HISTORY OF THE MORGAN 3-WHEELER
The genesis of the Morgan 3-Wheeler can be traced back to the early
1900's when the company's founder, Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan
designed a lightweight vehicle intended to take advantage of
Britain's favorable 'cyclecar' taxation laws.
The original "runabout" was a single seater utilizing a steel
backbone chassis, a steering tiller, two wheels up front and a
single drive wheel in the rear; powered by a Peugeot twin cylinder
motorcycle engine. A concept that proved viable to Henry and his
family, production of the first Runabouts began in 1909 and while
the car was unveiled to praise as the 1910 London Olympia Motor
Show, the single seat configuration was viewed as a drawback by
many. Morgan quickly amended the design, adding a passenger seat
and other amenities such as windscreens and hand-crank starting.
Success soon followed with a win at the France 1913 Cyclecar Grand
Prix. Combined with exposure gained from displaying vehicles at
Harrods department store in London, these successes quickly filled
Morgan's order books and secured the company's future.
Demand for the 3-wheeled cycle car continued through the early 20th
century with war torn Britain suffering economically after the
first and second world wars making inexpensive transportation
options like the Three-Wheeler desirable. Many historians argue
that the design peaked in the 1930's with the Super Sport. Powered
by a 1100cc air-cooled V-Twin Engine mounted perpendicular upfront,
the Super Sport featured an aircraft inspired appearance with a
"barrel-back" design and twin exhaust pipes running along either
side of the vehicle. The layout would undergo revisions and various
design improvements through the early 1950's when production ended
in 1952.
A spiritual successor to the Super Sport, the Morgan Motor Company
unveiled the new, aptly named 3-Wheeler at the 2011 Geneva Motor
Show. Power was supplied by a 2.0 Liter S&S V-twin engine mated
to a Mazda 5-speed manual gearbox. Front disc brakes, independent
suspension and electronic fuel injection provided the comfort of a
modern vehicle, with styling that clearly called back to the iconic
model of the 1930's. Morgan reportedly generated over 800 deposits
because of the 2011 reveal. The model remained popular in the UK
and the US where availability was limited at the state level
depending on whether or not it was registered as a Motorcycle.
Few vehicles deliver an automotive experience, quite like a Morgan
Three-Wheeler. Drawing direct inspiration from the company's iconic
pre-war cyclecars, the modern Three-Wheeler combines vintage
styling with thoroughly modern engineering, creating a machine that
is equal parts sports car, motorcycle, and rolling conversation
piece.
THE MOTORCYLCE OFFERED
The 2013 Morgan 3-Wheeler featured here is finished in timeless
British Racing Green over a stunning Saddle diamond-quilted leather
interior with the optional "Checkered Winners Bonnet" applied
upfront and on the front left fender.
Originally delivered through renowned Morgan Motor Company dealer
Morgan West of Santa Monica, California in December 2013, this
3-Wheeler was special ordered in August 2012 by a
British-car-loving Couple in Utah and was cherished as a prize
passion throughout their single ownership tenure until when it was
acquired by IT'S ALIVE!
Throughout their ownership, the Morgan benefited from routine
maintenance along with a number of tasteful upgrades that further
enhanced its appearance while remaining true to the spirit of the
original design. Prior to taking delivery, the original owner opted
to have Morgan West perform an additional $6,800.00 in labor. These
enhancements included adding a front badge bar, installing a
MOTO-LITA wood-rimmed steering wheel, aluminum engine-turned
dashboard trim, replacing the front knock-offs with triple-eared
units and painting the front fenders and headlamps to match the
British Racing Green shade of the body! In 2015, a pair of headlamp
stone guards were installed while the front wheels were removed and
powder-coated in a bright shade of Red. In April 2016 Brighton
Motorsports of Arizona installed the factory-supplied Frame Brace
Kit. Service invoices document routine maintenance through
2021.
When the 3-Wheeler arrived at IT'S ALIVE! in the spring of 2026,
The Morgan had not been run in at least three years. Under the care
of our in-house specialists, the fuel tank was drained and
inspected. The fuel flex hoses were replaced with new clamps, and a
new Fuel Level Sending Unit was sourced. Today, this Morgan remains
every bit the theatrical driving experience it was intended to be,
presenting beautifully while displaying just 5,260 miles from new.
The 3-Wheeler is offered on a clean Missouri State Title in our
name, with the body style noted as a "2WHL" classifying the vehicle
as a Motorcycle.
IT'S ALIVE! is pleased to offer this stunning 3-Wheeler to the most
discerning collector or enthusiast who appreciates Morgan's modern
interpretation of the legendary pre-war cyclecar.
If you are the next caretaker of this modern classic then give us a
call at 314-710-6600 ext 140 or email us at
[email protected].
