [[Austin 7]] and the original [[Morris Minor (1928)|Morris Minor]], with comparable economy and price and better comfort, made cyclecars less attractive.
=== V-Twin three-wheelers (1911–1939) ===
[[File:1912 Morgan Runabout Deluxe.jpg|thumb|1912 Morgan Runabout Deluxe]]
[[File:Morgan Aero 1926.jpg|thumb|1926 Morgan Aero 2-seater Sports]]
[[File:Morgan Super Sports 1935 - front.jpg|thumb|1935 Super Sports]]
[[File:Morgan Super Sports 1935 - rear.jpg|thumb|1935 Super Sports]]
[[File:Morgan Super Sports 1937.jpg|thumb|1937 Morgan Super Sports]]
H.F.S. Morgan's first car design was a single-seat three-wheeled [[Runabout (car)|runabout]], which was fabricated for his personal use in 1908, with help from William Stephenson-Peach, the father of friends, and the engineering master at [[Malvern College]].<ref name="Leng-Ward"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name=Morgan100>{{cite book |last1=Bowen |first1=Gregory Houston |last2=Morgan | first2 = Charles|title=Morgan 100 Years |year=2008 |publisher=Michael O'Mara |___location=London |isbn=978-1-84317-267-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.malcol.net/general-information/morgan-centenary/ |title=Morgan Centenary - Malvern College |access-date=2010-07-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724004158/http://www.malcol.net/general-information/morgan-centenary/ |archive-date=24 July 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Powered by a {{convert|7|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref>Boddy, William. "Morgan: An Ageless Thoroughbred", in Ward, Ian, Executive Editor. ''The World of Automobiles'', Volume 12 (London: Orbis, 1974), p.1410.</ref> Peugeot twin-cylinder engine (from an abandoned [[motorcycle]] project), the car had a backbone chassis, an idea retained for all following Morgan three-wheelers, and used as little material and labour as Morgan could manage.<ref name="auto">Boddy, p.1410.</ref> A single-seat three-wheeler with coil-spring<ref name="auto"/> independent front suspension, unusual at the time, the driveshaft ran through the backbone tube to a two-speed transmission (with no reverse),<ref name="auto"/> and [[chain drive]] to each of the rear wheels.<ref name="auto1">Boddy, p.1411.</ref> The steering was by tiller, and it had band brakes.<ref name="auto1"/> It also had no body.<ref name="auto1"/>
With financial help from his father and his wife,<ref name="auto1"/> the car went into production at premises in Pickersleigh Road,<ref>Boddy, p.1416.</ref> Malvern Link. Three single-seater cars were exhibited at the 1910 Motor Show at [[Olympia, London|Olympia]] in London. In spite of great interest being shown, only a few orders were taken, and Morgan decided a two-seater was needed to meet market demand. This was built in 1911, adding a bonnet, windscreen, wheel steering, and crank starting; it was displayed at the 1911 Motor Cycle Show.<ref name="auto1"/> An agency was taken up by the [[Harrods]] department store in London, with a selling price of [[Pound sterling|£]]65.<ref name="auto1"/> The Morgan became the only car ever to appear in a shop window at Harrods.<ref>{{cite web |title=Announcement Date : Feb 1, 1911 |url=https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/announcement/harrods/ |website=morgan-motor |publisher=Morgan Motor Company |access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref>
Interest in his runabout led him to patent his design and begin production. While he initially showed single-seat and two-seat versions of his runabout at the 1911 Olympia Motor Exhibition, he was convinced at the exhibition that there would be greater demand for a two-seat model.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - History">{{cite web|url=http://www.morgan3w.de/history/history.htm |title= How The Morgan Began |publisher=Morgan3w.de |date=29 July 1952 |access-date=17 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302204530/http://www.morgan3w.de/history/history.htm|archive-date=2 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The Morgan Motor Company was registered as a [[Private company limited by shares|private limited company]] only in 1912 with H.F.S. Morgan as managing director and his father, who had invested in his son's business, as its first chairman.<ref name=Motor197005/>
In 1912, Morgan set out to win the trophy offered by ''The Light Car & Cyclecar'' for greatest distance covered in an hour, at [[Brooklands]]. The single-seater covered {{convert|55|mi|km|abbr=on}}, only to be narrowly beaten by a [[GWK (car)|GWK]]; Morgan returned later the same year, reaching nearly {{convert|60|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="auto1"/>
Morgan established its reputation via competition such as winning the 1913 Cyclecar Grand Prix at [[Amiens]] in France, driven by [[W. G. McMinnies]], with an average speed of {{convert|42|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} for the {{convert|163|mi|km|abbr=on}} distance.<ref name="auto1"/> This became the basis for the 'Grand Prix' model of 1913 to 1926, from which evolved the 'Aero', and 'Sports' models.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Models">{{cite web|url=http://www.morgan3w.de/models/models.htm |title= The Morgan Three-wheeler Models |publisher=Morgan3w.de |access-date=17 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203205949/http://morgan3w.de/models/models.htm|archive-date=3 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Morgan himself won the "very tough" [[Auto-Cycle Union|ACU]] Six Days' Trial in 1913, in the [[sidecar]] class.<ref name="auto1"/> The same year, the company entered the [[Motor Cycling Club|MCC]] reliability trial, which it continued to do until 1975.<ref name="auto1"/>
Racing success led to demand the company proved unable to meet.<ref>Boddy, p.1411-12.</ref>
