The Midsummer – a creation of Morgan Motor and Pininfarina

Morgan Motor Company and Pininfarina S.p.A. are both coachbuilders with many decades experience; in fact, they are both the longest-established in the world in their field. While Pininfarina has continued to pioneer innovation in automotive design, Morgan too has been advancing. Today, it draws on the extensive skill and experience and uses the latest computer-aided design (CAD) software for 21^st century coachbuilding.

This is demonstrated in the Midsummer project, a collaboration between the two companies created in recognition of the heyday of European barchetta designs. Based on Morgan’s latest CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform, only 50 units of the car (which will have a 6-cylinder turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission) will be produced. All have been booked by customers during a series of exclusive preview sessions.

Remaining close to the project, every customer will benefit from individual consultation with Morgan’s designers to help tailor their Midsummer. These creative discussions will help to turn each customer’s vision into reality, ensuring every Midsummer is a true one-off. Production begins this year, Morgan’s 115th year, and the final unit will be completed during 2025.

The Midsummer’s striking design is the result of countless hours of exploration of each brand, understanding the heritage, capabilities, home, and future intent of each company. At the same time, it previews key elements of future Morgan design language, mixed with the flair and purity of Pininfarina design.

The car’s presence is most evident in the rear three-quarter angle. From this angle, the proportion, new surfacing, and shoulder line are most apparent. Its proportions are reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs and evocative of an era of late 1930s and early 1940s automotive design.

New surfacing, particularly noticeable on the front and rear wings, gives a subtle preview of the evolving Morgan design language. The Midsummer also introduces a shoulderline to the instantly recognisable side profile of a Morgan, made possible by the introduction of exposed wooden structures and required as one of the defining elements of a barchetta style.

Moving to the side profile, the existing Morgan wing shape is apparent yet introduces subtly manipulated lines. Changes to the wings have been influenced by aerodynamic requirements, most notable in the ‘lift’ in front of both the front and rear wheels, the steeper lines of which help to keep turbulent air away from the panel.

One of the most impactful elements of Midsummer is its use of wood on the exterior of the body. Whilst wood is commonplace within Morgan sportscars, its role has remained exclusively within the body frame of each vehicle, acting as a ‘buck’ for aluminium body panels to be hand-formed over. This use means it has always been hidden from view.

The Midsummer’s barchetta style provided an opportunity to utilise wood to create a shoulder line, accentuating the perimeter of the cockpit and visibly showcasing the skill of Morgan’s craftspeople. This application pays homage to Morgan’s long-established relationship with wood, a key desire expressed by Pininfarina at the earliest stages of the project.

The lightweight forged 19-inch wheels have been designed exclusively for Midsummer. Weighing just 10 kgs – a reduction of more than 3 kgs from the weight of the equivalent 19-inch Plus Six wheel – is achieved with extensive finite element analysis and electing to forge rather than cast the wheel.

From the front, Morgan’s new signature headlight units – finished with silver inserts – flank the horseshoe grille which features a half-moon shape at the top of the stone guard. This half-moon shape, whilst a key design feature, also helps to direct airflow within the grille aperture. Small vertical vents sit at either side of the horseshoe grille, these further aid air flow and cooling.

A longer rear tail is designed to accentuate the elegance of the car. This treatment, reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs, is complemented by modern rear lights sit within half-chamfered light pods.

The view from the cockpit of a Morgan is distinctive. A long bonnet leading your eyes to the wing tops gives a clear indication of where the front wheels are – a key hallmark of a Morgan – allowing the driver to confidently guide the car through corners with accuracy and flow.

The Midsummer continues this attribute, yet with some subtle differences. Pininfarina has reinterpreted the iconic louvres that are stamped lengthways into each bonnet with a series of ‘piano keys’. These piano keys are hand-formed and positioned widthways along the scuttle section of each bonnet, delicately dancing along the surface of the aluminium. Beyond their beauty, the piano keys also play a functional role in allowing air to exit from the engine compartment.

The analogue dials have been designed exclusively for the Midsummer. Handmade in the UK, the dials are finished in an off-white colour to suit the overall softness and warmth of the vehicle. The introduction of analogue dials has required a full electronic re-evaluation. The steering wheel has been re-sculpted and features a solid forged aluminium centre.

“It has been a pleasure to welcome new and existing customers to see Midsummer ahead of the public reveal, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive reception achieved so far. This unique example of coachbuilding, which exists between art and design, goes to the heart of what Morgan does best. With two traditions, two cultures, and two hundred years of experience united by a deeply held belief in the principles of craftsmanship, that heart beats stronger than ever,” said Massimo Fumarola, CEO of Morgan Motor Company.

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