Our Limited Edition Morgan Is Ready To Be Won
April 10, 2024
In 2006, the Morgan 4/4 celebrated its seventy-first year. To mark this milestone, a limited run of 142 ’70th Anniversary Edition’ cars was commissioned. Of these
April 10, 2024
E-Type Oil Change
April 10, 2024
Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he
The New Morgan Plus Four
April 10, 2024
The latest Morgan Plus Four has been revealed, and it looks to be a perfect example of the company’s quality craftsmanship and engineering. Continuing the
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry
April 10, 2024
In recent years, the automotive industry has been witnessing a notable shift in attitudes towards drinking alcohol and driving. For most drivers, the days of
Spotted At The NEC
April 10, 2024
Our 1905 Riley 9HP briefly appeared in this video from Gary Mavers.
Our Limited Edition Morgan Is Ready To Be Won
April 10, 2024
In 2006, the Morgan 4/4 celebrated its seventy-first year. To mark this milestone, a limited run of 142 ’70th Anniversary Edition’ cars was commissioned. Of these 142 vehicles, just two were produced per build year. Each edition featured unique paint colours, soft-top designs, upholstery, and more, reflecting the style of its corresponding decade.
Our 2006 Morgan 4/4 ’70th Anniversary’ is one of the two ‘1952’ models. Finished in Duck Egg Blue with Black leather upholstery and Dark Blue weather equipment, this car was originally supplied through Thomson & Potter of Perth. After just 12,000 miles, it entered its second ownership in October 2020, where it has remained until now.
Entry is open to win our 2006 Morgan 4/4 ’70th Anniversary’
All the details you need are on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
E-Type Oil Change
April 10, 2024
Technician Julian has been attending to the nearside exhaust manifold of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. It was blowing between the manifold and head so he removed the inlet manifolds and carburettors, removed the heat shields and downpipes, and removed the exhaust manifold.
Julian found that the manifold flanges were out of shape so he filed them flat and refitted them with new gaskets. Once this was done, he refitted all parts and completed an oil and filter change.
The New Morgan Plus Four
April 10, 2024
The latest Morgan Plus Four has been revealed, and it looks to be a perfect example of the company’s quality craftsmanship and engineering.
Continuing the legacy of Morgan’s longest-running model, this new Plus Four has been upgraded in its design, performance, and technology. These changes have been made using findings from the 70-year production run of the car.
Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are proud to continue Plus Four’s incredible legacy – one that stretches back to 1950 – with this latest model, honouring the spirit of the original car yet reimagining it for today. The latest Plus Four is unmistakably a Morgan for today’s discerning customer.
“The importance and responsibility when evolving this longstanding nameplate is not lost on the team at Pickersleigh Road. Whilst other models within our lineup offer greater opportunity for experimentation, Plus Four requires a more delicate approach. We believe that the new features and detail culminate to create a fitting evolution and an immediate impression of a more refined, usable, and quality sports car, yet one that remains playful and fun.
“The introduction of the latest Plus Four also brings a renewed approach to vehicle design, engineering, quality, and production at Morgan. Through greater internal collaboration we have been able to further champion the qualities that make Morgan special, whilst creating even more compelling sports cars for our global community of customers.”
Morgan Plus Four – What’s New?
The goal for the new Morgan Plus Four was to make it look simpler and cleaner, while still highlighting its classic shape. Changes have been made to the front and back by adding new lights, wings, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, and special number plate holders. These changes give the car a fresh look and a tidier appearance.
The headlights and taillights are brand new and were designed specifically for Morgan by its in-house design and engineering teams. The lights are bigger than before, providing better visibility on the road, as well as returning to more traditional proportions. Also, the indicators and the lights have been combined into a single unit, allowing for the removal of separately mounted indicator units.
The car’s wings, both at the front and the back, have been redesigned using a cold-forming technique to give them a smoother surface. This makes the new Plus Four look more sculpted and elegant, catching the light in a better way.
Other features include a new front splitter and a new rear diffuser, both of which have a floating number plate plinth. Both of these are finished in dark matte grey. This design feature is a throwback to older Morgan sports cars, many of which featured no front undertray or bumpers, giving the new Plus Four a classic touch.
A new model badge features Morgan’s own H.F.S. Bold typeface. Inspired by car badges that used italicised typefaces and repeating speed lines, the badge is a modern interpretation of classic automotive branding.
Both the rear-view mirror and wing mirrors are new. Each has been designed in-house and is manufactured exclusively for Morgan and is made from lightweight aluminium.
Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “To think of a Morgan is to picture the unmistakable silhouette of the Plus Four. During this exciting time in the company’s history, whilst we look towards broader visual experimentation across our model range, the continuous evolution of Plus Four – our time-proven brand anchor – is rightly afforded a more delicate approach.
“The changes we have made – as with any longstanding design-led product – consider the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. For the latest Plus Four, we are proud to present an extensive list of component design updates that come together to deliver an undeniably refreshing yet reputably authentic impression.
“The wings have been entirely reformed with a greater level of intelligent surfacing to control highlights and add poise. Our new headlights feature the latest illumination technology yet were born of a desire to address a more traditional and balanced frontal proportion. Our new mirrors are now formed of beautifully machined aluminium. Strategic design simplification has reduced visual distraction and celebrates enhanced quality at a component level throughout.”
The Driving Experience
The Morgan Plus Four is all about the driving experience, focusing on how it feels rather than just its speed or lap times. The engineers at Morgan worked hard to make sure driving this car is enjoyable and gives the driver a strong connection to the road. As a result, you can get the Plus Four with either a manual or automatic gearbox which is powered by a 2-litre BMW engine.
