| Peter Morgan 1919-2003 On December 6, 2003 at 1 PM UK time in a small village in central England a memorial service was held for Peter Morgan. The son of the founder of The Morgan Motor Company had passed away at age 83. He was still coming to the "works" just weeks before his death. Using that time as a standard, Morgan owners around the world fired up their cars as a tribute to his passing. For those of us on the east coast of the U.S. it was 8 AM on a Saturday morning. The collective roar of those Mogs was a group tribute to the quintessential English gentleman who steered his company through some bleak times, yet managed to deliver the firm healthy and solvent for the next generation. Because of his personal values, Morgan survives as the only entirely family owned car company. This during a period which saw some mighty giants fall and others morph into strange contradictory corporate marriages. Often upon passing the remark is made that "we will not soon see his like again." In the case of Peter Morgan the comment is legitimate. His modest memorial service was held in the parish church of St. James the Great in the village of Cradley, so small that the family requested limited attendance. If all those who wanted to attend could have done so, Westminster Cathedral would have worked nicely. At the service Morgan's lifetime of kindness and courage was acknowledged. He took over the company at the death of his father in 1959 and for forty plus years enhanced its unique nich in the car world. Peter Morgan was especially appreciative of the role in company's survival played by Americans. Until recently there was a 5-7 year wait for one of his cars. That was quite a switch from the early '60s when he was willing to pick up customers at the Malvern train station to make a sale. In that era Americans bought 80% of the cars and kept the company afloat as other markets wanted more "modern" cars. Peter never forgot it. Despite the worldwide success that came to Morgan Motors in the last twenty five years, only a handful of cars passed through the colander of federal regulations to anxious owners. These paltry numbers did not prevent Peter from attending many U.S. events with enthusiasm and grace. The appeal of the man is inextricably connected to the Morgan story. The manner in which he ran his business and his life speak of values that we all long for, but so rarely witness. Until very recently no Morgan agent ever had a written contract, and all dealings were sealed with a handshake. Attending a car event in the UK he once drove up in his Plus 8 and parked ithe car with other Morgans. A newer club member, not recognizing him, asked if he would move the car so his friends could park nearby. Peter promptly did so, later remarking how nice it is for friends to park ( and picnic) near each other. Morgan, despite its size, has had an enviable record of achievement beginning with the early three wheelers. When in 1962 a Moran Plus 4 Supersports won the three litre class at LeMans it was the ultimate David/Goliath story. In addition, the little roadster was driven to and from the race. Peter Morgan himself was an excellent driver, having won numerous major UK rally and trials events in the 50's. The one race he couldn't win was the one to 2009, when the Morgan Motor Company will celebrate its 100th anniversary. At that time, and many times along the way, those of us lucky enough to drive one of his cars will crank them up and honor the man whose vision and leadership have allowed us to feel the purity of driving "the last true sportscar." John Moffatt |
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