British sports car manufacturer Morgan has discovered the lucrative business of bespoke special projects and its first entry into the world of tailor-made products is called SP1.
Unveiled at the Salon Prive show in the UK, the Morgan SP1 (the name stands for Special Project 1) is the first creation of the newly formed Morgan Special Projects Division and was commissioned by a mysterious customer.
Morgan says the SP1 “showcases every aspect of the skilled craftsmanship” used at the company over 105 years of bespoke, coach-built manufacturing. Inspired by the 2009 LifeCar concept vehicle, the SP1’s body has been completely redesigned with Morgan saying it has improved proportions and enhanced on-road presence.
The spectacular-looking concept has a rigid steel chassis which houses a naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter Ford V6 engine, the same unit used in the Morgan V6 Roadster. The SP1 features a new suspension setup, a bespoke Engine Management System and custom sports exhaust. Furthermore, the wooden frame of the coach-built body is constructed using Ash Wood, combined with African Bubinga Red Hardwood. These materials have been chosen by the client “to represent his business life spent on that continent.”
The car has an aluminum body hand formed over a wooden “egg box” construction, using an English wheel. Digital design and simulation tools were then used to prove surface styling prior to lengthy fabrication. The cabin features natural aniline leather found at each point of contact, which “will wear and distress with use, maturing with each journey the client undertakes.” The SP1 also features an infotainment system, powered by an iPad installed in the fascia and secured by dual hand-stitched leather straps.
PHOTOS
