The Morgan Motor Company has once again demonstrated its prowess in crafting exquisite automobiles with the unveiling of the Midsummer Coupé. This limited-edition model, based on the Pininfarina-designed Midsummer roadster, represents a significant milestone in the company’s coachbuilding history. The Midsummer Coupé is not just a roadster with a roof; it is a testament to Morgan’s ability to blend contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.
The Midsummer Coupé is the first hard-top model from Morgan in over a decade, following the discontinuation of the Aero Coupe in 2015. The project began with a customer’s request to transform the Midsummer roadster into a fixed-head model. This request sparked a collaboration between Morgan and Pininfarina, resulting in a car that is both elegant and highly exclusive. Only 10 examples of the Midsummer Coupé will be built, including the original commission.
The Evolution of the Midsummer Design
Turning a roadster into a coupé is no simple task. The Midsummer Coupé required a complete redesign to accommodate the new structure. The car features large glass panels and a central strip that runs from the windshield to the rear, subtly altering the proportions and requiring taller doors. The addition of the roof also increased the stiffness of the chassis, enhancing the car’s structural integrity.
The interior of the Midsummer Coupé retains the elegant design of the roadster, with an enclosed cabin that feels both open and inviting. The expansive glazed roof fills the cabin with natural light, creating a welcoming environment. Teak, a defining material of the original Midsummer, features extensively throughout the interior, combined with aluminium, leather, and carefully considered architectural details.
Performance and Engineering
The Midsummer Coupé is powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This same engine powers the Morgan Supersport 400, which produces 402 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque. While Morgan has not officially announced the performance details of the Midsummer Coupé, it is expected to deliver a thrilling driving experience.
The car’s structural development is a significant achievement. The Midsummer Coupé features a new structural system incorporating billet-machined aluminium A-pillars, bonded structural glazing, and countersunk riveted construction. These elements allow the roof and glazing to contribute directly to the rigidity of the vehicle, increasing stiffness while supporting the distinctive proportions and refined touring character of the design.
The Art of Bespoke Commissioning
The Midsummer Coupé represents an important milestone for Morgan’s special projects programme. Each of the nine client commissions will be highly bespoke, developed through a close creative partnership between Morgan and its clients. This approach ensures that each vehicle reflects the personality and aspirations of its owner, resulting in a collection of cars that share a common foundation yet remain entirely unique in their execution.
The prototype Midsummer Coupé, known internally as the artists’ proof, establishes the design, engineering, and craftsmanship benchmark for the programme. It will join the Louwman Collection in The Hague, providing the public with an opportunity to experience the vehicle before the first client commissions begin taking shape in Morgan’s workshops.
The Midsummer Coupé is more than just a new model; it is a defining chapter in the evolution of Morgan’s coachbuilding expertise. It demonstrates the growing capability of Morgan’s design, engineering, and manufacturing teams, bringing together advanced engineering, contemporary design, and traditional craftsmanship in one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken at Pickersleigh Road.
