Morgan and Pininfarina Reveal the Midsummer

British sportscar manufacturer Morgan has partnered with the renowned Italian design firm Pininfarina to create the ultimate summer vehicle: the Midsummer. This striking two-seater is named after Midsummer Hill in the Malvern Hills, close to Morgan’s factory where the company has been crafting cars by hand for over 110 years.

The Midsummer, limited to just 50 units, sold out before its public unveiling. It shares its chassis and BMW-derived drivetrain with the Morgan Plus Six, featuring a turbocharged, 339 horsepower straight-six engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allows the Midsummer to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds.

However, the Midsummer distinguishes itself with its entirely new design. The roofless, barchetta-style vehicle lacks conventional windows and a windshield, instead showcasing extensive teak paneling. While Morgan is known for using ash wood in its car frames, the Midsummer’s teak components elevate its design. Over 400 layers of sustainably sourced teak are laminated to form the car’s sculptured wooden structures, which surround the cabin and define the car’s shoulder line. This unique feature gives the Midsummer a look reminiscent of a stylish day boat.

Morgan’s CEO, Massimo Fumarola, described the Midsummer as catering to individuals seeking an unconventional, sensory driving experience. He emphasized that the car reinterprets Morgan’s traditional values, transforming its legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless design.

Priced around £200,000 ($253,000), the Midsummer’s production will be completed by early 2025. Each unit will be assembled on the same line as Morgan’s regular Plus models. Notably, the Midsummer is the first car to bear the ‘Pininfarina Fuoroserie’ badge, indicating its status as a unique, non-series-production vehicle.

The exterior of the Midsummer incorporates many recognizable Morgan design elements with subtle modifications. Larger headlamps with integrated turn signals and enlarged aluminum front fenders enhance the car’s presence and distinctive style. The rear design draws inspiration from earlier Pininfarina models, with a long tail reminiscent of automobile designs from the late 1930s and early 1940s. New rear lights are housed in half-chamfered pods, while the interior features exclusive analog dials, eschewing the trend for digital displays.

Jonathan Wells, Morgan’s chief design officer, highlighted that the Midsummer showcases the flexibility of the Morgan silhouette, combining the expertise and creativity of both Morgan and Pininfarina. He described the vehicle as a celebration of coachbuilding, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation to deliver a striking and unmistakable Morgan.

In summary, the Morgan Midsummer is a stunning collaboration between Morgan and Pininfarina, offering a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a distinctive and unforgettable driving experience.