Morgan Threewheeler Roars Back after Break of nearly 60 Years
The Morgan Threewheeler is roaring back - after a break of nearly six decades. The Threewheeler was originally launched in 1910 in Britain and achieved much success, in various forms, on the road and on the racetrack. But eventually the design became less popular and in 1953 the last models were produced. However, the Morgan Motor Company, based in Worcestershire, UK, has decided the time is right to reintroduce the design, now branded as the 3 Wheeler, to a new motoring audience, arguing that the small, sporty, two-seater, open-top model offers simplicity as well as adventure.
The new bullet-shaped Morgan 3 Wheeler has a striking resemblance to one of the most iconic Threewheelers of the past, the Super Aero from the late 1920s. The new car takes aviation as one of its main inspirations and it is not hard to imagine that the body of the car could actually have been the fuselage from an open aeroplane of yesteryear. Adding to the experience of ‘flying on the road’ is the leather-padded cockpit which has an instrument panel similar to that in an aircraft.
The 3 Wheeler’s design features two wheels at the front and one at the rear, as well as an exposed engine between the front wheels. The car’s aluminium body panels are handfitted to a wooden frame by craftsmen, creating a rigid lightweight body. The bonnet and cowl are removable while the rear boot lid is hinged. This Morgan has a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for the driver and passenger.
The motor company has taken over 300 advanced orders for the new model which promises a top speed of around 115mph and blistering 0-60mph acceleration in approximately 4.5 seconds. The car is powered by a V twin fuel-injected 1.8-litre engine matched with a Mazda gearbox. A V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre. The model has been approved in the US and Europe for both safety and emissions.
The Morgan Motor Company says the 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone - to make driving fun. The car with its compact dimensions and very low centre of gravity is easy to control and hugs the road.
The Morgan 3 Wheeler is priced at £25,000 before tax. Additional expenditure will buy you extras such as bespoke leather and paint and a polished engine. High quality decals are also available with these including US military and British air force-inspired logos, oval racing numbers, a shark nose, a chequered winner’s bonnet and official national flags.
