Morgan Motor Company and Pininfarina S.p.A. are delighted to present Midsummer, a celebration of coachbuilding by two of the longest-established coachbuilders in the world.
Created in recognition of the heyday of European barchetta designs, this special - limited to just 50 examples - represents the shared vision of Morgan and Pininfarina, who have collaborated to reinterpret and celebrate the timeless Morgan silhouette.
A Morgan special project, Midsummer demonstrates the flexibility of Morgan design whilst simultaneously showcasing the rare craft skill of the artisans who hand form every element of the distinctive body. Midsummer is based on Morgan's latest CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform and features a six-cylinder turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: "We are incredibly proud to present Midsummer, a limited-run special project that celebrates two centuries of coachbuilding and represents the embodiment of Morgan's core values and the pinnacle of craft skills of its talented workforce. Midsummer is dedicated to enthusiastic individuals who will enjoy an unconventional, sensory, and analogue driving experience. By identifying and re-interpreting Morgan's admired ideals, Midsummer turns our legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic. The success of Midsummer demonstrates what is possible through collaboration with like-minded individuals, and it has been both memorable and rewarding to work with Pininfarina to help bring this special project to life. Pininfarina, underpinned by an incredible legacy of coachbuilding and design, has introduced the latest design and visualisation expertise, as well as fresh ideas at a time when Morgan is on its own exciting journey. It has been a pleasure to welcome new and existing customers to see Midsummer ahead of the public reveal, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive reception achieved so far. This unique example of coachbuilding, which exists between art and design, goes to the heart of what Morgan does best. With two traditions, two cultures, and two hundred years of experience united by a deeply held belief in the principles of craftsmanship, that heart beats stronger than ever."
Giuseppe Bonollo, SVP Sales & Marketing, Pininfarina, said: "Alongside Morgan, we take great pride in spearheading the Coachbuilding movement. This remarkable collaboration blends Morgan's 115-year coachbuilding philosophy with Pininfarina's nearly 95-year tradition of designing and crafting bespoke vehicles. The already unique legacy of the two car makers, once combined, produces an unparalleled result in our industry. Through the seamless synergy between our teams and the shared passion of both brands, a new masterpiece emerges, blending British heritage with the timeless Pininfarina design. The forthcoming Midsummer, adorned with the 'Pininfarina Fuoriserie' badge, an absolute first for a production car, is destined to attain cult status."
A Coach-built Collaboration
The collaboration between Morgan and Pininfarina emerged from a wider desire for Morgan to create limited-run specials, based on its CX-Generation Bonded Aluminium Platform, that both celebrate and demonstrate the diversity of Morgan's instantly recognisable design, whilst simultaneously evolving it. A shared history of coachbuilding and a joint passion for design, were united following a chance conversation between colleagues from Morgan and Pininfarina. Upon first meeting, it was evident that both companies had a desire to create unique sports cars. And from a 'what if?' moment, the project to create Midsummer was born.
Midsummer's striking design is the result of intense collaboration. Countless hours were dedicated to the exploration of each brand, taking time to educate on the philosophy and story underpinning each company. This exploration included understanding the heritage, capabilities, home, and future intent of each company during numerous reciprocal visits. The result is a model that remains true to the principles of Morgan, yet one that previews key elements of future Morgan design language, mixed with the flair and purity of Pininfarina design.
An exposure to the elements, a closeness to your surroundings and a raw connection to your machine are all qualities that have defined Morgan cars for generations. Midsummer pushes these to the extreme thanks to its barchetta design, chosen specifically for this purpose. From its high-quality materials to its visceral driving character, Midsummer delivers a sensory experience that is unsurpassed.
15 май 2024
