More models and lower prices for the Morgan Classic

A HEALTHY exchange rate has allowed niche British car-maker Morgan to slash prices on its Classic range, with prices now starting at less $70,000 for the 4/4.

It has also introduced two new models to Australia – the Plus 4 Sport and the 4/4 – to supplement the existing four-model Classic line-up reintroduced in October last year.

The Ford-engineered Classic was withdrawn from sale in 2007 due to ADR technical issues, but those problems have now been resolved, freeing up the Morgan to increase its presence on our shores.

Ten orders now have been placed by Australian customers, and the first three cars were delivered to their new owners in JanuaryBoth 4/4 models are powered by an 82kW 1.6-litre four-cylinder Ford engine with 142Nm. The 795kg Sport manages 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds, with a top speed of 185km/h.

The newly-introduced 4/4 kicks off the range at $68,200, while the existing 4/4 Sport gets a $9200 price cut, coming in at $69,300. Morgan attributes this to the exemption clause in the luxury car tax that precludes fuel efficient cars. The 4/4 uses only 6.2L/100km and emits 140g/km of CO2.

Customers will be able to ‘drive away’ in a 4/4 for under $75,000 from the Melbourne showroom. Other states acquire transport costs, but the lower stamp duties in NSW, SA, Tasmania and Queensland mean $75,000 drive-away prices are also realistic propositions.

From top: Morgan Three-Wheeler, EvaGT and Aero SuperSports

The 60th anniversary 2011 Plus 4 models begin at $89,910 for the standard and $91,440 for the new Sport model. Both are powered by a 106 kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder ford engine that hustles the 877 kg car from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds, topping out at 189km/h.

The Sport model is differentiated from the Classic by its black wire wheels and lack of rear bumper overriders.

The Roadster heads the Classic line-up, with the standard model priced at $122,900 and the Sport version reduced by $8580 to $124,330. It uses a 3.0-litre V6 made by – predictably – Ford, producing 165kW and 290Nm. This propels the Standard and the Sport (both 935kg) from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 225km/h.

It also gets standard trailing arm rear suspension along with the Australian-made rear axle with limited-slip differential.

The whole Morgan Classic range offers a customised, bespoke options list, while all Sport models include several “high value options”, such as leather trim and reclining seat backs.

The tiny, century-old family company is set to unleash several new models, with a modern-day interpretation of its company-founding three-wheeler to be unveiled at Geneva on March 3.

Powered by a circa-75kW 1800cc ‘Screaming Eagle’ V-twin from Harley-Davidson, the trike to will be propelled to 60mph (97km/h) in an estimated 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 115mph (185km/h) via five-speed Mazda manual transmission. Morgan says it will also have motorcycle homologation.

If the kerb weight of the production model meets local ADR requirements, it could also become available here.

Next year, Morgan will also release of the stunning four-seater aluminium EvaGT supercar, powered by a BMW twin-turbo inline-six. The first production run of 100 units will roll off the Malvern factory line in mid-2012.

Finally, production of the Limited Edition Aero SuperSports will end in July 2011, after a limited-run of 100 units. Four of these were sold in Australia, with the final one to be delivered in the third quarter of 2011.

2011 Morgan ClassicPricing:
4/4	$68,200
4/4 Sport	$69,300
Plus 4	$89,910
Plus 4 Sport	$91,440
Roadster	$122,900
Roadster Sport	$124,330