Kit, et al.,
This controversy more than a little illustrates the differences in perspective
between the 'vintage' U.S. market, the average U.K. owner/enthusiast, and
the prospective U.S. purchaser of a new Morgan. Gerry Willburn's response
strikes a balance while being more than fair to all. If you will all
indulge me
a bit, I should like to make a few more observations.
I agree with Kit that there are many reputable and devoted purveyors of
Morgans and spares in the U.K. whose prices will compare favouably to
Melvyn's. On the other hand, Melvyn can provide virtually any service 'in
house' and can be cajoled into attempting anything if price is no object.
This approach reminds me of my own in selling Land Rovers. One can
always find some vehicle for a bit less than I am prepared to sell one of
mine, but that client had best be very well informed since he will not have
the benefit of my advise and experience. What is REALLY cheaper?!
Although sometimes I wonder, I attempt to avoid being a 'non-profit
organisation'. My clients frequently have no time for extensive inquiry
and are more than delighted to pay me a bit more to protect their
overall interests... and I would be a fool to do otherwise. Those of Melvyn's
clients whom I encountered at HalMog appeared to understand what
premium they were paying for the privilege of becoming members of
his family, and were comfortable with the arrangement. This might not
be ideal for the die-hard enthusiast who needs only various specific 'bits'
and does most of his own maintenance. While I might not buy exclusively
from Melvyn myself, I have only the greatest respect for his personal
approach and feel that he is quite an entrepreneur. I have the distinct
impression that Melvyn would give you the shirt off his back if you were
a member of his 'family' and were in need!
Purely by coincidence, yesterday Charles Morgan very kindly spared
me a large block of his time to discuss various automotive issues of interest
to us both. I mention this primarily because he tells me that the Sales
Department at MMC is now a subscriber to this 'List' and is keeping
him aware of those discussions which might be of interest. Charles is
quite rightly fascinated by the potential of this forum. For my own part,
I only wish that there were many more British and Continental participants
so that the subject matter could evolve somewhat to the discussion of
issues with more modern cars as well, since I gather that MMC would
value this input. Uncharacteristically, from my personal observation, I
can report that the Joint Managing Director takes great interest in the
most minute product quality issue which it is practical to address. It
is his ultimate desire that cars built now can last the lifetime of the
current owner. Better quality metals and fittings do not add dramatically
to the cost of build as labour costs will remain the greatest percentage
in a coach-built vehicle.
Sadly, very few if any of the purchasers of new NAS Plus 8's will be
joining this List. Two of my own Range Rover clients now have these cars
(of which there are only perhaps to be 75 - 80). Both of them like cars,
have lots of money, big jobs, travel a lot, and are relatively sophisticated
but have little spare time. They are mechanically 'challenged' but like
Morgans
and like driving. Both have other people to operate computers for them.
Sharples at Cantab informs me that the average age is 55 and that the
above fairly well represents the profile of his ~ 50 orders. Most would
not consider a nicely restored older car, preferring something even more
fun while hopefully being more reliable. One of my clients DOES belong
to the 3/4 Group and has a DHC. He will not take it anywhere without
his bodyguard following in a 'chase car' because it let him down once.
As for myself, I can't rationally afford my car, I just had to have it anyway.
It was not easy to get it the way I wanted, and there are still a few things
which need to be sorted, but I am generally well pleased. I thought I knew
what to expect having driven 'modern' 4/4's for quite a few miles in the U.K.
over the past two summers. This car far exceeds my expectations in ride,
handling, comfort, ventilation and power. So, I do not regret my lapse in
sanity.
Best Wishes,
Willie
William G. Lamb, III
Land Rover Specialist
NAS 4.0 Litre Plus 8
At 09:17 AM 6/23/99 -0700, Kit Hildreth wrote:
>Let me just say that I "imported" my Mog from UK and got caught between a
>rock & a hard place as the saying goes. As for venting @ USG, you may take
>that as a given! Nevertheless, I do not withdraw my criticism of Bill Fink
>or his UK equivelent Melvin Rutter both of whom I've met and understand
>fairly well I think. Morgans may be a"niche market", but a market they are
>nonetheless. Fink's attitude was "Well, you sell your car and I'll get you a
>new one, but all parts are for my new cars only". Had he sold me the parts
>and or modified my car for me - I was willing to pay - I would have been
>happy to replace MOGS at some stage by doing what he suggested. If I ever do
>that , I shall be buying one from Cantab Motors who deserve equal credit in
>some ways and have put more into being a dealership etc from what I've seen
>from their Web site; whereas Fink has this poky little hole down on Pier
>33(?) and lives in Bodega Bay (PRIME real estate, believe me). To my mind he
>simply went out of his way to preserve his income base. Nothing wrong with
>that, but he deserves no special consideration from my perspective, except
>perhaps for having proved with sufficient persistance it can be done. Sorry.
>Certainly between them they have ensured that a Morgan is no longer a
>reasonably priced Sports Car in the US, but times being what they are,
>perhaps that's wishful thinking on my part. Right! Winge & moan over!
>Kit
>'77 Plus 8 RHD(UK model)
>R8272
>*******
>"
>Kit,
>The only reason that your car exist in the states is because of Bill
>Fink and
>his endeavors to make Morgans available. I find your view that
>that makes
>him a poor Morganeer rather hollow. I think your proper vent
>should be at
>the damn yankee government.
>Harris
>
>"
>
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