These models used air-cooled or liquid-cooled variations of motorcycle engines.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Engines">{{cite web|url=http://www.morgan3w.de/engines/engine.htm |title= Engines used in the Morgan Three-wheeler |publisher=Morgan3w.de |access-date=17 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408143518/http://morgan3w.de/engines/engine.htm|archive-date=8 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The engine was placed ahead of the axis of the front wheels in a chassis made of steel tubes brazed into cast lugs.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Technical">{{cite web|url=http://www.morgan3w.de/technic/technic.htm |title=– Technical Details of the Morgan Three-wheelers |publisher=Morgan3w.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710043241/http://morgan3w.de/technic/technic.htm|access-date=17 September 2011|archive-date=10 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
After the [[World War I|First World War]], the company introduced an easily changed rear wheel, which customers had been seeking for several years.<ref name="auto2">Boddy, p.1412.</ref> The 1921 Popular, powered by an {{convert|8|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} [[J. A. Prestwich Industries|JAP]] and bodied in [[Populus|poplar]], sold for £150.<ref name="auto2"/> It was a sales success, the price dropping to £128, and the name changing to Standard, by 1923, when a [[Blackburne (motorcycles)|Blackburne]] engine was also available.<ref name="auto2"/> The Grand Prix was priced £155, and the Family (with two notional child seats behind the front bench, setting a standard [[2+2 (car body style)|2+2s]] would follow for generations) was £148 with air-cooled engine, or £158 with water-cooled engine. The [[Anzani]]-powered Aero was also available, for £148.<ref name="auto2"/> [[Motosacoche|MAG]] engines were also optional.<ref name="auto2"/>
Morgan's racing efforts suffered a blow in 1924, when E. B. Ware's JAP-engined car rolled at the JCC {{convert|200|mi|km|abbr=on}} at Brooklands; Ware was seriously hurt, leading to a ban on three-wheelers competing as cars.<ref name="auto2"/>
Electric headlamps were made available in 1924, at an £8 cost.<ref name="auto3">Boddy, p.1413.</ref> The Popular, powered by a {{convert|976|cc|cid|abbr=on}} engine, sold for £110, the {{convert|1098|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} Aero for £148, and the one-seater £160.<ref name="auto3"/>
Like motorcycles, Morgans had hand throttles, Bowden-wire control mechanisms, and drip lubrication.<ref name="auto4">Boddy, p.1414.</ref>
Racing Morgans included [[Harold Beart]]'s {{convert|1096|cc|cid|abbr=on}} Blackburne-engined special, with 3.33:1 top gear and a {{convert|43|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[Streamliner#Automobiles|streamlined]] body, which covered {{convert|91.48|mi|km|abbr=on}} in a one-hour trial at Brooklands, with a peak speed of over {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="auto4"/>
In 1925, the Standard's price had dropped to £95, and the Aero £130, compared to £149 for an [[Austin 7|Austin Chummy]].<ref name="auto4"/> Electric lighting by [[dynamo]] became standard that year.<ref name="auto4"/>
Front-wheel brakes and electric start (a £10 option) became available in 1927, while the Standard's price fell to £89, complete with a double-thickness windscreen and "electric hooter".<ref name="auto4"/> By year's end, the Standard was even cheaper, £85, while the new Super Sports debuted, with an [[overhead valve engine|overhead valve]] JAP 10/40 water-cooled vee-twin, priced £155.<ref name="auto4"/> The 10/40 engine was also available in the Aero, at £132, while a more sedate air-cooled JAP-powered Aero went for £119.<ref name="auto4"/> The Family was priced at £102 (air-cooled) or £112 (water-cooled).<ref name="auto4"/> These new, lower prices persisted through 1928.<ref>Boddy, p.1414-15.</ref> They would be lower still in 1929: the Standard and Family at £87 10[[shilling|s]], the Aero £110, and the Super Sports £145.<ref name="auto5">Boddy, p.1415.</ref> In 1933, the Family was priced at only £80.<ref name="auto5"/>
Morgan's racing programme in 1927 earned the marque eleven gold medals and three silvers from fourteen entrants at MCC's London-Edinburgh Trials alone.<ref name="auto4"/> The team was joined by [[Clive Lones (racing driver)|Clive Lones]] and [[C. T. Jay]], who won the 1929 Cyclecar ''Grand Prix'' at Brooklands, driving a {{convert|750|cc|cid|abbr=on}} Morgan-JAP, with an average speed of {{convert|64.7|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="auto5"/> And in 1930, [[Gwenda Hawkes|Gwenda Stewart]] turned in a speed of {{convert|113|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in a race-tuned Super Sports.<ref name="auto5"/>
Morgan three-wheelers benefitted from an annual tax of just £4, half the tax on the [[Austin 7]],<ref>Boddy, p.1412-13.</ref> provided they remained under 8 [[Hundredweight|cwt]].<ref name="auto3"/>
Morgans were also [[Licensed production|licence-built]] in France by [[Darmont]].<ref>Boddy, p.1412 caption.</ref>
By 1930, however, inexpensive four-wheeled cars were proliferating, led by the £100 [[Ford Model Y|Ford Popular]].<ref name="auto5"/> Morgan, and partner [[George Goodall]], countered by putting the {{convert|8|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} {{convert|933|cc|cid|abbr=on}} and {{convert|10|hp|kW PS|abbr=on}} {{convert|1172|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Ford Sidevalve engine|Ford engine]] in their own cars.<ref name="auto5"/>
Morgan's last vee-twins were powered by [[Matchless]] engines displacing {{convert|990|cc|cid|abbr=on}}; they were delivered to Australia after the [[World War II|Second World War]].<ref>Boddy, p.1415-16.</ref>
The vee-twin models were not returned to production after World War II.
