Morgan Motor Company and Pininfarina S.p.A. proudly present Midsummer, a collaborative celebration of the artistry of coachbuilding from two prestigious names in the industry. This exclusive edition, restricted to just 50 units, pays homage to the classic European barchetta designs of yesteryear. Midsummer embodies the shared vision of Morgan and Pininfarina, offering a modern twist on the iconic Morgan silhouette while embracing its enduring elegance.
A bespoke Morgan project, Midsummer highlights the flexibility of Morgan’s design while showcasing the rare craftsmanship of the artisans who hand form each element of the unique body. Built on Morgan’s latest CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform, Midsummer features a six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The collaboration between Morgan and Pininfarina originated from a mutual desire to create limited-run specials based on Morgan’s CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform. This initiative aimed to celebrate and demonstrate the versatility of Morgan’s iconic design while evolving it. A chance conversation between colleagues from Morgan and Pininfarina led to the inception of Midsummer.
Countless hours were devoted to investigating the philosophy and heritage of each brand, resulting in a model that remains true to Morgan’s principles while previewing future design elements, blended with Pininfarina’s flair and purity.
Midsummer’s presence is most striking from the rear three-quarter angle, where its proportions, surfacing, and shoulder line are most evident. The delicate yet exaggerated proportions evoke an era of late 1930s and early 1940s automotive design, reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs.
New surfacing on the front and rear wings provides a subtle preview of Morgan’s evolving design language. Midsummer also introduces a shoulder line, made possible by exposed wooden structures, essential to the Barchetta style. The side profile reveals the existing Morgan wing shape with subtly manipulated lines informed by aerodynamic requirements.
The aerodynamic optimization, including ‘lift’ areas in front of the wheels, benefits from Pininfarina’s expertise. The Pininfarina Fuoriserie badge is prominently positioned on the redesigned panels. The front wings and nose are unique to Midsummer, with volumes concentric to the wheel shape, differentiating it from other Morgan models.
Exclusive to Midsummer, the 19-inch lightweight forged wheels weigh just 10 kilograms, achieved through extensive finite element analysis and forging rather than casting. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires offer increased profile and dynamic consistency. Hand-formed stainless steel lower sills inspired by early Pininfarina designs add volume and integrate with the vehicle’s surroundings.
From the front, Morgan’s new signature headlight units with silver inserts flank the horseshoe grille featuring a half-moon shape, aiding airflow. Small vertical vents further assist with cooling. The longer rear tail accentuates the car’s elegance, with new rear lights sitting within half-chamfered light pods.
The view from the cockpit features a long bonnet leading to the wingtips, allowing precise cornering. Pininfarina reinterpreted Morgan’s iconic louvers as ‘piano keys’ along the scuttle section, enhancing airflow.
New analog dials, handmade in the UK, complement the softness and warmth of the vehicle. The steering wheel features a solid forged aluminum center, and an enhanced Sennheiser audio system with new dashboard controls is included.
Midsummer offers a raw and visceral driving experience, accentuated by its barchetta style, ensuring a connection with the surroundings. With a target dry weight of just 1,000kg and adjustable Nitron dampers, Midsummer promises exceptional dynamic capability. One of Midsummer’s most impactful elements is its use of wood on the exterior.
High-quality and durable teak structures, hand-formed and laminated, create a shoulder line around the cockpit. This application pays homage to Morgan’s relationship with wood, expressed by Pininfarina.
Midsummer takes Morgan’s blend of craftsmanship and modern technology to new heights. Engineering innovation was required to achieve its striking design, with Morgan’s master craftsmen working closely with engineering teams.
Each vehicle’s hand-formed aluminum body panels take over 250 hours to produce. The name Midsummer signifies the peak of summer, celebrating optimal conditions for an open-top Barchetta. It also references Midsummer Hill in the Malvern Hills, significant to Morgan’s history. The Pininfarina Fuoriserie emblem on the vehicle signifies Midsummer’s unique status.
This emblem, meaning ‘out of series,’ represents its first application to a production car in Pininfarina’s history. Only 50 Midsummer units will be produced, all sold to customers during exclusive preview sessions.
Each customer will have individual consultations with Morgan’s designers to tailor their Midsummer, ensuring every car is unique. Production begins in 2024, Morgan’s 115th year, and concludes in 2025. Midsummer’s public debut is anticipated at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.