Morgan 3-wheeler

The Morgan 3-wheeler was a common sight on the roads in the 1930s. A step up from the motorcycle and sidecar, its popularity only diminished when the small car, principally the Austin Seven, Morris Minor and Ford became sufficiently cheap thanks to mass production techniques to tempt the public into these more comfortable offerings.

However this popularity continued unabated amongst the more sporting motorist, as their big twin cylinder engines provided a performance similar to a motorcycle, ensuring the 3-wheeler had its place as the “sportsman's” choice.

D401 was originally built as a “Family” model, fitted with a Matchless water-cooled side valve engine, number MX/573/33, gearbox number 738, and body number 4358. It was despatched from the factory on 12th May 1933 and was originally intended for the Birmingham agent Colmore Depot, however, in the chassis record book this is crossed through and it would appear that it was sent instead to “Potters” (Potter's Motor Agency, 30a Grove House Lane, Claypit Lane, Leeds). The body and wings were painted Black and the wheels were Green, this being one of the standard paint schemes at that time.

Being sold as part of a deceased estate, UG 4860 was purchased in 1998 from a gentleman in Rugby. A huge file of invoices shows that a total restoration has been undertaken. The chassis has been re-tubed, a new barrel back body and wiring fitted, whilst mechanically a brand new JAP-style engine (utilising one original barrel), close-ratio gears and a hydraulic brake conversion has been installed. Over 580 hours have been spent on the restoration, the car now being in superb usable condition, with much thought having gone into its preparation. The wonderful Morgan toolbox and the combined petrol and oil tap being just two examples of this. Now with 1,129ccs, this V-twin has plenty of go. The engine started readily for the pictures, settling down to a lovely regular tickover.

Altogether this is a superb example in fine condition having had a fortune spent throughout the whole car and is well known in 3-wheeler circles.