The [[Morgan Three Wheeler Club]] was formed in 1945.<ref name="auto4"/>
=== F-Series three-wheelers (1932–1952) ===
{{main|F-Series 3-wheeler}}
[[File:morgan.f4.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|1936 Morgan F4 Open Tourer]]
The Morgan F-4 was introduced in 1933 at the Olympia Motor Cycle Show.<ref name="Hillp13_14">{{cite book|last1=Hill|first1=Ken|title=The Morgan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COpatvGEOtgC|access-date=13 February 2013|series=Shire Series|volume=327|year=2007|orig-year=1996|publisher=Shire Publications|___location=Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, UK|isbn=978-0-7478-0328-7|pages=13–14|chapter=Morgan cars}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The F-4 had a new pressed-steel chassis<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Technical" /> the four-cylinder [[Ford Sidevalve engine]] used in the [[Ford Model Y|Model Y]], and a four-seat body.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Models" /><ref name="Hillp13_14" /> The F-4 was supplemented by the two-seat F-2 in 1935 and the more sporting F Super, with cycle-type wings and louvred bonnet tops, in 1937. Production of the Ford-engined three-wheelers continued until 1952.<ref name="Morgan 3-Wheeler - Models" /><ref name="Hillp13_14" /><ref name="Leng-Ward">{{cite web |last1=Leng-Ward |first1=Graeme |title=Guide to the historical records of the British motor car industry |url=https://autokwix.com/files/British-motor-car-industry-history-1994.pdf |website=autokwix |publisher=Loughborough University's Institutional Repository}}</ref>
=== 4/4 ===
{{main|Morgan 4/4}}
[[File:Morgan +4.jpg|thumb|1939 Morgan 4/4 Series I]]
Morgan's first four-wheeler, designated by the factory as the [[Morgan 4/4|4/4]] because it had a four-[[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] engine and four wheels, was released to the public in 1936.<ref name="auto6">Boddy, p.1417.</ref> Powered by a {{convert|34|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}} {{convert|1122|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Coventry Climax]] engine, and carrying a pair of rear-mounted spare wheels, the new two-seater 4/4 sold for 185 [[Guinea (coin)|guineas]] (£194 5[[shilling|s]]).<ref name="auto6"/> It proved popular, and a four-place model was added in 1937, joined by a £236 [[Convertible|drophead]] in 1938.<ref name="auto6"/>
Coventry Climax eventually ceased making engines available, so Morgan switched to a tuned {{convert|1267|cc|cid|abbr=on}} [[Standard Motor Company]] [[Standard Ten|Ten]], producing {{convert|39|hp|kW PS|lk=on|abbr=on}}.<ref name="auto6"/>
In 1938, a 4/4 was entered at [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]].<ref name="auto6"/> This led to production of factory replicas, with fold-down windscreen, [[Fender (vehicle)|cycle fenders (mudguards)]], smaller-[[Engine displacement|displacement]] engine, and single spare wheels, with a price of £250.<ref name="auto6"/>
{{clear}}
== Post-war cars ==
=== Morgan +4 ===
[[File:Morgan Plus4 1952.JPG|thumb|1952 "flat radiator" +4]]
[[File:Morgan Plus4 Drophead 1963.jpg|thumb|right|1963 +4]]
{{main|Morgan +4}}
The [[Morgan +4]] was introduced in 1950 as a larger-engined ("plus") car than the 4/4. The +4 initially used the {{convert|2088|cc|abbr=on}} [[Standard Vanguard]] engine and at introduction sold for £625 (two-seater) or £723 (coupé).<ref name="auto6"/>
The +4 used [[Triumph TR2]] (in 1953),<ref name="auto7">Boddy, p.1418.</ref> [[Triumph TR3|TR3]] (1956),<ref name="auto7"/> or [[Triumph TR4A|TR4A]] engines (until 1969). Plus 4 production was suspended in 1969 but brought back in 1985 with a Fiat engine (1985–1988) and then a 4-cylinder Rover engine (1988–2000). Production was again suspended and the Plus 4 returned once more in 2004 with a {{convert|155|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} Ford 4-cylinder.
From October 1965 to April 1967 Morgan produced the two-seat +4 Competition, of which only 42 were built, about 11 of which survive.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
A limited edition Plus 4 was re-introduced in 2014 as the [[Morgan +4|Plus 4]] Super Sports. Only 60 cars were made available, all right-hand-drive.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}
==== Morgan +4+ ====
{{main|Morgan +4+}}
[[File:Morgan Plus 4 Plus Donington H&H.jpg|left|thumb|Morgan Plus 4 Plus]]
A version of the +4, the +4+, was made from 1964 to 1967 with a fibreglass coupé body. The light weight and reduced drag improved the performance of the +4+ over the standard +4 in every aspect. However, traditional Morgan enthusiasts did not embrace this departure from Morgan custom, and mainstream enthusiasts did not embrace the seemingly archaic +4 chassis. Fifty were planned, but only 26 were built.<ref>Boddy, p.1416 caption.</ref>
=== Morgan 4/4 ===
[[File:Morgan 4 4 1974.jpg|thumb|right|1974 Morgan 4/4]]
[[File:Morgan---Ystad-2019.jpg|thumb| Morgans in [[Ystad]] 2019.]]
