AN iconic British car brand has axed its beloved sportster model to be replaced with a £97,000, limited-edition “Pinacle” version.
The firm is weighing up a change to its legendary design after more than 100 years of tradition.
Morgan is reportedly phasing out the flagship Plus Six[/caption]
A new ‘Pinnacle’ version will act as a temporary replacement[/caption]
Morgan built its name as one of the premium sports car brands in the golden age of British automotive manufacturing, particularly in the inter-war period.
Established in 1910, it was owned and run by its founder, Henry Morgan, until his death in 1959.
Indeed, a member of the Morgan family was in control of the brand until the majority of shares were bought by Investindustrial, an Italian private equity firm, in 2019.
It’s now being reported that the brand has made the decision to call time on the flagship model in its modern lineup – the Plus Six.
The retro-styled motor has been on the market since 2019 after replacing the Plus Eight, which had been made since the late-’60s.
Amazingly, it sits on a frame made of ash wood as a callback to the original Morgans.
Our cars’ underpinnings have come a long way
Matthew Hole
The company only makes around 850 car each year, with a waiting list of six months for orders.
But Autocar reports that bosses are set to do away with the Plus Six, letting it bow out with a limited edition “Pinnacle” version.
Clocking in at just under £97,000 each, only 30 are expected to be produced.
The car will be based on the same platform as the standard Plus Six, featuring the same straight-six engine, but will include “almost limitless” options for customisation.
This will reportedly be used as a springboard for Morgan’s custom ordering programme, which will allow customers to tailor their cars with bespoke precision.
However, the Pinnacle will only be a placeholder before full-blooded replacement comes in to top the brand’s range.
Little is known about the new car except that it is to be more powerful and more expensive than the Plus Six, while abandoning the famous “wing silhouette” that became the hallmark of a Morgan.
That legacy will be carried on by the Plus Four, while the new model will take inspiration from the “jet age” according to the company’s design chief.
Matthew Hole, the firm’s managing director, told Autocar: “There’s definitely space out there for new models that don’t look the same as the Morgans of old – as long as we also meet the expectations of our traditional customers.
“That’s one reason we’re keen to maintain and expand our coachbuilding skills.
“Our cars’ underpinnings have come a long way, but there’s catching up to do with some of the exterior.
“Coachbuilding allows you a lot of flexibility.
“We’re in no hurry to dump a lot of forward-facing technology into the cars, especially if it doesn’t add to the analogue driving experience.”
A full, radically redesigned successor is expected next year[/caption]
