KCR WINTER 24:25 Magazine FINAL 1 - Flipbook - Page 98
Morgan Plus Four
Amidst the verdant beauty of Worcestershire lies a British automotive institution, that for the past 115 years, has been diligently crafting
traditional, lightweight sports cars from its workshops beneath the
ever-green rolling hills of Malvern. I am of course, talking about Morgan: the most revered maker of bespoke vehicles this country has ever
known.
driving experience without overshadowing it. Its precise and purposeful tone, punctuated by a subtle back昀椀re, syncs perfectly with every
gearshift, downshift and throttle lift. The gentle whirr of the turbo spool
and the occasional release from the blow-o昀昀 valve are subtle reminders
that, beneath its classic exterior, the Plus Four integrates some rather
modern technology indeed.
A reputation like that elevates Morgan to a very elite category indeed,
but to achieve this in an automotive landscape that typically thrives on
mass production and high-tech automation surely requires extra plaudits. These modern-day notions stand in complete contrast to Morgan’s
values, which only really make sense once you’ve spent time inside one.
And other automotive benchmarks - like global production volumes,
Nürburgring lap records or the race for horsepower supremacy - are
not for the likes of Morgan. Neither is the modern-day alternate world
where digital brevity reigns supreme. The 昀氀eeting content of Reels,
Shorts and TikTok’s just feels somewhat distanced from Morgan.
The absence of overbearing digital screens or automated in-car systems
is appreciated; instead, there’s a direct, un昀椀ltered connection to the
driving experience that modern cars have all but forgotten. As you
progress through corners, the steering is responsive and communicative, providing immediate feedback from every detail of the road surface
directly to your hands.
Instead, this storied marque remains steadfastly rooted in the tangible
fundamentals of traditional craftsmanship, bespoke individuality and
generational heritage. Combined they o昀昀er the driver something richer,
deeper and in昀椀nitely more rewarding. And that reward is a level of driver enlightenment that will repay you inde昀椀nitely, as what emerges from
the experience is a state of pure peace, wisdom and above all, bliss.
O昀케cially, I drove the ‘new’ Plus Four but in all honesty, the Plus Four
as we see it today, began life in 2020 as an evolution of the previous
Morgan 4/4. The preceding years has seen many improvements but
thankfully, the model has been gradually updated rather than completely rede昀椀ned. And by 2021, Morgan was concentrating on improving the
aesthetics, usability and comfort.
If desired, the Plus Four can be equipped with an automatic gearbox
but the manual is undeniably the preferred choice for those seeking
engagement. The manual transmission demands precise coordination as
mismatching engine speed with road speed will leave you unrewarded.
However, execute this correctly and the experience is transformative wind noise intensi昀椀es and the landscape blurs into a vibrant tapestry of
greens. This is driving at its most pure, untouched by the conveniences
of modern technology.
The car is nimble, responsive and has a standard of handling that is almost telepathic in its ability to follow your intent. Morgan’s lightweight
chassis is the root here. Every corner becomes an invitation to explore
the limits of grip and poise, yet always with the reassuring knowledge
that this is a machine crafted with care by hands that understands the
joy of driving, just as much as you do.
In 2022, the Plus Four underwent a major interior redesign, coupled
with a range of dynamic improvements that further elevated the car’s
driving capabilities and interior luxury. And today, the Plus Four
receives an even more re昀椀ned exterior, updated technology and the
introduction of the Dynamic Handling Pack - all set within these iconic
sweeping lines, long bonnet and short rear deck.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the last rays of sunlight
glint o昀昀 the bonnet and long shadows are cast across the hills, there’s a
moment of clarity—a realization that driving a Morgan is about the joy
of the journey, the thrill of the open road and the timeless pleasure of a
machine that is more than just a car. It’s a companion, a storyteller and
above all, a reminder that in a world that’s constantly racing towards the
future, there is still immense value in the things that (broadly speaking)
remain the same.
And when narrow, winding roads do reveal themselves, there is a
meditative rhythm to the Morgan drive as your decisions bring with it a
deep connection to the road, the vehicle and the Malvern landscape that
surrounds you. The drive is rooted in simplicity and is a 115-year-old
dialogue that de昀椀nes the timeless essence of motoring.
And with that 昀椀nal downshift, as you gently roll the Plus Four back into
the garage, you realise that you’ve experienced it. And you’re going to
experience it all over again tomorrow. And that makes all the di昀昀erence.
The exhaust note of the Plus Four is carefully tuned to enhance the
Priced from: £74,406 (£93,220 as priced)
By Chris Walsh
