Morgan celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion it will produce a new open-top version of the fabulous
Aeromax coupé.
Called the Aero Super Sports, the new car features two removable aluminium roof panels above the occupants' heads that can be stored in the rear cargo area. With these panels stowed away, the car takes the form of a targa-top, which should help reduce buffeting in comparison to a fully open convertible. The shape of the new car also means that the Aeromax's impressive torsional rigidity should remain intact.
The Aero Super Sports will take power from a 4.8-litre BMW V8 with options for either manual or automatic transmissions - both six-speed. No performance data has been released as yet, but it should be on a par with the Aeromax's claimed 160mph and 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds.
You'll have to be quick yourself to secure a place on the waiting list, as the model is to be produced in limited numbers. A deposit of £25,000 is required, with the final purchase price likely to be £127,000 when deliveries start in 2010.
Morgan will give the new Super Sports its first outing at this weekend's Villa D'Este Concourse d'Eleganza in Italy, where it is sharing the limelight with a host of the best classic cars in the world.
Shane O' Donoghue - 24 Apr 2009