Antique Cars

2014 Morgan 3-Wheeler

The Morgan Motor Company announced that they would launch the 3 Wheeler in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show.

The 3 Wheeler was initially said to have a Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle V-twin engine and a Mazda 5-speed manual transmission, and was estimated to deliver 115 hp (86 kW) at the rear wheel.

The Morgan 3 Wheeler is a rebellion against sanitised, modern motoring, representing ‘no frills all thrills’ motoring with attitude and character. By modern day comparison, the Morgan 3 Wheeler would not be a first choice for long distance travel, yet it exudes a remarkable sense of adventure that compels owners to regularly embark on road trips across countries and even continents.

Chrome center-locking wire wheels wear 4.00-19″ Blockley tires up front showing 2018 date codes, while a single 15″ wheel with a 175-series tire is mounted under the rear bodywork. Suspension consists of coil-overs mounted to the exposed double-wishbones up front as well as a motorcycle-style swingarm at the rear. Braking is handled by discs up front and a drum at the rear.

The cockpit features seating for two and is trimmed in Saddle Brown leather with matching dash panels and armrests. Details include a three-spoke steering wheel mounted on a quick-release hub, heated seats, three-point seatbelts, and black rubber floor mats with leather trim.  Instrumentation mounted in a central aviation-style panel includes a 130-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer. A start button is found under a flip-up cover, and toggle switches for the horn, headlights, and hazard lights are located below the gauges. An air temperature gauge is attached to the driver’s mirror. A power outlet for heated gear and accessories is found on the driver’s side, and a second outlet for a GPS is found on the dashboard.

The replacement air-cooled 1,979cc S&S Cycle X-Wedge V-twin was installed by AR Auto Service in 2018. Equipment includes electronic fuel injection, an aftermarket oil cooler, a polished dual exhaust system, a shrouded electric cooling fan to direct air to the rear of the cylinders, and a remote oil tank mounted under the bonnet. Power is sent to the single rear wheel through a five-speed manual transmission, a Centa drive, a driveshaft, a bevel box, and a drive belt.

The aluminum body is painted black and features a polished grille surround and roll hoops, Union Jack badges, rear bodywork louvers, chrome mirrors and headlamps, and flag graphics along the lower bodywork. The hood was modified for a side-opening hinge system by So-Cal Northwest Speed Shop and the Brooklands-style windscreens have custom side and center extensions.

Even when it rains, you find yourself peering around the edge of the aero screens, dodging the raindrops, getting one cold arm and generally feeling at one with everything surrounding you. Situation normal, then, and situation wonderful.