TRIP OUT

espite the cold and damp conditions at D the December Allon White breakfast meet there must have been a turnout approaching seventy people this included MogFriends members most were dressed in overcoats and woolly ear warmers, there was a good collection of Morgans arrive in the car park for the breakfast.

Very welcoming bacon butties, hot off the grill, were being dispensed with gusto and inside the showroom were equally warming mugs of tea and coffee washed down with mince pies and chocolate treats.

An indoor race competition was played on the Scalextric track, a well set out and accessible circuit, for some this was for the first time in years. Some brought their own race cars and a wide selection was seen on track including a Morgan Aero with front and rear lights and was a worthy competitor to the Silk Cut Jaguars.

There was an interesting and varied display of second hand Morgans in the showroom to suite a wide range of pocket depths. From the asking prices, it was clearly apparent that a well looked after Trad will at least hold its value - if not appreciate over time.

There were interesting talks by Morgan Motor Companies Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Kiesele and Mark Ledington who is said “knows everything about Morgans”. The challenges faced by small manufacturers were explained, including the economies of scale that large manufacturers can lever from suppliers of component parts. This partly explains why the CX chassis cars are very much more expensive than the steel traditional chassis cars they have replaced. This of course is reflected in the new car prices. Unfortunately for this reason a CX 4/4 would not be significantly cheaper than a CX Plus Four. The build quality of the new Morgan

cars was rated as exceptionally high and this was quoted by MMC as a unique selling point. It was noted that all 2023 Plus Fours from June onwards shall be left hand drive automatic and bound for the USA and thus all those wanting one in the UK should put their order in now or may be disappointed.

Thomas Kiesele described the latest refinements on the Plus range and invited a question and answer session afterwards. The Plus range now features a Sennheiser sound system that uses invisible speakers as part of the revolutionary new sound experience, while the dashboard is now super formed aluminium with improved dials.

A contemporary new style to the upholstery with fabric panels added to the seating, there is an overall more attention to detail on the finish and detail in the cars. The handling and feel of the car is much more planted due to the electronic stability control and AP braking system, it is reported to be the best driving experience yet.

Thomas has joined Morgan with a notable 30 years previous experience from other prestigious and luxury marques such as time spent with Ferrari, Bentley etc.

This was a very worthwhile breakfast meeting at Allon Whites and gave an insight into how MMC are looking to develop the Morgan brand. There was an air

of optimism that MCC believe they have turned a corner with the 2023 range of cars with many new refinements and improvements in the new ‘Plus’ range.

Some were given guided tours of the refurbished, updated and improved Allon Whites dealership, the relocation of the workshops to a new bespoke facility adjacent to the car park has released more showroom space and a good selection of cars in the showroom was a pleasure to view. The workshops have four post lifts fitted which have a lifting capacity if needed to future proof them to lift the heavier cars that may hold batteries. The relocated upholstery and trim workshop has more space and is also inside this new workshop facility.

Allon White was formed in 1919 when Allon White was demobbed after the 1st World War and returned home to Cranfield, this Morgan dealership began in 1966 and after being put up for sale was acquired by the current owner John Bellenger in 2003.

From my personal experience I have always found Allon Whites to be very supportive and involved in the Morgan community, they are very fortunate to have dedicated and knowledgable staff and they deserve a mention.

Phil the sales manager champions the Morgan knowledge, Phil is the author of many Morgan books and publications, his advice on buying and maintaining any Morgan is very worthwhile.

Shaun and George the coach trimmers are very

experienced on obtaining that perfect finish to your trim, upholstery or hood etc, there is always a good selection of leather hides available. Refinements such as elasticated door pockets, neck rolls etc easily made to match your car.

Julie is usually the first to answer your phone call or greet you with a coffee in the reception area or Morgan showroom and always gives a warm welcome.

John, the owner of the business is available to talk and offer advice and guidance, at the breakfast club he has been seen serving the bacon butties.

And to round things off, a quick mention of Allon White Sports Cars’ Breakfast Clubs. These are held on the 1st Saturday of the month. Everyone is welcome and there’ll be hot drinks and bacon rolls from 9:30am it is usual to have a guest speaker or other ‘theme’, details are always available on Allon Whites’ website and social media.

Thank you to Allon White for hosting an extremely enlightening session on all things Morgan.

We wish all a Happy New Year and look forward to the many adventures to come in our beloved cars for 2023, your Morgan friends.