Morgan, the oldest privately owned car company in the world, does things at its own pace. So when, in March 2000 the marque revealed its first new model since 1968, it was bound to cause a bit of a stir.

For some it was the new car’s rather ungainly headlights that made them sit up and take notice; for others the BMW V8 engine that nestled beneath the long bonnet. But whatever it was that made the Morgan a talking point, one thing was for sure; no British car manufacturer had ever built something quite like the new Morgan Aero 8.

Nearly seven years on and the Aero 8 remains Morgan’s newest model. TVR and Rover may have hit the skids but nothing as dramatic has happened at Morgan’s Malvern factory.

The intervening years have seen a mellowing of the car’s rather boss-eyed headlamps thanks to a mild facelift in 2006, and the already powerful engine has been blessed with even more power. But it is Morgan’s defiance of becoming anything approaching trendy that has ensured its success.

Walk into a Morgan dealership — there are fewer than 100 worldwide — and you will not find a new Aero 8 available for immediate delivery. In fact you will be lucky to get your new car in less than a year, which means that buying a used one could be your only option if instant gratification is your thing.

Not that a second-hand example will be particularly cheap. With a list price when new of about £55,000 a three-year-old example with a few thousand miles on the clock will still cost you about £42,000.

But buying a Morgan Aero 8 should never be done purely for economic reasons. An Aero 8 should be bought because of the way it drives and the way it sounds. BMW’s 4.4 litre V8 was engineered to power big saloon cars and SUVs, not 2,500lb sports cars, so the result is nothing short of electrifying.

The 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.5sec and flat out in sixth gear the Aero 8 will hit 160mph. That kind of performance is impressive in any car, but try it in one with no antilock braking, no traction control and no airbags and you suddenly know what it’s like to be alert. Not that the Aero 8 wants to catch the driver out, far from it. The combination of kiln-dried Belgian ash (yes, wood) bonded to aluminium alloy results in a chassis that handles all that power with ease.

And although the cockpit is far from roomy most drivers will be able to get comfortable enough to feel confident about flicking in a bit of opposite lock if the tail starts to wag.

But the real joy of the Aero 8 is the fact that you do not need to try hard to go quickly. Huge dollops of torque make gearchanges almost unnecessary if all you need to do is keep up with your average hot hatch.

Pull from 1000rpm in fourth and the soundtrack makes you understand why Morgan did not bother with a stereo as standard.

While most Morgan Aero 8s are unlikely to set tyre outside the garage except for special days when their owner feels like a blast, the designers at least made an effort to build some practicality into the car.

All windows (front, rear and side) carry “invisible” heater elements to ensure a rapid defrost. The standard glove box makes way for a removable briefcase, ideal for a bit of oneupmanship at the next board meeting. And even the traditionally tiny Morgan boot has made way for one that will carry a set of golf clubs.

So with depreciation levels that would make a Ferrari owner green with envy and performance levels that could make a Porsche driver turn red with rage the Morgan Aero 8 occupies a unique position in the fabric of British motoring.

In a decade that has seen the collapse of Rover and the production arm of TVR put into administration, Morgan’s success is something to be celebrated. Just don’t expect too many more new models in your car-owning lifetime.

Interior Machine-turned metal dashboard combines with wood and leather for a uniquely Morgan environment

Safety Few driver aids, but great driving dynamics are the Aero 8’s best defence

Air-conditioning Essential in such a small cabin, which quickly gets stuffy from the heat of the engine

Brakes Front and rear vented discs manufactured by AP Racing are superb when warm. Check for corrosion on low-mileage examples that may have been unused for months

Wheels Cast magnesium wheels made by OZ are 18in and incredibly light. Tyres are of the foam-filled run-flat type so no spare wheel is needed, freeing extra boot space

Engine The BMW V8 is a gem and in 2005 received a further boost to 325bhp. The driver’s challenge is keeping all that power in contact with the road

Bodywork Aluminium panels, so no rust to worry about but repairs can be expensive

Seats The standard Connolly leather upholstery looks and feels beautiful but check carefully for signs of wear

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Morgan Aero 8 Tourer
Engine 4398cc, eight cylinders
Power 325bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 25.9mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0-62mph : 4.5sec
Top speed 160mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Morgan Aero 8 Tourer 2001 51 with 5,000 miles. Pay £34,750 at a specialist dealer or £32,500 privately

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