The Morgan 3 Wheeler Returns

The Morgan Motor Company begins exporting the newest iteration of its iconic 3 Wheeler to our shores

The Morgan cyclecar

Just over one hundred years ago, in 1909 to be precise, Harry Frederick Stanley Morgan designed and built his first 3 Wheeler. Various iterations 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 those first ones, one of which won the French Grand Prix in 1913 while another lapped the U.K.’s Brooklands track at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.

Beyond those obvious virtues no less than Sir Stirling Moss has gone on record stating that, “My Morgan was a great babe magnet.” Enough said.

In 1936, Morgan began producing more conventional 4-wheel models that even today are hand built with ash (as in wood) body substructures. In 1953, production of the 3 Wheeler ended.

Its back

In 2010 Morgan heralded the coming production of a 21st Century 3 Wheeler thusly:

“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.”

2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler

On display at this year’s New York Auto Show, the Morgan 3 Wheeler is powered by a 1.8-liter, 115 horsepower fuel injected V Twin from American custom engine builder S & S that produces 140 ob.-ft. of torque and mated to a Mazda 5-speed (plus reverse) manual gearbox. For greater safety it also features a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollover bars for the driver and passenger.

Low flying

There is also little chance of getting away from its 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 given to the 3 Wheeler’s chassis as it has a very low center of gravity and the engine’s weight is designed to be counterbalanced by the mass of the driver and passenger.

Trim

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

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

Optional graphics packages include “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: 1,090 lbs.
Power: 115 hp (at wheel)
Top Speed: 115mph
0-60: 4.5 seconds
Engine: 1800cc S&S Cycle 56-degree V-twin
Gearbox: 5 speed manual + reverse
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (literally)
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 3 Wheeler will be available, as with any Morgan, but at increased cost and following a run of standard cars off the production line.

Available at a Morgan dealer near you