Classic car returns to factory after 90 years

A 90-year-old British sports car has made a a 50-mile journey from its home in Warwickshire to the Morgan Motor Company in Worcestershire where it started its life.

The Morgan 4/4 was built in the Malvern factory in 1936 and became a 21st birthday present for Ruth Bridges in 1982 - and she has had it ever since.

For more than four decades it has been based in Warwickshire, and is now lovingly maintained at Bridges' home in Whitacre Heath.

"I enjoyed every second, wind in your hair - what more could you ask for?" Ruth said after arriving at the factory on Monday to show off the model where it all began, thrilling staff there.

The car, known as Molly Morgan, made the journey without a single mechanical issue, although Ruth admitted things could be touch and go, saying: "There is a lot of TLC, one minute it'll start and then the next minute it'll stop, it won't go... for no apparent reason."

Jonathan Wells, the chief design officer at Morgan, said Molly's arrival had been "really special".

"I've been at Morgan for over 15 years now and we see many Morgans, every one is totally unique and we build every Morgan to be unique, but they take on their real character in the hands of their owners," he said.

"I have never seen a car of this age, in this condition being enjoyed like this. It's just so special to see."

Bridges has her mum and dad to thank for her special car after they purchased it at auction at Hagley Hall.

"I hadn't got a clue until my birthday and I walked out outside and there was this cute little car with a big white bow over it saying 'happy 21st Ruth'," Bridges recalled.

"She's 90 years old this year and I've had her since 1982 and before that there was only one owner.

"So in all its years it's only had two owners - a guy down in Aylesbury and me."

Bridges' mum Gillian Bridges said it was her husband who had the "bright idea" to get the car.

"He was a man who never had ordinary things, he liked to be different," she said.

"So he found an auction over in Worcester and along we went one evening.

"I drove it back, I was behind a big yellow double decker bus and everybody was waving to me, even 40 years ago."

She said that driving Molly had always been "an experience".

"She's very precious and she's been looked after, as you can tell," she added.

"She's sat there for quite a few years and I think it's ideal that she's now going to come out as the wonderful thing that she is - a motorcar, but of a different era."

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