News Issue 96
Morgan Sales Boom As Showrooms Re-Open
On July 1st we saw the doors of car showrooms open again, and our Editor’s anecdotal thought that now was a great time to own a Morgan transitioned into a great time to buy one, as the still quiet roads of Great Britain became an opportunity for every parked up Morgan still waiting at a dealer to find a new home.
Henry Williams have reported, in these short days since the relaxation of lockdown rules, the sale of twenty cars, with more already on order. And our friends at Rutterworld, having kept their online orders open during lockdown, report that their workshop is going “hell for leather”, with the Rutter family working all hands on deck as they move not only leatherwork but eight Morgans also!
Richard Thorne, ever ready to provide for your racing needs, have shared with us that they have sold not one, not two, but three racing Morgans to buyers who have never raced before. And in a time where we all stand vigilant against an unseen danger, we have to tip our hats to first time thrill-seekers not letting 2020 dampen their spirits.
With dealers happy to reopen, and new owners excited to be able to explore their own local roads and routes; it’s reassuring to already see the ways in which lockdown has prompted a surge in Morgan life. We all know, and do not need to be told once again, that this summer will not be remembered for its holidays abroad or busy garden parties; but it seems that already the call of the open roads in our very own backyards is proving enough of an escape if you have the right travelling companion in a Morgan.
Cancellation Of The 2020 Silverstone Classic
It is with a heavy heart that the organisers of the Silverstone Classic announced that this summer’s flagship three-day festival – originally scheduled for the weekend of 31 July to the 2 August – has sadly been cancelled.
As the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, the massive event always attracts unrivalled grids, many thousands of classic car owners and more than 100,000 visitors, many of whom camp out at Silverstone. The nature and scale of the event make running it in a safe, socially-distanced manner a huge challenge in the current situation; and the event’s much-loved family festival ethos also means that running the event behind closed doors is not a feasible option.
This summer, the pioneering Classic had massive plans to celebrate its milestone 30th birthday with a special ‘greatest hits’ racecard but organisers have indicated that they will carry forward these celebrations to the 2021 event. MOG was particularly looking forward to the return of the DeWalt car that has successfully tested in June at Brands Hatch after an engine rebuild.
The record numbers who have already purchased Super Early Bird and Early Bird tickets will be offered the option either of rolling over their tickets to the 2021 event or requesting a full refund.
All ticket holders will be contacted in June with details of the next steps. As ever all the latest information can be found at www.silverstoneclassic.com.
Haynes Museum Undergoes Developments For October Re Opening
In light of the Government announcements regarding the easing of lockdown, the Haynes International Motor Museum has released a public statement about its plans for reopening, which uncovers some significant and exciting developments.
These developments include brand new exhibitions on: Museum and Haynes Manuals founder John Haynes OBE, Williams F1, and Ferrari. In addition to this a new 500 space carpark will be added to the site, and the complete re-roofing and renovation of two large exhibition halls within the Museum will take place before reopening.
To complete this work it would have been necessary, at some stage in the future, to close the Museum to visitors. Therefore these projects will be brought forward and delivered whilst the Museum is already closed. As a result the Museum now plans to reopen in mid-October 2020.
The Workshop and Restoration Centre remains open for new and existing clients, with extensive safety precautions in place to provide social distancing along with extensive use of disinfection and sanitizing of common touch points.
As part of the Museum reopening plans there will be a strong focus on all of the latest Covid 19 Health and Safety measures, including social distancing, one way visitor flows and the placement of sanitation stations throughout all public areas. Furthermore all staff will be suitably trained and be provided with appropriate PPE.
Further information is available at www.haynesmotormuseum.com