UK Classic Car News Scoop - June 8th 2025

Table of Contents

• Morgan's Modern Classic: The 2025 Plus Four
• Heritage Preservation Takes Centre Stage
• Concours Season in Full Swing
• Classic Car Culture Goes Global
• Looking Ahead: Summer Show Season

Morgan's Modern Classic: The 2025 Plus Four

British manufacturer Morgan continues to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering with their 2025 Plus Four. This latest iteration represents a fascinating blend of heritage and innovation, featuring a bonded aluminum chassis that houses a modern BMW powertrain while maintaining the iconic ash wood frame that holds hand-beaten aluminum panels.

The 2025 Plus Four showcases Morgan's unique ability to evolve while preserving its character. The new CX chassis provides significantly improved stiffness compared to the steel ladder frames of previous generations, yet the traditional ash wood framework and hand-beaten aluminum bodywork remain central to the car's identity.

With its BMW-sourced engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Plus Four weighs in at just 2,600 pounds, delivering an authentic driving experience that honours Morgan's sporting heritage while meeting modern performance expectations.

Heritage Preservation Takes Centre Stage

The classic car community has been heartened by recent restoration commitments from major manufacturers. Volkswagen's announcement to restore a classic Microbus that survived California wildfires demonstrates the growing recognition of automotive heritage preservation among original manufacturers.

This commitment to restoration reflects a broader trend within the industry, where manufacturers are increasingly acknowledging their role as custodians of automotive history. These initiatives not only preserve important vehicles but also maintain the skills and knowledge necessary for future restoration work.

British heritage brands have been particularly active in this space, with many establishing their own classic car divisions to support owners of vintage models and preserve traditional manufacturing techniques.

Concours Season in Full Swing

The 2025 concours season has begun with impressive displays of automotive excellence. The Greenwich Concours showcased over 250 vehicles to more than 12,000 visitors, highlighting the continued strength of the classic car community.

Of particular note was the display of rare Packards, including unique one-offs and a colorfully trimmed 1952 Balboa X two-door hardtop that never made it to production. These events serve as important platforms for preserving automotive history and sharing knowledge among enthusiasts.

British concours events are preparing for their own season, with several high-profile shows scheduled across the summer months. These gatherings not only celebrate automotive excellence but also provide crucial venues for the classic car community to connect and share their passion.

Classic Car Culture Goes Global

An amusing story from Bosnia highlights the global reach of British automotive culture. Two brothers in Sarajevo have created an exact replica of the famous Reliant Regal from the BBC sitcom "Only Fools and Horses," complete with the iconic yellow paint scheme and "Trotters Independent Trading" livery.

This international appreciation for British classic car culture demonstrates the enduring appeal of UK automotive heritage. The attention to detail in recreating Del Boy's famous three-wheeler shows how deeply British car culture has penetrated global consciousness.

Such international recognition reinforces the importance of preserving British automotive heritage, not just for domestic enthusiasts but for admirers worldwide who associate these vehicles with British culture and humour.

Looking Ahead: Summer Show Season

As we move into summer 2025, the classic car calendar is filling with exciting events across the UK. From local club gatherings to major national shows, there's no shortage of opportunities for enthusiasts to celebrate their passion.

The combination of traditional British marques continuing to innovate, increased manufacturer support for heritage preservation, and growing international recognition suggests a bright future for the UK classic car scene.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the message is clear: while the industry continues to evolve with modern technology and sustainability concerns, the fundamental appeal of classic cars remains as strong as ever. The key is finding the balance between preservation and progress that companies like Morgan are successfully achieving.

Whether you're interested in cutting-edge restorations, traditional craftsmanship, or simply enjoying the community aspect of classic car ownership, there's never been a better time to be involved in the UK classic car scene.

If you're looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share in these exciting developments, consider joining a local classic car club. Many clubs organize visits to shows and events, providing excellent opportunities to experience these developments firsthand.

Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about the topics covered in this roundup:

• Morgan Motor Company - Official site for the latest Morgan developments
• Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs - Supporting classic vehicle preservation across the UK
• Classic Car Events UK - Comprehensive listings of upcoming shows and gatherings
• Historic Vehicle Research Institute - Resources for classic car research and documentation

Sources

[1] Autoweek, "2025 Morgan Plus Four Ushers an Ancient Classic Into the Modern Age" (June 2025)
[2] Motor1, "VW Vows to Restore Classic Bus That Survived California Wildfires" (June 2025)
[3] Autoweek, "Displaying Automotive Opulence in Uncertain Times at the Greenwich Concours" (June 2025)
[4] AP News, "Bosnian brothers spark joy with replica van from iconic British sitcom" (June 2025)