Morgan to begin centenary celebrations (From Malvern Gazette)

Morgan to begin centenary celebrations

12:16pm Wednesday 31st December 2008 in Search By Suzanne Black

THE UK’s only-surviving British-owned car manufacturer is launching its centenary celebrations in grand style on Friday (January 2) with a special drive away.

The owners of the first Morgans sold in the company’s centenary year will leave the new Spring Lane showroom just after noon, with more than 20 expected through the gates.

The event is just one of many that will take place during 2009.

Matthew Parkin, sales and marketing director, said: “There are not many car companies who have reached 100 years and if they have, it is not sure they will reach 101 in the current climate. But we are doing well and we are proud of the history of the firm.

“Morgan is just one big family. I am not just talking about Charles Morgan and his relatives, but about the employees and customers. They become part of the family.

“One of our real strengths is our brand – it becomes a way of life.”

The centenary also offers a boost to Malvern as a whole. Cllr Phil Grove, spokesman for tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are hoping that it will help tourism in the area and I am sure that all our restaurant owners and hoteliers will appreciate it. I am certain that the area has more than adequate facilities to meet everyone’s demands.

“With the current economic climate this could not come at a better time and I hope that some of our businesses will do really well out of it. It is a great opportunity for Malvern to be at the forefront of people’s minds and an attraction for people to come and visit.”

The man who guided the destiny of the Morgan car for almost 50 years and made the first one in 1909 was H F S Morgan.

The first Morgan was a three-wheeler. He bought a seven horse-power twin-cylinder Peugeot engine and mounted it into a light three-wheeled tubular chassis.

With very little facility for machine work in his garage, help was gratefully received from Mr Stephenson-Peach, then engineering master at Malvern and Repton Colleges and the grandson of the designer of the ‘Rocket’.

Mr Parkin added: “Initially, there was no intention of marketing the vehicle. Only after favourable comment was the decision made to build a few.”

Much of the celebration will take place in the summer. Events include pre-booked factory tours, a track day at Castle Combe and gala dinner. There will also be a weekend celebration at Cheltenham Racecourse in August.

H F S Morgan’s father was a vicar in Stoke Lacy and to mark the Herefordshire link, events will include a guided tour by residents.

Very young enthusiasts have not been forgotten either, Morgan has announced a new model – the SuperSports Junior, a 2/3rd scale pedal car suitable for six-13-year-olds.

To find out about the centenary celebrations, log onto www.morgan-motor.co.uk.