I say, Biggles, here’s a bang-on wheeze, exclaims Tony Dron. Morgan’s latest new model, the 3 Wheeler, puts the Malvern manufacturer back in the three-wheeler game and not before time, you might say, as that surely was once the company’s spiritual home. Morgan had been making three-wheelers for a quarter of a century before the first Morgan four-wheeler ever appeared. Some of those early three-wheelers were devilishly quick Brooklands racers, too: one of them still holds long-distance speed records for one-litre cars, set way back in the 1930s.

Driving a high-performance Morgan 3 Wheeler was always exciting. Now, this time after more than half a century, that adventure – and the traditional style that goes with it – is back, but updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a vee-twin, fuel-injected engine mated to a Mazda 5-speed gearbox. Unlike many early three-wheelers, this new Morgan also has reverse. The gearbox is claimed to provide a smooth, easy convenience of driving with no loss in the thrill of extreme performance.

Safety is paramount, with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollover bars. A sturdy vee-belt drives the beefy rear tyre. Some things have changed but not the essential style. The pronounced bullet shape, plus the exposed chassis parts and aluminium tub, bring a traditional, dramatic aeroplane profile to this new Morgan.

From the front it resembles a powerful missile, while a deeply nostalgic, beetle-back tail graces the rear. Morgan set out to make the new 3 Wheeler resemble a wingless, open two-seater aeroplane but retaining a handy hold-all space in the back. Yes, there is some luggage space but the entire idea is to make driving fun. Just lift the safety catch of the ‘bomb-release’ starter button, listen to the mighty twin roar into life – and hit the road. The leather-padded cockpit, complete with aircraft-style instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. Enjoy a perfect view all round and revel in the superb response of a true lightweight machine.

Morgan chassis experts, having perfected three-wheeler handling decades back, claim to have put their usual passion into the development of this new model. It is sure to do full justice to its sporting looks. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the occupants and the car is claimed to offer that ‘planted’ feel, which comes only from such a very low centre of gravity.

The first new Morgan 3 Wheelers will be powered by a vee-twin from the specialist engine builder, S & S – and the car is already approved by US and European road transport authorities with regard to safety and emissions. The economical 115HP engine, giving terrific torque from low revs, suggests effortless performance, especially in hilly country.

The Morgan Motor Company is committed to cutting CO2 emissions and reducing fuel consumption. The 3 Wheeler, as an addition to the present range of four-wheeled cars, is very much part of that drive as well as bringing a traditional sense of fun back into performance driving.

Priced from £25,000 before tax, at extra cost customers can choose from a list including bespoke leather, special paint finishes, a polished engine and stainless steel items for an even more classic look. A wide range of decorative extras has also been designed to promote the ‘race on Sunday’ philosophy of the new 3 Wheeler.

Text: Tony Dron
Photos: Morgan