The Morgan Midsummer is a state-of-art barchetta that showcases the incredible partnership between a prestigious British sports car maker and the iconic Italian design firm, Pininfarina. This stunning barchetta highlights the art of handcraftsmanship, emphasizing the beauty of its materials and its captivating design.
Limited to just fifty units, all of which have already been reserved due to exclusive previews for preferred customers, each car will feature Pininfarina’s expertly handcrafted aluminum body. This body is elegantly wrapped around a teak frame that provides the cabin with its distinctive visual appeal.
Unlike traditional Morgans, where the wood is concealed within the body and trim, the Midsummer showcases the teak in its natural state. Comprised of 400 layers, the teak forms a structure that is both reminiscent of nautical design and modernist aesthetics, reminiscent of post-war Italian speedboats or the furniture pieces of Carlo Mollino.
The term ‘barchetta,’ meaning ‘little boat,’ was commonly used to describe open post-war sports cars. The Midsummer’s open body design is sleek and minimalist, with large disc wheels filling the sweeping wheel arches. The inclusion of small, race-style windshields enhances the driving experience, intensifying the thrill that is characteristic of all Morgans; this car is undoubtedly meant for fair weather conditions.
Above all, one would not want the exquisite interior to be exposed to rain. Painstakingly crafted and meticulously detailed, the combination of teak, leather, and a body-colored dashboard with new analog dials exudes a timeless and understated elegance. It seems that for the Italians, this project has provided an opportunity to indulge in a fascination with British culture.
According to Giuseppe Bonollo, SVP Sales & Marketing at Pininfarina, the Morgan Midsummer is described as a “new masterpiece” that showcases the seamless collaboration and shared passion between the two brands. This car combines British heritage with the timeless design of Pininfarina, making it a unique blend.
It is worth noting that the Morgan Midsummer is the first production car to bear the ‘Pininfarina Fuoriserie’ badge, which signifies its exclusivity and distinction from other cars in the series. The name of the car, “Midsummer,” not only pays homage to the best time of year to enjoy it but also references Midsummer Hill in the Malverns, a significant location for Morgan, and incorporates elements of pagan celebration.
Jonathan Wells, Morgan‘s chief design officer, believes that this project demonstrates the adaptability of Morgan’s design language and showcases the brand’s ability to evolve in the future. It also highlights that limited editions are not solely reserved for global supercar manufacturers. Wells states that “Midsummer” is not only Morgan’s first collaboration in terms of exterior design but also a significant milestone in the brand’s product design history.