Morgan MX4 Super Sports

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The Morgan Motor Company had a typically flexible buying policy during the ‘20s and ‘30s, HFS Morgan, the firm’s founder and inventor of the Morgan 3-wheeler, always being happy to use alternative suppliers for his bought-in components if it saved a few shillings.

Regular trips to the numerous Birmingham-based suppliers in order to bargain and place orders meant that quite often, fixtures and fittings would vary from one car to the next, although quality was never sacrificed on the basis of a short-term profit.

It was much the same with engines and during its lifespan, a total of six different varieties were used in the range of 3-wheeler models. Most common were those from JAP, but Matchless, the Swiss firm MAG, Anzani, Blackburne and latterly Ford were all successful alternatives. With the reintroduction of the three wheeler in 2012, S&S (part of Harley-Davidson) must be added to the list.

This delightful MX4 Super Sports was specified with the powerful and smooth Matchless OHV engine, records showing that it left the works bound for Colmore Garages Leicester, who registered it at the end of April 1934.

Purchased by the vendor in 2004, it retains the same engine that was originally fitted at the factory, an unusual situation as the majority of 3-wheelers had numerous catastrophic blow-ups during their hard working lives. The engine was given to Ewan Cameron Engineering who undertook a top-end overhaul which included new rings and seals, plus their popular ring-gear conversion and 12-volt starter.

The vendor then set about replacing the lower part of the wood frame which supports the skirt and had the metalwork shot blasted to remove the paint and any corrosion. The front wings had suffered, a new pair being sourced from Vintage Sheet Metal, although the rather lacy originals are still with the car. It was all given a coat of blue and cream paint, including the wheels which had been rebuilt by 3-wheeler racer Greg Bibby and fitted with fresh tyres. The car was finished off with a re-upholstered seat-back and a new tonneau.

More recent expenditure includes new Mikalor exhaust clamps and an electronic ignition system which has yet to be fitted but will be supplied with the car. It retains the original spare wheel carrier and the vendor has added a small wooden rack in front of that to give some form of luggage carrying capacity.
There is an old buff logbook dating from 1957-61, a pair of original pattern tyres and it is being sold with a copy of ‘Clarrie and the Matchless’ for some bedtime reading.

The more observant of you will have spotted the enclosed lightweight Brian James Minno trailer which is included in the auction elsewhere. This was specifically ordered by the vendor to transport this car and has proved excellent at taking the stress out of using the Morgan further afield and is well worth consideration.