pininfarina and morgan unveil their coach-built ‘midsummer’ car with sculpted wooden cabin

May 16, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Elegance Unveiled: The Midsummer Roadster by Pininfarina and Morgan

Elegance Unveiled: The Midsummer Roadster by Pininfarina and Morgan

Reviving the classic European barchetta style, Pininfarina S.p.A. joins forces with Morgan Motor Company to introduce the Midsummer, a limited-edition open-top roadster. This collaboration heralds a new era of coachbuilding, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. The Midsummer stands as a testament to the art of automotive design, featuring a hand-formed wooden interior and sleek aluminum body panels, setting a new benchmark for luxury vehicles.

Discover the Quintessence of Open-Air Luxury with the Midsummer Roadster

Collaboration Between Pininfarina and Morgan

In a landmark partnership, the esteemed Italian design house Pininfarina and the storied British automaker Morgan have come together to create the Midsummer roadster. This alliance marries the iconic design language of Pininfarina with the bespoke craftsmanship for which Morgan is renowned. The result is a vehicle that not only pays homage to the past but also forges a new path in automotive excellence.

The collaboration is marked by a shared commitment to excellence, with both companies bringing their unique strengths to the table. Pininfarina's legacy of design innovation complements Morgan's dedication to handcrafted quality, culminating in a vehicle that is both a work of art and a marvel of engineering.

Design Inspiration and Wooden Interior

The Midsummer roadster draws inspiration from the halcyon days of European barchetta designs, with its open-top configuration inviting the elements in. The vehicle's interior showcases a visible wooden structure, a departure from Morgan's traditional practice of concealing the wood within the body frame. This bold move reveals the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into each roadster, with the wood's natural beauty enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Embracing techniques akin to those used in classic boat construction, the Midsummer features hand-carved wooden elements that form a distinctive shoulder line around the cockpit. The intricate lamination process involves hundreds of thin teak layers, each meticulously joined to create a cohesive and elegant cabin space.

Innovative Exterior and Performance Features

The Midsummer's exterior is a testament to the innovative spirit of this collaboration. The vehicle's proportions and surface design are fluid, changing as the observer moves around it, a nod to the dynamic aesthetics of Pininfarina's historical designs. The roadster's wings have been refined for enhanced aerodynamics, contributing to a smoother ride and improved performance.

Equipped with lightweight 19-inch wheels and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, the Midsummer is poised to deliver an exceptional driving experience. The wheels, expected to feature in future Morgan models, complement the car's classic yet contemporary look.

Limited Edition Production and Unique Ventilation

With only 50 units slated for production, the Midsummer roadster is an exclusive offering that has already captivated the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Each vehicle is a product of painstaking labor, with numerous hand-formed components setting it apart from mass-produced models. The car's unique 'piano key' style vents, a modern reinterpretation of traditional louvers, serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose, allowing heat to escape from the engine while adding a touch of elegance.

The analog dials designed specifically for the Midsummer complement the vehicle's warm, wooden interior, further enhancing its bespoke nature. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the car, from the revamped steering wheel with its solid aluminum center to the state-of-the-art Sennheiser audio system.

Exclusive Design Elements and Lightweight Build

The Midsummer roadster's design elements are a celebration of the collaboration between Pininfarina and Morgan. The Pininfarina badge, prominently displayed, signifies this unique partnership. The 'fuoriserie' or 'out of series' mark is a first for Pininfarina, symbolizing the bespoke nature of this limited-edition vehicle.

Despite its luxurious appointments, the Midsummer maintains a lightweight profile, tipping the scales at just 1,000 kilos. This achievement is a testament to the meticulous design and manufacturing processes that prioritize both form and function.

Anticipated Debut and Celebratory Production Timeline

The Midsummer roadster is set to make its public debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024, aligning with Morgan's 115th anniversary. This momentous occasion will mark the culmination of a production timeline that celebrates both Morgan's storied history and its forward-looking collaboration with Pininfarina. The manufacturing process, concluding in 2025, promises to deliver a vehicle that is not only a collector's item but also a milestone in automotive history.

As anticipation builds for the Midsummer's unveiling, it is clear that this vehicle is more than just a car; it is a celebration of heritage, design, and the enduring allure of the open road.