A step back in time in Malvern

The Coachmakers enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Morgan car factory in Malvern on 18th March. Eleven members and friends were taken on a private conducted tour of the whole factory viewing what is one of the oldest car manufacturer in the UK still using heritage skills and hand-crafted techniques.

The highlight was a press (pictured below) which has been in continuous use for 70 years for making a rear wing of the sports car. It uses four layers of ash wood which are glued together in an oak press that bends the ash to the required shape – old fashioned coach building!

The happy group were taken through the whole process of building a modern Morgan from the aluminum tub to the attachment of the ash frame, shaping the wings, engine, electricals and then the trim and final paint process.

All cars are built to order, and you are able to choose whatever colour you want and interior trim. There were some odd combinations but it was explained that these were probably left-hand drive for US customers.

Those of a certain age will remember ex-Chief Exec of ICI Sir John Harvey-Jones visiting Morgan in the 1990s Troubleshooter programme, in which he advised the company to modernise their production process or they would die. The Morgan family took no notice and are still in business, unlike ICI!