The Morgan Supersport isn't one for categorisation. We knew early on that this would be one of our favourite cars of the year, but which award to give it?

'Best low-volume curio' seemed too niche and damning with faint praise for a car that, unlike many of its predecessors, has genuine performance and capability to be considered as a serious sports car.

Thanks to the 335bhp BMW straight six, Nitron suspension, a limited-slip differential, sophisticated traction control and new-found chassis rigidity, you don't have to make any excuses for it.

At the same time, 'future classic' seemed a bit too obvious. You might argue that it's a classic in its own time.

'Best sports car', then? In purely objective terms the Porsche 911 is still the more capable and versatile car, even if exactly that capability and versatility that let it appeal to a wide range of buyers also mean it appeals slightly less to some specific buyers.

For them, there is the Supersport. It has certain less tangible qualities that make it irresistible to us. First, just look at it. Most performance cars draw attention, but none gets as much as a Morgan and the extraordinary thing is that all of it is positive. As such, driving a Morgan almost counts as a public service.

But mostly it's a service to yourself. Getting comfortable in the snug cockpit and looking out over the sculpted wings is enough to make you feel good about life.

Starting the engine and going for a drive is further escapism. There's character here - in the pedal weights, the noises, the feeling of sitting on the back axle - but also plenty of sophistication. The steering is precise and full of feel, and the supple but well-damped suspension is ideally suited to British B-roads.

This Morgan doesn't have the profile of a Lamborghini or Ferrari, but it is a dream car without a shadow of a doubt, one that makes you dream of a friendlier world with more beautiful things in it and plenty of empty, sinuous roads.