Cars still made of wood

Cars Still Made of Wood! Inside the Morgan Motor Company

In an age where automotive technology increasingly focuses on high-tech materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium, one British car manufacturer stands apart by cherishing a much older tradition. The Morgan Motor Company still builds cars that prominently feature wood in their construction, blending craftsmanship with classic design. This unique approach not only distinguishes Morgan cars from their modern counterparts but also honours a legacy of British motoring history.

The Timeless Appeal of Morgan Cars

Morgan cars have always been synonymous with bespoke craftsmanship and an unmistakable retro style. Founded in 1910 by Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan in Malvern Link, Worcestershire, the company quickly made a name for itself by producing lightweight, sporty cars with wooden frames. Over a century later, this tradition lives on with models that showcase the company’s dedication to hand-built excellence and artisanal skills.

Unlike most car manufacturers that have moved entirely to metal and composite materials for vehicle frames, Morgan cars continue to rely on ash wood for the chassis. This choice is not simply an aesthetic decision; it’s a core part of what defines a Morgan vehicle’s character and driving experience.

Why Wood? The Craft and Science Behind Morgan’s Wooden Frames

Using wood in car construction might sound unusual today, but for Morgan, ash wood offers remarkable benefits. Ash is known for its strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties. These qualities make it an ideal material for supporting the body of a lightweight sports car that balances agility with durability.

The process of creating the wooden frame for Morgan cars is incredibly labor-intensive and requires masterful woodworking skills:

• Seasoned ash timbers are carefully selected for grain and strength.
• The wood is then shaped and steam-bent to form the intricate curves needed for each chassis.
• Skilled craftsmen hand-assemble these wooden components to create a solid yet flexible frame.

This traditional craftsmanship not only ensures the structural integrity of the car but also makes every Morgan car unique. The natural variations in wood grain mean no two frames are exactly alike, adding an artisanal quality that appeals to collectors and enthusiasts.

Inside the Morgan Factory: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Visiting the Morgan Motor Company factory is like stepping back in time. Despite maintaining the age-old wooden frame construction, the company has embraced modern engineering and materials elsewhere to optimise performance and safety. Engines, suspensions, and electronic systems are state-of-the-art, ensuring Morgan cars can keep pace with modern vehicles while retaining their classic charm.

The factory itself combines hand tools and traditional workshops with contemporary facilities. Craftsmen work alongside engineers to bring together metal, leather, and wood in a way that few other car companies manage.

One standout feature of Morgan cars is the hand-stitched leather interior which complements the wooden frames perfectly. Buyers can choose from a variety of bespoke finishes, adding to the personalised nature of each car.

The Driving Experience: What Makes Morgan Cars Special?

Driving a Morgan car is often described as an emotive experience. Thanks to the wooden frame’s natural flex and the lightweight body, these cars offer a distinct connection between driver and road. The tactile feedback from the wooden chassis provides a purity of handling often lost in heavier, more electronically controlled cars.

Many owners praise the timeless design and the fact that these cars stand out on today’s roads. Morgan’s commitment to wood highlights the heritage and soul of motoring where craftsmanship is valued as highly as horsepower.

Environmental Considerations and Sustainability

In today’s environmentally conscious market, wood might seem an unusual choice. However, Morgan sources its ash sustainably, ensuring responsible forestry practices are followed. The use of natural materials such as wood and leather means that many components are biodegradable, contrasting with the synthetic materials used by most manufacturers.

As the company explores electrification for future models, it is interesting to see how the wooden frame tradition will adapt, potentially marrying classic craftsmanship with eco-friendly technology.

Final Thoughts

Morgan cars remain an extraordinary example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in the automotive world. The continued use of wood in car manufacturing by the Morgan Motor Company preserves a unique aspect of British engineering heritage while offering drivers an exclusive and authentic experience. For those who appreciate bespoke craftsmanship, timeless design, and a connection to history, Morgan cars provide a rare and captivating journey into a world where cars are still made of wood.