Vehicle Description
Morgan Motor Company stands proudly as one of Britain's oldest and
most staunchly traditional automobile manufacturers. Since
producing their first three-wheeled cycle-car in 1910, Morgan has
embodied an independent spirit that lives on to this day in their
handcrafted, thoroughly unique sports cars. When Morgan finds a
formula that works for them, they stick with it, and so do their
customers. Such is their stubborn tenacity that it took until 1935
for them to produce their first four-wheeled vehicle, the 4/4
sports car. The "flat rad" cars went through 1953, when the
now-iconic curved radiator grille was adopted, which remains in use
some 65 years later. Since the earliest 4/4, Morgans share the
common lineage of a steel ladder chassis, independent front
suspension, and a 1930's style body with ash framing. Even in the
face of today's strict safety and emissions standards, Morgan holds
tight to their roots and traditional methods, representing the
embodiment of England's cottage industry. With such a rich history
of doing things their own way, it is big news whenever Morgan
reveals something new and different. In 2001, Morgan shocked the
public with the dramatic Aero 8 - a traditional Morgan totally
reimagined for modern times. The steel ladder chassis was out,
replaced with a high-tech bonded-aluminum tub, similar in principle
to the Lotus Elise. Up to that point, Morgan's most potent car was
the Rover V8-powered Plus 8; however, the new Aero 8 took a quantum
leap forward thanks to a BMW-sourced 4.4 liter, 32-valve V8 engine
developing over 300 horsepower. The styling was by Matthew
Humphries, a young designer who would later join the company as the
first-ever head of styling. The look was unmistakably Morgan,
updated for the 21st century. With limited resources, Morgan
integrated components from other cars. The headlamps, for instance,
were sourced from the VW New Beetle, which gave early examples a
"crosseyed" appearance. From 2007-on, however, the Aero 8 Series 4
got a bit of corrective surgery courtesy of lamps from BMW's Mini,
as well as a bump in power in the form of a revised 4.4-liter V8
engine, making a healthy 362 horsepower. Despite rattling the
sensibilities of traditional Morgan enthusiasts, the Aero 8 manages
to remain an unmistakable product of Malvern Link. It is a raw and
visceral sports car that can be flogged hard, yet the refinement of
the BMW running gear allows it to cruise around town in relative
comfort. It stands proudly in the face of cars like the Porsche
911, with abundant character and a sense of pride in its
quirkiness. As motoring journalist Chris Harris said of the Aero 8,
"the world is a better place for cars like this." Muscular, sleek
and unmistakably British, this Morgan Aero 8 America is a desirable
4th series car, presented in stunning condition. As one of just 80
cars produced in 2007, this rare America model benefits from
styling and performance updates, wearing revised bumpers that are
specially designed to meet Federal crash standards. In addition,
the America is identified by special badging and more pronounced
vents in front wings. Finished in stunning bright silver over a
gray interior and blue hood, this Aero 8 is a fabulous example
showing just over 20,000 miles from new. It is a fabulous example,
with outstanding paintwork and detailing. The nose is covered with
transparent protective film to prevent rock chips and bug stains,
and the aluminum body panels are straight, with factory-appropriate
alignment. Rolling stock consists of 18-inch Technomagnesio
forged-alloy wheels with gunmetal centers and polished lips. The
exquisitely finished lightweight wheels are wrapped with grippy
Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Behind those wheels are massive
AP-Racing disc brakes to help rein in all of that grunt. The mix of
modern and traditional continues inside, with a pair of supportive
bucket seats trimmed in gray, diamond-quilted leather and piped in
navy blue, with dark blue Wilton wool carpeting lining the floors.
The interior is in excellent condition, befitting the mileage.
Contrasting the traditional leather and wool is a carbon fiber
instrument panel with a deep lacquer finish. Instruments feature
attractive off-white faces, and the shift lever for the 6-speed
manual gearbox falls readily to hand. The switchgear - sometimes
weak point on cottage industry cars - has a satisfying quality
thanks to Morgan's raiding of BMW's parts bin. The 4.4-liter,
four-cam V8 sounds distinctly un-Teutonic, barking through dual
side-exit exhausts. Originally designed to haul around two tons of
luxury sedan, the engine is free to flex its muscle in the 2,400
pound Morgan. It runs strong, and with low miles and regular care
in the hands of its previous owner, it presents in clean and tidy
order beneath the two-piece alloy bonnet. On the road, the Aero 8
is an absolute thrill. Docile when you want it to be, yet
electrifying when you plant your right foot, this Morgan is a
magnificent driver's car. With the exuberant Aero 8, old-world
craftsmanship meets new-world performance in a package that
encapsulates the spirit of independence that makes Morgan cars so
unique.