Morgan Roadster

Our verdict

As fine a British institution as cold showers and buggery, and about as comfortable, the Morgan Roadster is an antiquated indulgence that you shouldn’t want but absolutely will the second you step aboard.

Comfort

If you’re a fan of nicely-preserved National Trust properties, you’ll be right at home here: it’s all soft leather and well-buffed wood. Seating position is surpisingly high, but even six-footers shouldn’t struggle for space in the cabin.

Performance

The Roadster gets the bullish 3.0-litre V6 that Ford's been sticking in its Jaguars. Thanks to Morgan's inherently lightweight ash frame chassis construction and complete lack of refinement this feels utterly terrifying at all times.

Cool

A proper Morgan (by which we mean not an Aero 8) is only cool if you're not a old fart in his retirement. Be young, and preferably a blonde girl, and you're away.

Quality

New Mondeo ST-sourced V6 engine shouldn’t cause any problems, but there are a few worryingly tacky elements in the cabin: a horrible old radio and a nasty steel bar running across the floor. No matter, though – if that’s the sort of thing that bothers you, you probably shouldn’t be in the market for a Morgan at all…

Handling

The Morgan doesn't handle so much as just steer vaguely. You point it into the middle of a bend and see what happens, making the necessary adjustments all the while. Stately and dignified stuff.

Practicality

Sit down. Breathe in gently. Morgans have no boot. None whatsoever. There's also barely enough room in the cabin for you and a size zero model. If you need to bring a toothbrush go buy a BMW Z4.

Running costs

 A Morgan's utter timelessness means they hold their value extremely well, and the modern engines are reliable and frugal. If you can afford it in the first place you've nothing to lose from there. Except hair and fillings.