The Morgan Aero 8 is a sports car built by Morgan Motor Company at Malvern Link from 2000 until 2018. Announced in 2000, it was the first new Morgan design since the +4+ of 1964 and was presented as Morgan’s first supercar. It was also the first Morgan with an aluminium chassis and frame instead of the traditional steel chassis and ash-framed body.
Morgan Aero 8 at a glance
| Maker | Morgan Motor Company, Malvern Link |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2018 |
| Chassis | bonded aluminium with an ash frame |
| Engine, Series 1 | 4.4 L BMW M62 V8, 282 hp |
| Torque | 322 lb·ft at 3,750 rpm |
| Transmission | six-speed Getrag |
| 0–62 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 160 mph (257 km/h) |
| Weight | about 1,100 kg |
| Series 4 engine | 4.8 L BMW N62 V8, optional ZF automatic |
| Aero 8 GTN | 4.6 L Alpina engine, 330 bhp, 11 built |
| Series 1 built | about 210 cars |
Based on one source. The AeroMax is a limited body version of the Aero 8 and is described in this article.
History of the Morgan Aero 8
Series 1, 2000–2004
The first Aero was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000. Its chassis was designed by Chris Lawrence with input from Charles Morgan and the Morgan engineering team, and the body panels were produced with Superform. The bonded aluminium structure kept elements of an ash frame as a link to the traditional cars. In-board shock absorbers, double wishbones all round, a flat floor, centre-lock magnesium wheels and rose-jointed suspension were racing-derived features unusual for Morgan. The 4.4-litre BMW M62 V8 produced 282 hp and 322 lb·ft; Morgan quoted 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds and 160 mph. About 210 Series 1 cars were made.
The cross-eyed face
The Aero 8 became known for its “cross-eyed” look, created by reversed VW New Beetle headlamps. Wind tunnel work at MIRA required the leading edge of the front wings to sit ahead of the radiator so that a front splitter could be fitted, and reversing the lamps gave the required angle. Morgan changed the design from 2005 with the Series 3, using Mini rather than Beetle lights.
GTN, Series 4 and AeroMax
The Aero 8 GTN of 2004 was a run-out model of the Series 1 with a 4.6-litre Alpina BMW engine of 330 bhp, a carbon-fibre roof and interior, and semi-slick tyres; eleven were built, all in BMW blue and silver. In 2007 the Series 4 arrived with a 4.8-litre BMW N62 V8 and an optional ZF automatic gearbox. The AeroMax, Aero Supersports and Aero Coupé were designed by Matthew Humphries, who had sent his basic design to Charles Morgan while studying at Coventry University. All Aero 8s were assembled at Malvern Link, where the factory could build up to fourteen cars a week.
Design and features
- Bonded aluminium chassis: a complete departure from Morgan’s steel chassis and ash-framed body.
- BMW V8 power: a 4.4-litre engine at first, then a 4.8-litre unit from the Series 4.
- No anti-roll bars: an unusual choice for a modern sporting car, relying on suspension geometry instead.
- Racing-derived suspension: double wishbones, in-board shock absorbers and a flat floor.
- Distinctive face: reversed Beetle headlamps from 2000, Mini lamps from 2005.
Morgan Aero 8 versions
- Aero 8 Series 1 (2000–2004): 4.4-litre BMW V8, about 210 cars.
- Aero 8 GTN (2004): 4.6-litre Alpina engine, 330 bhp, eleven cars in two-tone blue and silver.
- Aero 8 Series 4 (2007): 4.8-litre BMW V8 with an optional automatic gearbox.
- AeroMax: a limited body version designed by Matthew Humphries, described in the same family.
- Aero Supersports and Aero Coupé: later closed and open derivatives of the same design.
The Aero platform later carried the revived Plus 8. The traditional four-wheeled Morgans are described in the 4/4 article. More cars are in the Morgan collection.
Video: Morgan AeroMax on GRIP
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Morgan Aero 8, English Wikipedia: development, engines, series, AeroMax