The latest Plus Four also has some changes to its suspension to make the ride even better. There’s also an option called the Dynamic Handling Pack, which Morgan developed with Nitron, experts in suspension. This pack includes new spring rates and re-valved dampers along with a rear anti-roll bar. These changes make the Plus Four even more fun to drive while still keeping that special connection between the driver and the car.
Morgan has also updated the interior of the Plus Four to make it more user-friendly and comfortable. They’ve added a Sennheiser audio system, enhancements to the LCD screen and dashboard, new interior illumination, and a new key fob.
The lightweight Sennheiser audio system, first introduced to Plus Four in 2022, has been enhanced for the latest Plus Four. The enhanced system utilises additional ‘invisible’ speakers in the cockpit, specifically underneath both seats, and higher-specification conventional speakers within the doors. Reflecting the changes to exterior lighting, new interior lighting has also been added.
Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “The latest Plus Four represents a fitting evolution of our longest established nameplate and delivers an even greater Morgan experience to our customers around the world. It does this thanks to new dynamic improvements which deliver a more engaging level of performance, through myriad technology updates which improve the user’s interaction with the vehicle, and a range of quality enhancements which further increase engineering integrity. Achieving these refinements without detracting from the timeless integrity of Plus Four is down to the skill, dedication and collaboration of our teams and suppliers.”
A Modern Take On A Great Classic
The new Morgan Plus Four is available to order now, with the first models going into production in May 2024.
We are very much looking forward to seeing them out on the road alongside their classic counterparts.
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry
April 10, 2024
In recent years, the automotive industry has been witnessing a notable shift in attitudes towards drinking alcohol and driving. For most drivers, the days of “five and drive” are long gone and we tend to be a lot more conscious of alcohol consumption when we plan on getting behind the wheel. This is where non-alcoholic drinks come in, as they offer drivers the chance to feel part of the festivities without compromising their driving ability.
The Social Side Of Non-Alcoholic Drinks
For many people, going to the pub or a local bar is a social event where you can catch up with friends and family while enjoying a drink and a good time. One of the changes in attitude around alcohol and driving is that it is now much more socially acceptable to enjoy a soft drink around your friends who are drinking alcohol.
However, the rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages has had a very positive impact on the way drivers socialise while still staying safe and alert enough to drive home. You can now go to the pub and enjoy an alcohol-free version of your favourite beverage. While this may not seem like much, it can be a difference maker to drivers all over the country who still want to join in the atmosphere of a social gathering without putting their driving at risk.
Rio Bruen, who works in the hospitality industry said “As a Mixologist and Head Barman over the last 4 years since the pandemic I have seen a huge Boom in the popularity of low or no alcohol alternatives.
With companies really upping their game with 0% Spirit alternatives, the ability to create like-for-like mocktails has become much easier, and the flavour profile is closer to their alcoholic counterparts than ever. In the Summer of 2022, I created 2 cocktails and 2 mocktails and asked my team to try each and tell me which had alcohol and which had 0% alternatives. Those who thought they could distinguish between them were, in fact, inaccurate and both mocktails were able to pass as alcohol to different team members.”
Health Benefits Of Non-Alcoholic Drinks
The automotive industry has long been associated with power, performance, and speed. However, alongside this, there’s a growing awareness of the need for a balanced lifestyle. As people become increasingly health-conscious, they seek alternatives to traditional, often sugar-laden beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks offer a refreshing and healthier option for drivers and passengers alike.
Safety
One of the primary reasons why alcohol-free drinks are gaining traction in the automotive industry (and beyond) is safety. Alcohol consumption and driving are a dangerous combination, contributing to large numbers of accidents and fatalities each year. For example, government statistics for 2021 show that between 240 and 280 people were killed in collisions in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit and an estimated 6,740 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit.
By promoting non-alcoholic alternatives, automotive businesses can align with safety initiatives, advocating for responsible consumption and minimising risks on the road.
Rio Bruen went on to say “When working in a venue with outdoor seating in the summer, it’s common to see bikers stop to have a drink on their travels, of course with the fear of being over the legal driving limit, it is refreshing to see these visitors go from having a half pint and feeling they need to leave to being able to rest and have a couple of bottles of 0.5% alc beer.”
Dietary Restrictions
Non-alcoholic beverages cater to a diverse range of preferences and dietary restrictions. Zero alcohol beers to mocktails, the options are vast. This inclusivity enhances people’s overall driving experience, ensuring that every driver and passenger can find a beverage that suits their taste and lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning commute or a road trip with friends, non-alcoholic drinks offer a refreshing and personal solution to everyone.
Greater Opportunity To Collaborate
Non-alcoholic drinks present an opportunity for collaboration and innovation within the automotive industry. Partnerships between automotive businesses and beverage companies can lead to unique marketing initiatives and co-branded products, enhancing the overall customer experience. Whether it’s a custom-designed bottle holder or a special edition beverage inspired by a new car model, these collaborations create excitement and differentiation in the market.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry
The rise of non-alcoholic drinks in the automotive industry signifies a broader shift towards health, safety, and overall consideration for all road users. By offering a wide range of beverage options, automotive businesses can cater to the evolving preferences of consumers while promoting responsible consumption and road safety.
To me, it seems clear that non-alcoholic drinks are not just a passing fad but a fundamental aspect of the modern driving experience. As we get ready to open our brand-new events space here at Bridge Classic Cars, we are making sure there is plenty of variety in our non-alcoholic range.
3 responses to “The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks In The Automotive Industry”
I tried this recently and can recommend it as a proper tasting ale but alcohol free and suited to the older clientele!
https://stpetersbrewery.myshopify.com/collections/alcohol-freeI also quite enjoyed the alcohol free Guinness can I tried at Christmas
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Spotted At The NEC
April 10, 2024
Our 1905 Riley 9HP briefly appeared in this video from Gary Mavers.
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