Morgan 3 Wheeler: Modern Twists on a British Icon

The Morgan 3 Wheeler has always been a marvel, a charming anachronism that blurs the lines between car and motorcycle, delivering an unparalleled sense of motoring freedom. For decades, this quirky British machine captivated enthusiasts, only to cease production in the mid-20th century. However, in a move that delighted purists and piqued the curiosity of a new generation, Morgan Motor Company resurrected its legendary three-wheeler in 2011. This modern revival wasn't merely a nostalgic re-run; it was a carefully considered re-engineering, integrating contemporary components and design refinements while steadfastly preserving the vehicle's unique spirit. But what exactly are these new features that define the 21st-century Morgan 3 Wheeler, transforming it into a truly exhilarating and distinctive ride for today's roads?

The journey of the Morgan 3 Wheeler began in the early 1900s, when Harry Morgan envisioned a fun and affordable motor vehicle from his factory in Malvern Link, England. His ingenious idea was to marry powerful motorcycle engines, often J.A.P. V-Twins, with a lightweight chassis, giving birth to the 'Cyclecar'. These early iterations achieved considerable success, winning races and setting records, becoming a coveted two-seater for serious motorists. Figures like Albert Ball, an English pilot and adrenaline junkie, famously expressed his affection for his custom 'Grand Prix' Cyclecar, stating, "To drive this car was the nearest thing to flying without leaving the ground." This sentiment encapsulates the enduring appeal that led to the later Aero and Super Aero models, whose streamlined bodywork and lowered stance influenced the design for decades. Production ceased during WWII and, despite a brief resumption, the 3 Wheeler's popularity waned, leading to its discontinuation in 1950, with the last unit rolling out in 1953.

A Legacy Reborn: The Modern 3 Wheeler's Genesis

Contrary to popular belief, the Morgan Motor Company never truly vanished, instead shifting its focus to four-wheeled vehicles. The spark for the 3 Wheeler's revival came at the turn of the new millennium, when Pete Larson of Liberty Motors in Seattle began crafting his own Cyclecar, heavily inspired by the original Morgan design. Larson's version, the ACE Cycle-Car, utilised a Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine but was otherwise strikingly similar. This creation caught the eye of Charles Morgan, grandson of the company's founder, HFS Morgan. Inspired by Larson's initiative and keen to reconnect with the company's roots, Charles Morgan decided in 2011 to bring back the iconic 3 Wheeler, almost 60 years after its last production. A negotiation led to Morgan acquiring all ACE designs, transforming the ACE into the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler. This rebirth allowed for the integration of modern engineering and components, resulting in a machine that pays homage to its past while delivering a thoroughly contemporary driving experience.

Heart of the Beast: The Powertrain Innovations

At the very core of the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler lies one of its most significant new features: the fuel-injected S&S V-Twin engine. While retaining the classic V-Twin configuration, this 1983cc X-Wedge engine represents a perfect fusion of old-school character and 21st-century reliability. Unlike the carburetted J.A.P. or Matchless units of yesteryear, the S&S engine benefits from modern fuel injection, ensuring smoother power delivery, improved efficiency, and easier starting. Its unique 56-degree vee angle is wider than the 45 degrees typically found in Harley-Davidson engines, contributing to its distinctive rumble. Furthermore, it boasts three belt-driven camshafts – one central intake cam and two outer exhaust cams – with pushrods running almost parallel to the valves. A robust one-piece forged crankshaft with plain main and connecting rod bearings is engineered to handle the 3 Wheeler's curb weight, which is reported at 1268 lbs. This air/oil-cooled powerhouse is proudly mounted on rubber mounts at the front of the vehicle, a strategic positioning that aids cooling and minimises vibrations reaching the cabin. This potent engine delivers a claimed 82 hp at 5250 rpm and a substantial peak torque of 103.3 lb-ft at 3255 rpm, figures that, while not astronomical on paper, translate into exhilarating performance when paired with the lightweight chassis.

Bolted directly to this modern V-Twin is another crucial upgrade: a 5-speed manual transmission borrowed from the Mazda Miata (MX-5). This choice is a testament to Morgan's commitment to driveability, as the Mazda gearbox is renowned for its positive engagement, short throws, and overall reliability. This refined transmission provides a stark contrast to the often more agricultural gearboxes of the original cyclecars, allowing for smooth and satisfying shifts that significantly enhance the driving experience. The combination of the torquey S&S engine and the slick Mazda gearbox ensures that the modern 3 Wheeler is not just a showpiece, but a genuinely engaging machine to drive.

