2020 Morgan Plus Six — The Timeless British Roadster
2020 Morgan Plus Six — The Timeless British Roadster
The Morgan Plus Six represents a bold new chapter for the Morgan Motor Company. Launched in 2019, it was the first model built on Morgan’s all-new CX-Generation platform — the first completely new chassis from the Malvern-based manufacturer in over 50 years.
A Modern Classic
At first glance, the Plus Six looks unmistakably Morgan — long bonnet, separate swept wings, upright grille, and that classic British roadster silhouette. But underneath the hand-beaten aluminium panels lies thoroughly modern engineering.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L BMW B58 twin-scroll turbo inline-6 |
| Power | 335 hp (250 kW) |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) |
| 0–60 mph | 4.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 166 mph (267 km/h) |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF automatic |
| Weight | 1,075 kg (2,370 lb) |
| Platform | CX-Generation bonded aluminium |
| Body | Hand-beaten aluminium over ash wood frame |
Despite the modern BMW engine and ZF gearbox, the Plus Six weighs just 1,075 kg — lighter than a Mazda MX-5. The combination of low weight, ample power, and rear-wheel drive makes for an exhilarating driving experience.
The CX-Generation Platform
The CX platform was a revolution for Morgan. It’s a bonded aluminium monocoque that replaced the old steel chassis used since 1936. While the traditional ash wood frame is retained for the body structure, the CX platform brings:
- 50% increase in torsional rigidity over the previous Aero platform
- Lower centre of gravity for improved handling
- Increased cabin space — genuinely comfortable for tall drivers
- Modern safety — meets global crash standards
The platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate BMW’s B58 engine and ZF 8-speed automatic — a powertrain choice that raised eyebrows among purists but delivers effortless performance.
Hand-Built in Malvern
Every Morgan is still hand-built in Malvern, Worcestershire, following techniques that date back to the company’s founding in 1910:
- Ash wood frame — seasoned for 12 months before use
- Aluminium panels — hand-beaten over English wheeling machines
- Leather interior — stitched by craftspeople trained in-house
- Production rate — approximately 10 cars per week
Each car takes roughly 3–4 months to build from order to delivery.
Driving Character
The Plus Six is not a sports car in the modern sense — it’s a traditional British roadster with contemporary performance. Reviews highlight:
- Effortless torque from the BMW engine
- Precise steering with genuine road feel
- A cabin that smells of leather and wood
- An experience that feels special at any speed
It’s a car that prioritises occasion over outright numbers — and that’s precisely the point.
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Would you ever daily-drive a Morgan? Or is a car with an ash wood frame best kept for Sunday mornings?