Aeromax is a unique Morgan 8 commissioned by Prince Eric I. Sturdza, President of Banque Baring Brothers Suisse. First drafted on paper, Matthew Humphries worked closely with the customer to draw up this this long distance touring coupe. Particular requirements included gullwing boot openings, hardwood and traditional pleated leather interior and a large flat load area behind the seats.
Matthew Humphries created a quarter scale clay model at the University of Coventry Automotive Design School. The model was required to harmonise with the Morgan Aero Eight chassis and incorporated the exterior elements of the car that were not to be specially tooled. The model was digitized and a file created on CATIA software to define the surface shape and boundaries of the metal and glass panels. Using data from the computer file simple jigs were constructed to build the ash skeleton, alloy sheet metal panels and toughened glass panels.
The ash frame is laminated for extra strength. This gives the potential for energy absorption in the cockpit and also ensures durability and safety. It is incidentally beautiful and each of the three backbones of the skeleton of the frame has nine laminates of wood visible from the inside of the car. The wood above the dashboard and doors is carved to display age and grain.
Features such as the door handles and the door mirrors were created by hand to unique sculptural designs. The split rear window allows easy access from either side to the custom built luggage commissioned from Schedoni of Italy. A substantial chassis beam protects heavy items from moving forward into the cockpit.
The exhaust exits through the car wings and adds character to the V8 tone. The low unladen weight makes the Morgan Aeromax Coupe one of the fastest accelerating sports cars in Europe.
Charles Morgan commented, ”The Morgan Aeromax demonstrates the wealth of talent in our small yet dedicated motor works. It took just 4 months from a sketch to being able to test drive a real finished car. The car is a showcase of the coachbuilding and technical skills of the whole team.”
Story by Morgan Motor Company
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| engine | BMW V8 |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Vaves per Cyl w/VANOS Variable Intake Timing |
| displacement | 4398 cc / 268.4 in³ |
| bore | 82.7 mm / 3.26 in |
| stroke | 92 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 10.0:1 |
| power | 213.3 kw / 286 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| specific output | 65.03 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 286.0 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 440 nm / 324.5 ft lbs @ 3600 rpm |
| front tires | 225/40ZR-18 |
| rear tires | 225/40ZR-18 |
| front brakes | AP Racing Venetd Discs w/4-Pot Calipers |
| f brake size | x 330 mm / x 13.0 in |
| rear brakes | AP Racing Venetd Discs w/2-Pot Calipers |
| r brake size | x 306 mm / x 12.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Variable Power Assist |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs over Koni Shock Absorbers |
| r suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs over Koni Shock Absorbers |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 4.227:1, 2.506:1, 1.669:1, 1.226:1, 1.000:1, 0.828:1, :1 |
| final drive | 3.08:1 |
Keyword: 2005 Morgan Aeromax Prototype