{{main|Morgan 4/4}}
Production of the 4/4 was halted during World War II but resumed afterwards. Production halted again in 1950 when the Standard engine ceased to be available but resumed in 1955 when a suitable replacement, the side-valve 1,172 cc Ford 100E engine was found and has continued ever since.
The 4/4 now uses the +8 chassis and a Ford engine.
=== Morgan +8 ===
{{main|Morgan Plus 8}}
Faced with the decreasing availability of large four-cylinder engines for use in their +4 models, Morgan began to install the recently available [[Rover V8 engine]] in their cars in 1968, giving these cars the model designation "+8".
The engine displacement jumped from the 2.1 litres of the Triumph TR4 engine to 3.5, then 3.9 (1990), 4.0 (1998–2004), and with an optional 4.6-litre engine (1996–2000) all based on the same Land Rover block. However, this V8 was no heavier than the Triumph engine. These features made the +8 accelerate much more quickly than the early +4 and also improved its road-holding capability.
Horsepower (143–204 bhp), weight and performance varied with emission and structural laws through its history. Thus powered, the car could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 5.6 seconds. In its final form, the GEMS Land Rover V8 produced {{convert|190|hp|abbr=on}}.
[[File:2006 SAG - Morgan roadster - 05.jpg|thumb|Roadster at the 2006 Geneva Motorshow]]
=== Roadster ===
{{main|Morgan Roadster}}
In 2004, Morgan came out with a traditional styled model to replace the departing Plus 8. The Mk I Roadsters with the Ford UK Mondeo V6 produced 223 bhp (166 kW, 226 PS) at 6150 rev/min. It had a [[Magna PT|Getrag]] gearbox with direct drive in 5th with a 3.08 axle ratio. Later Marks had a Ford gearbox with direct drive in 4th with a 3.73 axle ratio. The overall gearing is virtually the same. The later Roadsters were powered by a Ford UK Mondeo V6 producing {{convert|204|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. In 2007, the Mondeo engine was replaced by a US-specification version of the same engine in the Roadster II. In 2011–12, the engine was replaced by the 3.7 Duratec Cyclone engine and output increased to {{convert|280|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}. The company calls this latest model the Roadster 3.7.
=== Morgan Aero 8 (Series I-V) ===
[[File:Morgan Aero 8.jpg|thumb|A Modern Morgan Aero 8 at the Scarsdale Concours]]
{{main|Morgan Aero 8}}
In 2000, the Morgan Aero 8 was introduced and, as always, the wooden body substructure was [[Ash tree|ash]]. (Contrary to popular myth, however, the [[chassis]] is metal; [[aluminium]] for the Aero 8.) The Aero 8, with a [[BMW]] [[V8 engine]] in a car weighing less than a [[BMW Z4]] and considerably less than a [[BMW M3]], (though more than traditional Morgans) is even faster than the Plus 8, delivering what ''[[Autoweek]]'' magazine termed [[supercar]] performance. The newest Aero 8 (series V), presented in March 2015, puts out {{convert|367|hp|abbr=on}} at 6100 rpm with the company suggesting a top speed of over {{convert|170|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. Due to the Aero 8's light weight it can do 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-2006-Morgan-Aeromax.htm |title=2006 Morgan Aeromax |publisher=Seriouswheels.com |access-date=17 September 2011}}</ref>
During its customer production lifetime (2002–2009), the Aero was configured in five official versions, (I, II, III, IV, the Aero America and V) with mild variations in styling, engines, transmissions, braking and suspension. The company cancelled the model in 2009 but relaunched it in 2015 for 2016 deliveries. The year of highest production for any Aero variation was 2002.
=== Morgan AeroMax ===
[[File:Morgan-Aeromax-rear.jpg|thumb|Morgan AeroMax, showing distinct boat tail rear]]
{{main|Morgan Aero 8}}
The Aero was followed by the Aeromax, a limited edition of 100 units produced between 2008 and early 2010. The Aeromax was a coupé variation of the Aero 8. Customers have included [[Richard Hammond]], [[Rowan Atkinson]] and [[Paul O'Grady]].
=== Morgan Aero SuperSports ===
{{main|Morgan Aero 8}}
The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a [[Targa top|targa-roofed]] version of the AeroMax, sharing its bonded aluminium chassis and lower bodywork with the coupe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Morgan-Aero-Supersports-V8-Supersports-auto/251830/|title=Morgan Aero 8 Review (2017) – Autocar|website=www.autocar.co.uk|access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref> It was launched at the 2009 Pebble Beach car show in California. Its cancellation was announced in March 2015.
=== Morgan Aero Coupé ===
{{main|Morgan Aero 8}}
The Morgan Aero Coupé is a hard top version of the Aero SuperSports, sharing its bonded aluminium chassis, bodywork, suspension and engine. It was launched at the end of 2011. It is not available in the United States. Its cancellation was announced in March 2015.