Under the Skin: Chassis and Suspension Advancements

Beneath its distinctive exterior, the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler benefits from a carefully engineered chassis and suspension system. The vehicle is built around a robust steel-tube frame, providing a strong yet lightweight foundation. The body panels, crafted from aluminium sheeting, further contribute to the vehicle's minimal weight, enhancing its agility and performance. These material choices are a modern interpretation of the lightweight philosophy that defined the original cyclecars.

The front suspension features a sophisticated double A-arm design, which is more akin to a modern car than a traditional motorcycle. This setup offers precise control and contributes significantly to the 3 Wheeler's handling characteristics. At the rear, the single wheel is suspended via a trailing arm and receives power through a durable belt drive. While the skinny 19-inch front wire wheels, just 3.5 inches across, proudly showcase the vehicle's vintage appeal, the hidden rear wheel is a more standard 16-inch variety, wrapped in 175/55 rubber. A notable refinement in the modern 3 Wheeler, particularly when compared to early production models, is the significant reduction in the "bumpsteer effect." This improvement in suspension tuning ensures a smoother and more predictable ride, even on less-than-perfect roads, making long journeys more comfortable and enjoyable.

Cockpit and Controls: A Blend of Classic and Contemporary

Stepping into the cockpit of the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler is an experience in itself, a delightful blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary functionality. The interior is a masterclass in craftsmanship, featuring hand-stitched leather seats that exude luxury and comfort. The centre-mounted dashboard, often adorned with a unique engine-turned finish, houses classic VDO analogue speedo and tachometer gauges, which provide essential information with a timeless appeal. However, these are cleverly complemented by modern digital readouts for the odometer, tripmeter, voltage, and even a fuel percentage indicator – though its accuracy can be playfully off. This fusion of old and new instrumentation is a distinct feature of the revived model.

The controls are equally charming and functional. Polished accents abound, from the parking brake lever to the nicely weighted shift knob. Toggle switches, a quintessential British touch, control the various lights and the horn, adding to the tactile experience. Perhaps the most iconic control is the starter button, hidden beneath a "bomb release" style cover – a whimsical detail that never fails to bring a smile. An optional wood trim steering wheel further enhances the vintage luxury. While the cabin is undeniably snug, a padded leather cover over the body panel on each side offers a concession for resting your outside arm, acknowledging the intimate dimensions. This thoughtful design ensures that every element, from the feel of the leather to the click of a toggle, contributes to the overall immersive experience of driving the modern 3 Wheeler.

Performance and Driveability: Modern Engineering Meets Vintage Charm

Despite its classic looks, the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler offers a driveability that benefits from its contemporary engineering. The combination of its 82 hp S&S V-Twin engine and lightweight chassis creates an immediate and exhilarating appeal. The engine's ample torque allows for a satisfying chirp of the rear tyre when shifting into second gear, although a noticeable gap exists between the first two ratios. The sensation of speed is significantly heightened due to the incredibly low seating position, with the ground seemingly whizzing past just inches away.

The driving dynamics are uniquely engaging. The manual steering, while direct, can feel less precise due to the skinny, tall-profile front tyres, demanding an attentive hand from the driver. Similarly, the braking system is not power-assisted, requiring a firm, deliberate push of the pedal. However, this lack of assistance translates into "pure feedback during threshold braking," allowing the driver to feel intimately connected to the vehicle's responses. Rowing through the gears with the Mazda Miata 5-speed transmission is a sheer delight, with each gear engaging positively and throws that are satisfyingly short. The pedal spacing is also well-suited for heel-toe action on downshifts, enhancing the sporty feel. While its handling limits are relatively low, exploring them is described as incredibly fun, often resulting in the inside front tyre lifting off the ground during spirited cornering. The chassis exhibits a slight flex, which, rather than being a drawback, likely aids suspension compliance and helps keep the tyres in contact with the road during hard cornering. Importantly, the modern 3 Wheeler never claims to be a performance-oriented track machine; its joy lies in the sheer engagement and the spectacle it creates. Even at a calmer pace, it's hard not to grin, and passers-by are invariably captivated. Its highway manners are surprisingly refined, with a fairly smooth ride and minimal bumpsteer, a significant improvement over earlier models.

