As much as we’d like to believe that the SP1 name stands for Steampunk 1, it actually stands for Special Projects 1 – named after the new cloak-and-dagger-sounding division set up by British carmaker Morgan, for, well, special projects.
The first such project, shown at the recent Salon Privé show in London, certainly has a bit of a Steampunk look going for it but, before you get too excited, it must be said that this was a once-off project for a well-heeled Morgan enthusiast.
The bespoke commission, created by Morgan’s head of design Jonathan Wells, draws on the company’s LifeCar fuel-cell concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. Design highlights include a canopy-style roof structure, very-cool solid-surface wheels, and ribbons of wood which run across the seats and dashboard.
Other little highlights include the iPad-controlled infotainment system, the leather-clad and steel-framed wooden seats (which fold down for access to little luggage pods), and a row of overhead switches (including a starter toggle).
The SP1 gets a steel chassis, a special road-clawing suspension setup, and an all-aluminium body (with weight listed in the region of 1 050kg). Shunt is courtesy of a true-blue 3.7-litre Ford V6 making 240kW – which according to Morgan should ensure a 0-100km/h sprint time of five seconds flat, before topping out at 230km/h.
And yes, there’s a sports exhaust which should rattle the Queen’s windows as you sidewind it past Buckingham Palace.
“If a customer wants something special and it’s on-brand, this is a great way for us to demonstrate our bespoke coachbuilding skills,” said Morgan’s head-honcho Steve Morris.
Now if only we could get Q to order one for 007.
Star Motoring