2005 Morgan Aeromax Overview

Being that the car would be built upon Morgan's Aero Eight chassis, and integrate much of the production car's interior

Believe it or not Morgan cars still use ash wood body frames, said to be extremely lightweight, sturdy and rigid. (Photo: Morgan)

elements, Humphries moulded a quarter scale clay model at the University of Coventry Automotive Design School where he attends.

According to Morgan, "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."

Yes, believe it or not Morgan cars still use ash wood body frames, said to be extremely lightweight, sturdy and rigid. According

Few roadsters can equal an Aero Eight's performance, so wood must still be a viable construction method. (Photo: Morgan)

to those who drive the cars, few roadsters can equal an Aero Eight's performance, so wood must still be a viable construction method.

According to Morgan, the ash frame is "laminated for extra strength. This gives the potential for energy absorption in the cockpit and also ensures durability and safety." Anyone who appreciates the fine detailing of classic motor cars will find the Aeromax's exposed woodwork remarkably elegant, with each of the three skeletal backbones of the frame featuring nine laminates of wood visible from inside the car. "The wood above the dashboard and doors is carved to display age and grain," says Morgan.

Covering the frame are hand formed light alloy body panels, sculpted with precision.