Morgan
Morgan
Founded
1910
Founders
Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Malvern, Worcestershire
Morgan
Founded
1910
Founders
Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Malvern, Worcestershire
About this brand
Discover the history
Morgan Motor Company was founded in 1909 by H.F.S. Morgan in Malvern, Worcestershire, UK. The brand initially made a name for itself with its distinctive three-wheelers, vehicles that cleverly avoided British car taxes by being classified as motorcycles. Morgan’s first design, the 1910 Runabout, was a single-seat three-wheeler powered by a Peugeot motorcycle engine, gaining attention after its success in the London-Exeter trial. The two-seater version, introduced in 1911, led to the company’s formal establishment in 1912. Early competition success bolstered Morgan’s reputation, including notable wins at the Brooklands circuit.
As the demand for cyclecars waned, Morgan adapted with the introduction of the four-wheeled 4-4 in 1936, a name representing “four wheels and four cylinders.” This vehicle cemented Morgan’s reputation as a producer of lightweight, sporty cars, a philosophy that the company continues to follow. The 4-4 remains in production today, a testament to its timeless appeal.
The outbreak of World War II halted production, with Morgan contributing to the war effort. Post-war, the brand slowly resumed car manufacturing, with a focus on export markets, particularly the United States. Under the leadership of Peter Morgan, the founder’s son, the company maintained its traditionalist values, crafting cars with a nostalgic design but updating them with modern mechanical components.
Motorsport has been an integral part of Morgan’s DNA. The company’s racing pedigree was demonstrated in 1962 when a Plus Four Super Sports model won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This victory, with Christopher Lawrence and Richard Shepherd-Baron at the helm, further solidified Morgan’s legacy in endurance racing. Over the years, the lightweight and simple design of Morgan cars made them popular choices in various motorsport competitions, and the cars often punched above their weight against more modern machinery.
Despite challenges, including economic downturns and shifting automotive trends, Morgan has survived through a combination of strong export markets, especially in the U.S., and a dedicated customer base that appreciates the brand’s unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and sporting performance. The company remained family-owned for most of its history until a significant shift in 2019 when Investindustrial, an Italian investment group, acquired a majority stake, ensuring Morgan’s future while retaining its traditional values.
Throughout its more than a century-long history, Morgan has held steadfast to its core philosophy of handcrafting lightweight, agile sports cars. The brand continues to thrive, appealing to enthusiasts who desire a blend of classic design and visceral driving experiences.
