The Last of a Dying Breed: Morgan’s Enduring Legacy of Pure Sports Cars
October 6, 2025 – In a world increasingly dominated by comfort and convenience, the raw, unadulterated thrill of a true sports car feels like a distant memory. But for those who remember – or dream of – a time when driving was about feeling the road, the name Morgan still resonates. This year marks the end of an era as the last classically-built Morgan rolls off the production line, a poignant farewell to a manufacturer that stubbornly refused to compromise.
Rewind to 1987. While Eastern European cars like Ladas and Skodas populated parking lots, a Western vehicle – let alone a British sports car – was a rare sight. The Morgan,famed for its meticulous hand-assembly,was almost mythical. A recent retrospective by car-Motor Magazine, featuring Kristóf Karlovitz’s original 1987 test drive, offers a captivating glimpse into what made this car so special.
The morgan Plus 8 wasn’t just a “Western car”; it was an English sports car – a distinction that mattered. In an age already leaning towards “pseudosports” cars prioritizing comfort and aesthetics over performance, the Morgan stood apart. It wasn’t about electric windows, hi-fi systems, or even speed limits. It was about the pure, visceral experience of driving.
“Sports car… This word has a magic,” Karlovitz wrote. “Every real driver has a glittering eyes when he sees it.” And seeing a Morgan was truly an event. Its design, seemingly unchanged as the 1930s, wasn’t about imitation; it was the original. Long, wide, and boasting imposing alloy wheels, the car possessed a unique presence. Its flowing lines, complete with mudguards extending into the sills and a classic refrigeration-style hood, were a purposeful rejection of modern trends.
The Morgan didn’t offer concessions to comfort. It offered an experience. It was a machine built for enthusiasts, for those who understood that the joy of driving wasn’t about getting from point A to point B, but about the journey itself. As the automotive world shifts towards electric vehicles and autonomous driving, the Morgan’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of a simpler, more engaging time – a time when a car was more than just transportation; it was a passion.
[Image of a british Morgan sports car manufactory. The features of the model in the 1987 test are also shown on new cars. Photo: car engine]