=== Morgan Plus 8 ===
The new Morgan Plus 8 is a classic body version of the Aero SuperSports and Aero Coupé, sharing their bonded aluminium chassis, bodywork, suspension and engine. It was launched at the end of 2011. It is not available in the United States. In 2019, Morgan announced its cancellation.
=== Morgan Plus E ===
{{Main|Morgan Plus E}}
[[File:Morgan Plus E.jpg|thumb|Morgan Plus E]]
The Morgan Plus E is an electric version of a classical Morgan, a joint project of Morgan with [[Zytek]] and Radshape (Radshape Sheet Metal Ltd.),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072808_morgan-plus-e-electric-roadster-modern-battery-in-classic-car|title=Morgan Plus E Electric Roadster: Modern Battery In Classic Car|date=10 February 2012 |access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref> funded by the UK government. It was displayed at the 2012 [[Geneva Motor Show]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The new Morgan plus E (press release) |url=http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/mmc/downloads/pressreleases/plusegenevapressrelease.pdf |website=Morgan Motor Company |access-date=2 June 2019 |date=15 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Morgan Plus E electric sports car - classic on the outside, absolute high tech on the inside |url=http://newatlas.com/something-old-something-new-the-morgan-plus-e/21736/ |website=New Atlas |access-date=2 June 2019 |date=8 March 2012}}</ref> It has never been produced and the project was abandoned.
=== Morgan Eva GT ===
{{main|Morgan Eva GT}}
Based on the same chassis as the Aero Supersports, the Eva GT would have been a 2+2 grand tourer, and as such it would be longer in the body. The Eva GT would use [[BMW N54]] twin-turbo straight-6 producing 302 bhp, Euro-6 emissions compliant. Shown at Pebble Beach in clay in 2010 and expected to go on sale in 2012, deposits have been taken since 2010. At the end of 2011, Morgan announced that it would use new magnesium technology for the body and therefore it would not be represented until 2014 with deliveries after that. In 2013 dealers confirmed that the EvaGT had been cancelled.
=== Morgan 3-Wheeler ===
{{main|Morgan 3-Wheeler}}
[[File:2012 US-spec Morgan 3-wheeler.jpg|thumb|Morgan 3-wheeler (2012)]]
The Morgan Motor Company announced that they would launch the "3 Wheeler" in 2011<ref name="EIL20101104">{{cite news| title = 2011 Morgan Threewheeler| url = http://www.insideline.com/morgan/2011-morgan-threewheeler.html| magazine = Edmunds Inside Line| publisher = Edmunds Inc.| date = 4 November 2010 | access-date = 19 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="Car20101103">{{cite news| title = Morgan 3 Wheeler (2011) first official pictures| first = Sarah-Jayne| last = Harrison | url = http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/First-Official-Pictures/Morgan-going-back-to-their-roots/| magazine = Car Magazine| publisher = Bauer Media| ___location = Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK| date = 3 November 2010| access-date = 19 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="AE20101104">{{cite news| title=Morgan revives the Threewheeler| first=Tom| last=Phillips| url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/259048/morgan_revives_the_threewheeler.html| magazine=Auto Express| publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]| ___location=London| date=4 November 2010| access-date=19 February 2011}}</ref><ref name="AW20101103">{{cite news| title=Morgan Threewheeler returns after 58-year break| first=Brad| last=Constant| url=http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101103/CARNEWS/101109946| magazine=Autoweek| publisher=Crain Communications| ___location=Detroit| date=11 March 2010| access-date=19 February 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311062516/http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101103/CARNEWS/101109946| archive-date=11 March 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgearhk.com/2019/03/29/morgan-3-wheeler%EF%BC%882012%E5%B9%B4%E5%9E%8B%EF%BC%89%E9%99%B8%E5%9C%B0%E9%9B%99%E7%BF%BC%E6%A9%9F/|title=Morgan 3 Wheeler car review – TopGearhk|website=www.topgearhk|access-date=29 Mar 2019}}</ref> at the [[Geneva Motor Show]].<ref name="Car20101103" /><ref name="AE20101104" /> The 3 Wheeler was initially said to have a [[Harley-Davidson]] ''Screaming Eagle'' V-twin engine and a [[Mazda]] 5-speed manual transmission,<ref name= "EIL20101104" /><ref name="Car20101103" /><ref name="AE20101104" /><ref name="AW20101103" /><ref name= "WR20101103">{{cite news| title=First Look: 2011 Morgan Threewheeler| first=Seyth| last=Miersma| url= http://www.windingroad.com/articles/news/first-look-2011-morgan-threewheeler/| magazine=Winding Road| ___location= Ypsilanti, Michigan, US| date=3 November 2010| access-date=19 February 2011}}</ref> and was estimated to deliver {{cvt|115|hp|kW|0}}<ref name="EIL20101104" /><ref name="AE20101104" /><ref name="AW20101103" /><ref name= "WR20101103" /> at the rear wheel.<ref name="AW20101103" /><ref name="WR20101103" /> However, the prototype that was shown at Geneva had an [[S&S Cycle|S&S]] engine. Production three-wheelers turned out to have S&S engines.<ref name="NYT20110225">{{cite news| title=Geneva Auto Show: Morgan 3 Wheeler| first=Jerry| last= Garrett| url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/geneva-auto-show-morgan-3-wheeler/| newspaper=The New York Times| date=25 February 2011| access-date=4 March 2011| quote=It was announced to have an 81-horsepower V-twin motorcycle engine built by S & S, the same company that builds motors for so-called Harley clone choppers, and is closely based on late-model Harley-Davidson power plants. However, the UK test the final bhp at 81 bhp.}}</ref><ref name="CaD_M3W">{{cite news| title=Morgan 3-Wheeler – Auto Shows| first=Justin| last=Berkowitz| url=http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/morgan_3-wheeler-auto_shows| magazine=Car and Driver| publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.