Re launches would be the more accurate term as the Morgan Motor Company officially begins production of its twenty first century 3 wheelerThe beginnings

Just over one hundred years ago, in 1909 to be precise, Harry Frederick Stanley Morgan designed and built his first Threewheeler. Various versions of what was to become one of the most successful lightweight cars of motoring’s early days were produced (around 30,000) at the company’s manufacturing facility in Malvern Link, Worcestershire. Adding to that total were those made under license by Darmont Morgan in France.
Rapid acceleration coupled with 50 miles per gallon were the hallmarks of the Threewheeler, which won the French Grand Prix in 1913 and lapped the U.K.’s Brooklands track at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. Beyond those virtues, Stirling Moss, who owned one, has gone on record as stating, “My Morgan was a great babe magnet” (way to go, Sir Stirling!).
But unfortunately, this good thing came to an end. Beginning in 1936, Morgan began producing 4-wheel models that, even today, are still hand built with body substructures made of ash (that would be the wood) and chassis and bodies fabricated of metal. Meanwhile, in 1953, production of the Threewheeler ended.

A speeding bullet

Late last year, Morgan announced that it planned on bringing back the iconic cyclecar and today the company announced that production of a 21st Century Threewheeler had commenced:

“When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.”
2011 Morgan Threewheeler

Morgan’s newest Threewheeler is powered by a 1.8-liter, 115 horsepower fuel injected V Twin from American custom engine builder S & S mated to a Mazda 5-speed (plus reverse) gearbox. Although additional specifications have yet to be released, Morgan states it delivers “maximum power at minimum revs.” Power

For enhanced safety, the Threewheeler features a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollover bars for the driver and passenger compartment.
Flying on the road

The latest Threewheeler has a distinctly aeronautical theme. According to Morgan, “The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear.”

This theme carries over to the cockpit, as well. Padded in leather, it features aircraft instrumentation.

Special attention was paid to the Threewheeler’s chassis. The engine’s weight is designed to be counterbalanced by the mass of the driver and passenger and the cyclecar features a very low center of gravity.
Trim

Eight Morgan Sport colors with black detailing will be offered, along with the choice of either a black or tan leather interior.

Trim options, which Morgan refers to as “bespoke extras”, include custom leather and paint available at extra cost. Additional options include a Polished engine (their capitalization, not ours), stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl, headlamps and roll hoops.

In addition to these somewhat “normal” upgrades, Morgan is also offering a number of graphics packages including “US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.”
Specifications

Weight: 1,100 lbs. (Est.)
Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)
Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)
0-60: 4.5 seconds (Est.)
Engine: 1800cc ‘V twin’
Gearbox: 5 speed + reverse
Super formed aluminum body
Motorcycle homologation
Choice of 8 sport colors
Gloss black wheel arches and lamps
Gloss black wire wheels
Matt black exhausts + gloss heat shield
Nickel colored cowl
Super formed aluminum body
Gloss black roll hoops
Twin flyscreens
Black or tan leather
Leather seats, dash and side pads
Exposed tubular black chassis
Leather steering wheel + alloy center
Black anodized dash panel
Aluminum ‘aircraft’ toggle switches
Body Colored trim panels
‘Bomb release’ style start button

‘Bespoke’ specifications for the Morgan Threewheeler will be available, as with any Morgan, but at increased cost and following a run of standard cars off the production line.
Coming to a Morgan dealer near you

Pricing of the Threewheeler begins at £25,000 before tax, which works out to be $40,388 US at today’s exchange rate.

According to a Morgan spokesperson, the Morgan Threewheeler is “destined for the world market” while the press release specifically states that “The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions”, so we expect to see it available here in the U.S. soon.

images courtesy of Morgan Motor Company Limited