The success of the Morgan Motor Company was founded on the manufacture of an icon, the Morgan Threewheeler. This brilliant but simple design by engineer Harry Morgan (HFS) became one of the most successful lightweight cars of the early days of motoring.
From 1909 to 1953 around 30,000 Morgan Threewheelers were manufactured in Malvern and many more were made under license by Darmont Morgan in France. For many lucky owners it was their first experience of the freedom that car ownership could bring. Fast acceleration combined with a cruising range of over 50 miles to a gallon of petrol was an unbeatable combination in the day.
On the race track the car became very successful, famously winning the French Grand Prix in 1913 and regularly lapping the banked Brooklands track at an average speed of over 100 mph. Stirling Moss who owned one is on record as saying “My Morgan was a great babe magnet”.
[two_columns ]Whilst the world is a very different place in 2011, Morgan believes the time is right to re-launch this unique design.
The future of road transport in the 21st Century has two big issues, the conservation of precious resources and the protection of our natural environment. Downsizing and a philosophy of simplicity are ways of dealing with these problems, which is why the Morgan Motor Company has chosen to go back to its roots with the 2011 Morgan Three Wheeler.
The Three Wheeler is a fusion of modern technology clothed in a classic design. By fitting the latest “Screaming Eagle” 1800 cc engine from Harley Davidson and a Mazda 5-speed gearbox the car provides ‘get in and drive’ simplicity and reliability. A sturdy tubular frame and two rollover bars surround the passenger compartment, whilst an aerodynamic super formed ‘bullet’ hull protects the occupants from inclement weather.
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However the feeling of freedom and contact with the road through the front wheels will bring back the joy of driving cars from the 20’s and 30’s, but with none of their fragility or temperament. A leather padded aircraft style cockpit indulges the feeling of ‘flying through the air’. At less than 500kgs in overall weight and with such a slippery hull The Morgan Three Wheeler offers a level of performance and fuel economy unrivalled for the price.
Specification
The specification ensures the driver and passenger have exactly what they need whilst encapsulating the original Morgan Threewheeler’s DNA. The attractive themes apparent in the successful Sport range of traditional Morgans form the basis the Three Wheeler’s specification. Eight sport colours with black detailing and a choice of black or tan leather are offered.
| Weight: | 500kg (Est.) |
| Power: | 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.) |
| Top Speed: | 115mph (Est.) |
| 0-60: | 4.5 seconds (Est.) |
| Engine: | 1800cc ‘V twin’ |
| Gearbox: | 5 speed + reverse |
| Spec: | Super formed aluminium body |
| Motorcycle homologation | |
| Choice of 8 sport colours | |
| Gloss black wheel arches and lamps | |
| Gloss black wire wheels | |
| Matt black exhausts + gloss heat shield | |
| Nickel colored cowl | |
| Gloss black roll hoops | |
| Twin flyscreens | |
| Black or tan leather | |
| Leather seats, dash and side pads | |
| Exposed tubular black chassis | |
| Leather steering wheel + alloy centre | |
| Black anodized dash panel | |
| Aluminium ‘aircraft’ toggle switches | |
| Body Colored trim panels | |
| ‘Bomb release’ style start button |
The Morgan Three Wheeler will be available with ‘Custom’ specifications, as with any Morgan, following an initial run of standard cars when the car is launched in 2011.
For more images of the Morgan Three Wheeler and to join the discussion of this latest Morgan model, visit Talk Morgan. You can also register your interest at the Morgan Motor Company website..
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