| date=March 2011| access-date=4 March 2011| quote=This S&S-supplied powerplant is a bit more modern, though: It produces 81 hp, is fuel-injected, and is mated to a Mazda-sourced five-speed gearbox.| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304110857/http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q1/morgan_3-wheeler-auto_shows| archive-date=4 March 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The kerb weight was originally estimated to be less than {{cvt|500|kg|lb|0}},<ref name= "EIL20101104" /><ref name= "Car20101103" /><ref name= "AE20101104" /><ref name= "WR20101103" /> but the final weight was tested at {{cvt|550|kg|lb|0}}. The acceleration from zero to {{cvt|60|mph|km/h|0}} was estimated by Morgan as 4.5 seconds, with an (estimated) top speed of {{cvt|115|mph|km/h|0}}.<ref name= "EIL20101104"/><ref name="Car20101103"/><ref name="AE20101104"/><ref name="AW20101103"/><ref name="WR20101103"/> The three-wheeler is to be [[homologation|homologated]] as a motorcycle in the United States.<ref name="EIL20101104"/><ref name= "WR20101103"/> The company states that 850 deposits have been taken since the announcement in 2011. Customer deliveries began in Europe in February 2012. US deliveries were not expected before June 2012, when the first imported three-wheeler was displayed in New York City and at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. The Morgan 3 Wheeler was featured in a Series 18 episode of UK motoring show ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'' where presenter [[Richard Hammond]] selected the Morgan 3 Wheeler in a comparison of track-day cars. The 3 Wheeler won the "Not-A-Car of the Year 2011" in [[Top Gear (magazine)|''Top Gear'' magazine]].
{{clear}}
=== Morgan SP1 ===
[[File:Morgan SP1.jpg|thumb|Morgan SP1]]
In September 2014, Morgan introduced the Morgan SP1 as well as its newly formed Special Projects division. The one-off coupe uses the same Ford 3.7L V6 as in the Morgan Roadster. The exterior is inspired by Morgan's [[Morgan LIFEcar|LIFEcar]] concept and its egg-crate wooden frame is made of ash and African Bubinga red hardwood.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Morgan reveals one-off SP1 at Salon Privé in London [w/video]|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2014/09/03/morgan-sp1-salon-prive-london-video-official/|access-date=2021-02-15|website=Autoblog|date=3 September 2014 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Morgan Plus Six ===
{{main|Morgan Plus Six}}
[[File:Morgan Plus 6 IAA 2021 1X7A0138.jpg|thumb|Morgan Plus Six]]
The Morgan Plus Six was announced in March 2019 at the [[Geneva Motor Show]]. Instead of the traditional Morgan ladder frame and sliding-pillar suspension, it has a new bonded aluminium chassis and all-independent suspension design, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link system for the rear. The Plus Six is powered by a [[BMW]] B58 turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, producing 335 bhp, coupled to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.<ref name="autocar-plus6">{{cite web |last1=Cropley |first1=Steve |title=Morgan Plus Six is marque's first all-new model in 19 years |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-goodwood-festival-speed/morgan-plus-six-marques-first-all-new-model-19-years |website=Autocar |access-date=29 December 2019 |date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
=== Morgan Plus Four ===
{{main|Morgan Plus Four}}
[[File:Morgan Plus Four IAA 2021 1X7A0140.jpg|thumb|Morgan Plus Four]]
The Morgan Plus Four was revealed online in March 2020. Like the Plus Six, it uses a "CX-Generation" bonded aluminium chassis and all-independent suspension design. The Plus Four is powered by a [[BMW]] B48 turbocharged in-line four-cylinder petrol engine producing 255 bhp, with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
=== Morgan Super 3 ===
{{Main|Morgan Super 3}}
[[File:2022 Morgan Super 3 1.jpg|thumb|Morgan Super 3]]
The Morgan Super 3 is a three-wheeled [[Roadster (car)|roadster]] released as a successor to the Morgan 3-Wheeler that was discontinued a year earlier. It uses the same platform as Morgan's Plus Four and Plus Six models, but notably lacks wood panels.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verpraet |first1=Illya |title=Morgan Super 3 review {{!}} Autocar |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/morgan/super-3 |website=Autocar |access-date=1 July 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Morgan Midsummer ===
{{Main|Morgan Midsummer}}
[[File:2024 Morgan Midsummer.jpg|thumb|Morgan Midsummer]]
The Morgan Midsummer was a limited-release [[Barchetta#Automobiles|barchetta]] released in 2024. The Midsummer was a collaborative effort between Morgan and Italian design firm [[Pininfarina]]. Only fifty units were manufactured, all of which sold before the price was announced.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abidin |first1=Shafiq |title=The Morgan Midsummer is a stunning, Pininfarina-designed barchetta |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/morgan-midsummer-a-stunning-pininfarina-designed-barchetta |website=Top Gear |publisher=BBC |access-date=2 April 2025 |date=16 May 2024 |quote=There's no word on pricing for the Midsummer just yet, but that's purely academic at this point anyway, because every single one of the 50 cars has already been sold. |archive-date=13 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313012934/https://www.topgear.com/car-news/first-look/morgan-midsummer-a-stunning-pininfarina-designed-barchetta |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Morgan Supersport ===
{{main|Morgan Supersport}}
