Depending on your age you’ll either remember Monty Python as one of the most surreal and iconic TV series of your lifetime – or you may have just discovered it on the Dave channel. Either way, Python fans young and old will recognise the recurring sketch where the camera sweeps across rolling hills or along a windswept beach to eventually focus on John Cleese, usually wearing a suit and sitting behind a desk as per a TV newsreader. After a bit of a pause he’d announce… “And now for something completely different,” at which point a sketch about people hitting each other with fish would begin.
Well, here’s something completely different.
The Morgan Aero 8.
The Aero 8 was unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow. Jaws dropped. There are still the classic, unmistakeable Morgan lines, but there is also a sense of menace. Thankfully, it still follows the sort of nutcase ethos behind most Morgan cars. Loads of power, lots of noise, snug cockpit, wind in the hair, flies in the teeth. Brilliant.
Morgan cars are a rare sight. The factory at Malvern in Worcestershire now builds 1,300 cars a year which, for Morgan, is revolutionary. It used to be one a week.
Despite its cottage-industry credentials, do not for one minute assume that the Morgan Aero 8 is like driving a museum exhibit from the 1930s. Not a chance.
How does this grab you? Under the bonnet there’s a thumping BMW V8 4.8 litre, 367bhp engine. Bearing in mind that this Morgan is built on an aluminium chassis, you won’t be surprised to read that the Aero 8 is quick for the simple reason that the engine hasn’t got a lot of weight to chuck around. 0-60mph takes 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is 170mph. The six-speed manual gearbox (an auto ’box is an option… but not for real Morgan drivers) is light and direct.
Is it an involving drive? You bet. Morgan doesn’t bother with a load of clever electronic driver aides. They’re for wimps. However, gone are the days when powerful Morgans used to bite back and fling you into the nearest hedge. They’re now much more civilised and hugely rewarding to punt along. The sound is glorious, too, especially if you opt for the side exit exhausts. Which, of course, you will.
The interior is smart and beautifully executed. The mohair hood stows beneath the boot lid which rises up like a clam. You can opt for a solid, coupé roof but when the sun’s out you’ll instantly regret it.
The Aero 8 is Morgan at its very best. You get the traditional Morgan hand-crafted workmanship, but you also get the latest technology in the oily bits. It’s £79,000 of exclusivity.
If you’ve never enjoyed the thrill of driving one, we’d suggest you get in touch with your local dealer… if you can find one, that is.
Chocks away.
For more information, see morgan-motor.co.uk
