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.
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 fleeting content of Reels, Shorts and TikTok’s just feels somewhat distanced from Morgan.
Instead, this storied marque remains steadfastly rooted in the tangible fundamentals of traditional craftsmanship, bespoke individuality and generational heritage. Combined they offer the driver something richer, deeper and infinitely more rewarding. And that reward is a level of driver enlightenment that will repay you indefinitely, as what emerges from the experience is a state of pure peace, wisdom and above all, bliss.
Officially, 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 redefined. And by 2021, Morgan was concentrating on improving the aesthetics, usability and comfort.
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 refined exterior, updated technology and the introduction of the Dynamic Handling Pack – all set within these iconic sweeping lines, long bonnet and short rear deck.
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 defines the timeless essence of motoring.
The exhaust note of the Plus Four is carefully tuned to enhance the driving experience without overshadowing it. Its precise and purposeful tone, punctuated by a subtle backfire, syncs perfectly with every gearshift, downshift and throttle lift. The gentle whirr of the turbo spool and the occasional release from the blow-off valve are subtle reminders that, beneath its classic exterior, the Plus Four integrates some rather modern technology indeed.
The absence of overbearing digital screens or automated in-car systems is appreciated; instead, there’s a direct, unfiltered 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.
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 intensifies 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.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the last rays of sunlight glint off 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 with that final 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 difference.
Priced from: £74,406 (£93,220 as priced)
Visit: https://morgan-motor.com/
By Chris Walsh