The Morgan Supersport was revealed in March 2025 at a launch event held at the company's Pickersleigh Road factory. The launch event was broadcast live online and was hosted by Richard Hammond. The Supersport features a new ''CXV'' aluminium platform. The company describes it as a "contemporary"<ref>{{cite web |title=Supersport - Morgan Motor Company |url=https://morgan-motor.com/models/supersport/ |date=11 March 2025}}</ref> redesign of its timeless design, aiming to target a "wider" demographic.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Francis |first1=Trinity |title=Inside The Morgan Factory—Why Bespoke Manufacturing Is Thriving |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trinityfrancis/2025/06/27/inside-the-morgan-factory--why-bespoke-manufacturing-is-thriving/ |website=Forbes |access-date=1 July 2025 |language=en |date=27 June 2025 |quote=As you’ve seen with the Supersport, we’re updating and evolving the design language and styling of the cars so they’re always recognizable as a Morgan but they appeal to a wider demographic with a more modern aesthetic.}}</ref>
== Availability in the United States ==
For part of the 1950s and 1960s, the United States provided the company with its largest market worldwide, taking up to 85% of all production.<ref>Laban, Brian. ''Morgan: First and Last of the Real Sports Cars.'' London: Virgin Books, 2000, page number not cited.</ref> This ended with the first wave of US safety and emission regulations in 1971. For many years (1974 to 1992), all Morgans imported into the United States were converted to run on propane as fuel to pass the US [[emission standard|emissions regulations]]. However, this conversion, along with bringing the cars into compliance with US vehicle safety legislation, was carried out by the dealership, and not by the factory, making the cars [[grey import vehicles|grey market vehicles]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Reprint of Car & Driver article, January 1977 |url=http://www.morgancars-usa.com/candd1.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010616102433/http://www.morgancars-usa.com/candd1.html |archive-date=2001-06-16 |access-date=17 September 2011 |website=Morgancars-usa.com}}</ref>
However, when the [[Rover Group]] re-certified their V8 engine for use in the [[Range Rover]] [[Sport utility vehicle|4x4]] sold in the US, Morgan was able to use the same engine for a fully US-compliant stock Morgan from 1992 to 1996,{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} and again from 1998 to 2004.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} In 2005, the engine was replaced with the US-version of another traditionally shaped model (with a V6), called the Roadster.
In 2002, Morgan centralised its international compliancy development and regulatory interaction in-house.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} In 2005, its right to import its classic models ceased when supplies of its necessary airbag were exhausted and no replacement was developed. In 2006, a request for an airbag exemption to the US [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] was refused, and the import of classic Morgans ceased.<ref>http://frwebgate5.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=959721101393+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
In 2005, the new Morgan Aero 8 model (versions 2 and 3) received a three-year exemption from rear impact non-compliance,<ref>http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=959367106968+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> along with a separate exemption for compliance with "advanced airbag requirements".<ref>http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=959366106946+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The rear-impact exemption lapsed in May 2008 without further application. Morgan has indicated to its US dealers that it plans to re-apply for US certification for some model at as yet an undetermined date in the future.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}}
In April 2012, the new Morgan 3-Wheeler was showcased at the New York International Auto Show, at the Jacob Javits Center, by Bobby Singh and Gideon Lang-Laddie of Manhattan Motorsports. This was the first time in 10 years that Morgan had had a presence at the largest of the American car shows and was the first US specification Morgan 3-Wheeler in the United States. The Morgan 3 Wheeler was voted one of the "Hottest Cars Of The Show" by G4TV.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hardiman|first=Paul |website=Hagerty.com |title=The New Morgan Three Wheeler|date=12 November 2012 |url=http://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/Articles/2012/11/12/TheNew-2012-Morgan|access-date=1 March 2014}}</ref>
In May 2012, Manhattan Motorsports took delivery of Charles Morgan's Superdry edition Morgan 3-Wheeler and prepared it for its first major American trial. This vehicle was driven across the States, from New York to Los Angeles by Charles Morgan and his wife, covering 3000 miles, in the [[Gumball 3000]]. At the end of the seven-day drive, the Morgan 3 Wheeler was awarded the "Spirit of Gumball" prize.
The Morgan 3 Wheeler sold successfully in the United States until it ceased production in 2019. The 3 Wheeler's predecessor, Super 3, was made available in the United States in 2023 — following its U.K. and European launch in 2022. Homologated as a motor tricycle, the Super 3 does not come under the same homologation requirements as conventional automobiles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-28 |title=Morgan Motor Company USA - Morgan Motor Company |url=https://morgan-motor-usa.com/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== General characteristics ==
[[File:MorganSuspension.jpg|thumb|upright|Traditional Morgan [[sliding pillar suspension]]]]
In spite of their traditional design, Morgans have always had sporting or "sports car" performance, due to their extremely low weight.
Among their Australian enthusiasts, Morgans are affectionately known as "Moggies".
