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In an era where automotive design often leans towards the futuristic, Morgan Motor Company and Pininfarina S.p.A. have collaborated to create a masterpiece that celebrates the rich heritage of European coachbuilding. The result is Midsummer, a limited-edition Barchetta that embodies over two centuries of combined expertise from two of the world's most revered coachbuilders.
Midsummer’s design pays homage to the iconic European barchetta body style while showcasing the versatility of Morgan’s timeless silhouette. The car's open, exposed style offers occupants an intimate connection with both the machine and the surrounding environment. This is further enhanced by the intricate craftsmanship evident in every detail. Over 400 layers of sustainably sourced teak are meticulously laminated to create the sculptured wooden structures that define the cabin and shoulder line. Each hand-formed aluminum body panel requires more than 250 hours to craft, reflecting the dedication and skill of the artisans involved.
The creation of Midsummer was a labor of love, involving intense collaboration between the designers and engineers of Morgan and Pininfarina. Massimo Fumarola, CEO of Morgan Motor Company, expressed his pride in the project: "We are incredibly proud to present Midsummer, a limited-run special project that celebrates two centuries of coachbuilding and represents the embodiment of Morgan’s core values and the pinnacle of craft skills of its talented workforce."
Fumarola emphasized the unique driving experience Midsummer offers, dedicated to those who appreciate an unconventional, sensory, and analogue experience. "Midsummer is dedicated to enthusiastic individuals who will enjoy an unconventional, sensory, and analogue driving experience. By identifying and re-interpreting Morgan’s admired ideals, Midsummer turns our legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic," he said.
The partnership with Pininfarina, renowned for its legacy of design and innovation, brought fresh ideas and modern techniques to the project. Giuseppe Bonollo, SVP Sales & Marketing at Pininfarina, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "Alongside Morgan, we take great pride in spearheading the Coachbuilding movement. This remarkable collaboration blends Morgan's 115-year coachbuilding philosophy with Pininfarina's nearly 95-year tradition of designing and crafting bespoke vehicles."
The Midsummer project was born from a shared vision and a chance conversation between colleagues from Morgan and Pininfarina. This serendipitous meeting led to a journey of discovery, where both teams explored each other’s heritage, capabilities, and future goals. The result is a vehicle that stays true to Morgan’s principles while introducing elements of future design, infused with the flair and purity of Pininfarina.
The striking design of Midsummer is most evident from the rear three-quarter angle, where its delicate yet exaggerated proportions evoke an eccentric elegance. The high-quality materials and visceral driving character ensure an unparalleled sensory experience. Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer at Morgan Motor Company, described the project as a celebration of coachbuilding: "Midsummer demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan silhouette, presenting a vehicle that is striking in its appearance and unmistakably a Morgan. A celebration of coachbuilding that combines the expertise, story, and creativity of both Morgan and Pininfarina in delivering a seamless balance of tradition and progression."
One of the most impactful elements of Midsummer is its visible use of wood, traditionally hidden within Morgan cars. Inspired by marine applications, beautifully sculpted wooden structures surround the cabin, paying homage to Morgan’s long-established relationship with wood. Each vehicle features nine individually crafted teak sections, with the dashboard tops alone comprising 126 layers of teak.
The hand-beaten aluminum body panels and other hand-formed elements required for Midsummer highlight Morgan’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship, combined with modern engineering techniques. Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer at Morgan Motor Company, noted, "Midsummer embodies Morgan's 21st-century coachbuilding philosophy and showcases the talent and capability of our engineering and production teams. To achieve such a striking design has required immense craft skill, blended with industry-leading technology, that surpasses that of any previous Morgan."
Limited to just 50 examples, all of which have already been allocated to customers, Midsummer is adorned with the 'Pininfarina Fuoriserie' badge—a first for a production car—denoting its unique status. Each vehicle will be tailored to the individual customer's vision, ensuring every Midsummer is a true one-off. The first public debut of Midsummer is anticipated at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Midsummer stands as a testament to what is possible when two storied brands with a passion for craftsmanship and design come together. It celebrates the past while paving the way for the future, blending the heritage of Morgan with the timeless elegance of Pininfarina. For those fortunate enough to own one of these exquisite vehicles, Midsummer promises an unforgettable driving experience that bridges the gap between art and engineering.
For more information and updates on Midsummer, visit Morgan Motor Company.
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