The Price of Exclusivity: Customisation and Cost

The modern Morgan 3 Wheeler is, without a doubt, a niche vehicle within a niche, and its price reflects its exclusivity, bespoke nature, and the craftsmanship involved. Base models start around $44,743 (at prevailing exchange rates), but the true cost often escalates with customisation. For instance, a test vehicle was priced at over $60,000, including a range of optional extras. These options highlight the extensive customisation available for the new 3 Wheeler:

• Special Order Paint Job: Such as the Harley-Davidson Candy Black Cherry, adding a significant premium.
• Quilted Leather Interior: Enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel.
• Mohair-based Dark Red Tonneau Cover: A practical yet stylish addition.
• Ignition Immobiliser: A modern security feature.
• Factory Bright Pack: This comprehensive package includes chrome roll bars, polished exhaust, polished lower engine case, and chrome headlight buckets, all designed to make the vehicle truly shine.

Beyond the vehicle's build, airfreight, Customs, and delivery charges from Malvern Link, UK, to destinations like Santa Monica, California, add several thousand pounds to the final price. Furthermore, Morgan offers exclusive, limited-edition packages, such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee package, which for an additional £12,660.63 (in 2013) included:

• A pair of Ruden Meister Swiss/German Mechanical stopwatches on engine-turned dash mountings.
• "Raptor" chrome air cleaner assembly and S&S fuel injection system adaptor.
• Stainless Steel badge bar and "In celebration of the new Morgan Three Wheeler" badge.
• Triple-eared Morgan knock-offs on front wheels and a pair of stainless steel/chrome wire wheels.
• MotoLita wood-rimmed steering wheel, exclusive for the 3 Wheeler.
• Pair of chrome turn signals and polished stainless steel rear tail light surround.
• Silver centre body racing stripe with red highlights on edges.
• Morgan winged logo in the centre of the steering wheel.
• Engine-turned dash panels and seat belt extensions.
• UK front license plate and MOG/RAF graphics, plus Shark Graphics.

These bespoke options mean that each modern Morgan 3 Wheeler is truly built to order, allowing owners to tailor their vehicle to their exact specifications. While the total cost can be substantial, often exceeding $70,000 for a fully loaded model, it reflects the unparalleled exclusivity and handcrafted quality of a machine unlike any other on the road.

Comparative Table: Original vs. Modern Morgan 3 Wheeler

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the main engine in the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler?
A: The modern Morgan 3 Wheeler is powered by a fuel-injected 1983cc S&S X-Wedge V-Twin engine. This engine is renowned for its blend of traditional V-Twin character and modern reliability, offering smoother power delivery than its carburetted predecessors.

Q: Does the new 3 Wheeler use a motorcycle or car gearbox?
A: It uniquely integrates a 5-speed manual transmission derived from the Mazda Miata (MX-5). This choice was made for its reputation for precise, smooth, and satisfying gear changes, greatly enhancing the driving experience.

Q: Are there any digital features in the cockpit of the modern model?
A: Yes, alongside classic VDO analogue speedo and tachometer, the modern 3 Wheeler includes digital readouts. These provide information such as odometer, tripmeter, voltage, and even a fuel percentage indicator, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary convenience.

Q: Has the suspension been updated in the modern model?
A: Absolutely. The modern 3 Wheeler features a sophisticated double A-arm front suspension and a trailing arm rear suspension. These advancements contribute to a more refined ride and significantly reduce the bumpsteer effect often associated with earlier iterations, improving comfort and handling.

Q: Is the modern Morgan 3 Wheeler customisable?
A: Definitely. Being built to order, customers can choose from an extensive array of options. These include special paint finishes, luxurious quilted leather interiors, unique trim packs like the Factory Bright Pack, and even exclusive limited-edition packages such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee edition, allowing for a truly personalised vehicle.

Conclusion

The modern Morgan 3 Wheeler stands as a testament to intelligent automotive revival. It respectfully nods to its storied past while boldly embracing the present with its suite of new features. From the fuel-injected S&S X-Wedge engine and precise Mazda transmission to its advanced suspension and beautifully crafted, yet functionally enhanced, cockpit, every aspect has been carefully considered. It offers a unique, visceral driving experience that is simultaneously vintage and contemporary. For those seeking a vehicle that defies categorisation and delivers pure, unadulterated motoring pleasure, the Morgan 3 Wheeler, with all its modern refinements, remains an irresistible choice on the open road.

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