=== Suspension ===
H.F.S. Morgan's 1909 runabout used [[sliding pillar suspension]], an [[independent front suspension]] system with each front wheel mounted on a stub axle able to slide up and down a fixed pillar that also acts as the [[kingpin (automotive part)|kingpin]] and supported by a spring and external shock absorber (damper). One advantage is reduced unsprung weight, theoretically allowing the tyre and wheel to better respond to road surface irregularities. The Morgan system is described as an 'inverted' sliding pillar, as the pillar is fixed and the hub carrier slides over it. Earlier systems had the wheel carried on the pillar, sliding through a bush on the axle.
Morgan used developments of this suspension system throughout its existence, and it is still used on Morgan's "classic" line, although not on the Aero 8 or its derivatives. It has been cancelled, along with all the Morgan Classic line, in 2019. However, some "classics", shipped in parts to avoid the need for normal compliancy, will be shipped to the US, and assembled there for an indefinite period.
== Models ==
* 1909 Runabout
* 1911–1939 [[V-Twin 3-wheeler]]
* 1932–1952 [[F-Series 3-wheeler]]
* 1936–2018 [[Morgan
* 1950–1969 [[Morgan
* 1964–1967 [[Morgan
* 1965-1967 [[Morgan +4#Competition use|Morgan +4 Competition two seater]]
* 1968–2004 (and 2012–19) [[Morgan Plus 8|Plus 8]]
* 1985–2000 [[Morgan +4|Plus 4]]
* 2001–2009 [[Morgan Aero 8|Aero 8]]
* 2004–2012 [[Morgan Roadster|V6 Roadster]]
* 2005–2020 [[Morgan +4|Plus 4]]
* 2006 [[Morgan LIFEcar]]
* 2008–2009 [[Morgan Aero 8|AeroMax]]
* 2009–2018 [[Morgan 4/4 Sport]]
* 2010–2015 [[Morgan Aero 8|Aero SuperSports]]
* 2010–cancelled [[Morgan Eva GT]]
* 2011–cancelled [[Morgan Plus E]]
* 2011–2012 [[Morgan Plus 4 Supersports]]
* 2006–2008 [[Morgan Anniversary 4/4]]
* 2012–2015 [[Morgan Aero 8|Aero Coupe]]
* 2012–2021 [[Morgan 3-Wheeler]]
* 2012–2019 [[Morgan Aero 8]]
* 2012–present [[Morgan Roadster|Roadster 3.7]]
* 2015–2019 [[Morgan Aero 8]]
* 2018 Morgan EV3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/ev3/|title=EV3|work=Morgan Motor Company |access-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>
* 2019–2025 [[Morgan Plus Six]]
* 2020–present [[Morgan Plus Four]]
* 2021 Morgan Plus Four CX-T
* 2021 Morgan Plus 8 GTR
* 2022–present [[Morgan Super 3]]
* 2024–present [[Morgan Midsummer]]
* 2025–present [[Morgan Supersport]]
== Motorsports ==
Morgan cars can be found in many areas of motorsport, from club and historic racing to more prominent examples, including the Le Mans 24hr race. A notable Morgan racecar was the Aero 8 GT car that campaigned in 2008 Britcar races and the 2008 Britcar 24hrs at Silverstone, prepared and run by Mark Bailey Racing.
[[Pescarolo Sport]] rebranded its [[Pescarolo 01|Le Mans Prototype]] as a Morgan for the [[2012 24 Hours of Le Mans]], partly to mark the 50th anniversary of a class victory for a Morgan Plus Four Super Sports at Le Mans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2012 |title=British Sportscar Maker Morgan to Race LMP2 Car at Le Mans |url=http://wot.motortrend.com/british-sportscar-maker-morgan-to-race-lmp2-car-at-le-mans-160205.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303230914/https://wot.motortrend.com/british-sportscar-maker-morgan-to-race-lmp2-car-at-le-mans-160205.html |archive-date=3 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2012 |website=motortrend.com}}</ref>
{{Listen|filename=Morgan Super Aero (1928).ogg|title=1928 Morgan Super Aero|description=1928 Morgan Super Aero at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009}}
{{Listen|type=sound|filename=Morgan Aero Supersports recorded2010.ogg|title=Morgan Aero Supersports at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010}}
==See also==
* [[List of car manufacturers of the United Kingdom]]
* [[List of motorized trikes]]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==External links==
* [https://www.morgan-motor.com/ The Morgan Motor Company]
* [https://www.morgan-motor.com/morgan-experience-centre Morgan Motor Company Visitors Centre and Museum]
* [https://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/allmorgan.html GoMoG Workshop Manual]
* [https://sites.google.com/site/morganatica/ Morganatica – A Technical Manual Resource For Morgan Motor Cars]
* [https://morganhistoryinfo.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx Morgan History Info site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327074200/http://morganhistoryinfo.sharepoint.com/Pages/default.aspx |date=27 March 2018 }}
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[[Category:Car manufacturers of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Sports car manufacturers]]
[[Category:Three-wheeled motor vehicles]]
[[Category:Automobile museums in England]]
[[Category:Museums in Worcestershire]]
[[Category:Malvern, Worcestershire]]
[[Category:Companies based in Worcestershire]]
[[Category:Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1910]]
[[Category:Family-owned companies of England]]
[[Category:Car brands]]
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