Overview
The Morgan Supersport represents the epitome of traditional British sports car manufacturing, blending time-honored craftsmanship with exhilarating performance. Produced by the Morgan Motor Company, one of the world’s oldest family-owned car manufacturers, the Supersport continues a legacy that began in 1909. This model embodies Morgan’s commitment to maintaining traditional coachbuilding techniques while incorporating modern performance elements.
Distinguished by its classic silhouette, the Morgan Supersport features the brand’s characteristic flowing fenders, long hood, and compact cabin—a design language that has remained remarkably consistent throughout the company’s history. The Supersport variant elevates this classic aesthetic with performance-oriented touches, including additional cooling vents, lightweight components, and a more aggressive stance.
What truly sets the Morgan Supersport apart from virtually every other contemporary sports car is its handcrafted construction. Each vehicle is meticulously built using a combination of ash wood frame, aluminum panels, and premium leather, requiring over 1,000 hours of skilled labor to complete. This approach results in not just a vehicle, but a personalized piece of automotive artistry with a character and presence unmatched by mass-produced alternatives.
Driving
The driving experience of the Morgan Supersport is defined by its remarkable power-to-weight ratio. Weighing approximately 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs), the vehicle’s lightweight construction allows its powerful engine options to deliver truly exhilarating performance. Depending on the specific variant, the Supersport is typically powered by a BMW-sourced inline-six or V8 engine, producing between 325 and 375 horsepower.
This power translates to impressive acceleration figures, with the Supersport capable of reaching 0-60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds. However, raw statistics fail to capture the visceral nature of the driving experience. With minimal electronic intervention, a direct mechanical steering system, and a firm suspension setup, the Supersport offers a level of driver engagement rarely found in modern vehicles.
The handling characteristics reflect the car’s traditional engineering approach. The Supersport demonstrates exceptional agility through corners, with communicative steering that provides continuous feedback about available grip. The relatively narrow track and firm suspension require a measured driving approach on uneven surfaces, but reward skilled drivers with an intimate connection to the road.
Perhaps most distinctive is the symphony of sensory inputs that accompany every journey. The thunderous exhaust note, the subtle vibrations through the wooden frame, and the unfiltered road feel create a driving experience that engages all senses—a stark contrast to the increasingly isolated cabins of contemporary sports cars. The Supersport demands active participation from its driver, offering in return an authenticity and emotional connection that has become increasingly rare in the automotive landscape.
Interior
The interior of the Morgan Supersport exemplifies the company’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship and materials. Upon entering the cabin, occupants are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of hand-finished leather, polished wood, and machined aluminum. Every surface reflects the hundreds of hours of skilled labor invested in each vehicle, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout.
The dashboard presents a harmonious blend of classic design and modern functionality. Traditional analog gauges dominate the instrument panel, providing essential information with clarity and elegance. While the Supersport incorporates modern conveniences such as air conditioning, sound systems, and in some variants, navigation capabilities, these elements are thoughtfully integrated to complement rather than detract from the classic aesthetic.
The seating position is distinctly sports car-oriented—low to the ground with legs extended forward toward the pedals. The bespoke leather seats provide surprising comfort for longer journeys, though they prioritize support during spirited driving over long-distance comfort. Interior space is understandably limited, with the compact cabin offering adequate room for two adults but minimal storage options beyond a small compartment behind the seats and a modest glovebox.
Weather protection varies by model, with some Supersport variants featuring a removable hardtop, while others offer a folding fabric roof or minimal tonneau cover. This connection to the elements further enhances the immersive driving experience characteristic of the Morgan brand, though it may require additional consideration for those in less favorable climates.
Buying
Purchasing a Morgan Supersport represents entry into an exclusive community of enthusiasts who value handcrafted excellence and driving purity above mass-market convenience. The buying process itself reflects the bespoke nature of the product, with each vehicle built to order following detailed consultation regarding specifications and personalization options.
Prospective buyers should anticipate a waiting period of approximately 6-12 months from order to delivery, depending on current production capacity and the complexity of the specified build. This waiting period is considered part of the ownership experience, allowing time for careful consideration of details and building anticipation for the finished vehicle.
The bespoke nature of Morgan production means that potential buyers have extensive customization options. From exterior paint colors to leather types and stitching patterns, dashboard veneers to wheel designs, each Morgan Supersport can be tailored to its owner’s precise preferences. This level of personalization ensures that no two examples are identical, enhancing both the ownership experience and potential future collectibility.
Pre-owned examples occasionally become available through specialized dealers or private sales, often commanding strong residual values due to their limited production numbers and enduring appeal. When evaluating pre-owned Supersports, comprehensive service history is essential, ideally with maintenance performed by Morgan specialists or authorized representatives who understand the unique construction methods employed.
From an investment perspective, Morgan vehicles have historically demonstrated strong value retention, with limited-production special editions often appreciating significantly. While the Supersport should primarily be considered a purchase of passion rather than pure investment, its exclusivity and traditional construction techniques suggest continued desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
Specs & Prices
Technical Specifications
- Engine: BMW-sourced 3.0L inline-six or 4.8L V8 (depending on variant)
- Power: 325-375 hp (depending on engine option)
- Torque: 330-370 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (model dependent)
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Curb Weight: Approximately 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
- 0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 150+ mph (240+ km/h)
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 25 mpg combined (varies by engine and driving style)
Dimensions
- Length: 4,010 mm (157.9 inches)
- Width: 1,751 mm (68.9 inches)
- Height: 1,220 mm (48.0 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,520 mm (99.2 inches)
Price Information
- Base Price: Starting from approximately £80,000 ($105,000 USD)
- Typical Build with Options: £90,000-£110,000 ($118,000-$145,000 USD)
- Limited Editions and Special Variants: £125,000+ ($165,000+ USD)
- Pre-Owned Market Value Range: £70,000-£100,000 ($92,000-$131,000 USD) depending on age, specification, and condition
Notable Options and Customizations
- Extended leather interior package: £3,500 ($4,600 USD)
- Bespoke paint color: £2,500 ($3,300 USD)
- Performance exhaust system: £1,800 ($2,400 USD)
- Special wheel designs: £1,500-£2,500 ($2,000-$3,300 USD)
- Custom embroidery and stitching: £1,200 ($1,600 USD)
- Climate control system: £1,500 ($2,000 USD)
- Enhanced sound system: £1,200 ($1,600 USD)
In conclusion, the Morgan Supersport offers a unique proposition in today’s automotive landscape—a handcrafted, driver-focused sports car that celebrates traditional craftsmanship while delivering exhilarating performance. Its exclusivity, distinctive character, and the sensory richness of its driving experience continue to attract discerning enthusiasts seeking an authentic alternative to mass-produced performance vehicles. While demanding a significant premium over more conventional sports cars, the Supersport provides a connection to automotive heritage and a level of individualization that mainstream manufacturers simply cannot replicate.
