The British celebrate a quarter of a century of mechanical alliances with BMW through an exceptional exhibition. Fourteen iconic models, from the first Aero 8 to the brand new Supersport, parade like a rock concert where each note is a masterpiece of automotive history.
A historic partnership
The Morgan Motor Company is celebrating a memorable milestone. It has been exactly 25 years since the British brand tied its fate to the engines of BMW. An alliance that goes beyond numbers, rooted in the continuity of a tradition of old-school sports cars, combining elegance and performance. It’s a bit like if James Bond swapped his Aston Martin for a Morgan: the same class, but with an artisanal touch.
The year 2025 will mark the silver jubilee of this fruitful collaboration. It all began in 2000 with the launch of the Aero 8, a true revolution that marked the start of a new era for Morgan. To pay tribute to this journey, the brand has gathered 14 of the most significant models, all powered by BMW engines. This is the first time these jewels have been brought together under one roof.
An iconic retrospective
This exhibition tells a story, that of technical progress through the lens of automotive passion. The collection spans from the very first Aero 8, presented in Geneva in 2000, to the very recent flagship “Supersport”. Each model represents a key stage in Morgan’s evolution, like chapters of a fascinating novel.
Visually almost unchanged for 75 years: Morgan Plus Four
Morgan Midsummer from 2024
Images of: Morgan Motor
Among the models on display, there is the 4.4-litre V8 (M62) that powered the first generation of the Aero 8, followed by the V8 N62 that animated the series 2 and 3 of the Aero 8 as well as the spectacular AeroMax. These engines have been like virtuoso musicians, bringing power and melody to every turn.
The chapter of V8s and new technologies
The last chapter of the V8 at Morgan is also represented. The 4.8-litre N62 has thrilled the latest Aero models and the Plus 8, with a grand debut in 2021 thanks to the Plus 8 GTR, of which only nine units were built. It almost feels like a rockstar at the end of its career, celebrated in style.
In this saga, the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder (B58), now present in the current BMW M340i, and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (B48) have taken over. The B58 made its debut in 2019 in the Morgan Plus Six, marking the brand’s entry into the turbo era.
Morgan Plus Four Rennwagen
25 years of partnership: Morgan Motor and BMW
Images of: Morgan Motor
Innovation and tradition meet
At the same time, Morgan unveiled its new CX platform, an aluminium architecture developed in-house, offering double the torsional rigidity compared to the previous base while weighing less than 100 kilograms. Imagine an athlete at the peak of their form: robust yet lightweight, ready to face any challenge.
The B58 engine also powers the new “Midsummer”, a barchetta created in collaboration with Pininfarina, with the last units currently being produced. Production is set to end in early 2026, much like a series arriving at its final season.
A look towards the future
After the six-cylinder, the B48 four-cylinder was introduced in 2020 in the new Plus Four, continuing a 75-year tradition. According to various BMW models such as the current 230 Coupé, it fits perfectly into sports vehicles.
The highlight of the show is undoubtedly the “Supersport”, unveiled in March 2025. With its new design while remaining true to Morgan’s identity, it is powered by the 3.0-litre B58 engine and rests on the improved CXV platform, making it the most dynamic Morgan ever conceived.
Also present in this anniversary exhibition are two iconic racing cars. BMW engines have powered the Aero 8 GT programme since its inception at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. More recently, the 2020 Plus Four racing car serves as a rolling laboratory to test components intended for the series.
A strong and promising partnership
Matthew Hole, Managing Director of the Morgan Motor Company, emphasises the crucial importance of this alliance: “BMW has been a reliable partner for Morgan for a quarter of a century. We are proud of the achievements we have accomplished together. BMW engines are synonymous with reliability and character, which is the very essence of the Morgan experience.”
In twenty-five years, BMW has supplied nearly 5,000 engines to the Pickersleigh Road factory. Thus, Morgan positions itself as the oldest external customer of BMW engines. Currently, the B48 and B58 engines are manufactured at the BMW Group factory in Steyr, Austria. The future looks bright for this partnership, which will continue to shape the handcrafted sports cars produced in Malvern.
