Vehicle Description
Born in 1881, Henry Francis Stanley Morgan was the son of a vicar
who, unlike his father and grandfather before, eschewed a life in
the church in favor of a life in engineering. Morgan studied at
Crystal Palace Engineering College and apprenticed on the Great
Western Railroad, unknowingly following in the footsteps of fellow
motoring icons Henry Royce and W.O. Bentley who both served
apprenticeships on the railroad. Morgan soon set up a small shop in
Malvern Link, Worcestershire as a service and sales agent for
Darraq and Wolseley. But H.F.S grew bored with selling other
people's products and he decided to build a motorcar of his own
design, the first of which was built in the engineering workshop of
Malvern College. Morgan's car was an innovative single-seat
three-wheel design, with two wheels up front and a single driven
wheel in the rear. It was powered by a Peugeot V-twin sending power
through a dog transmission via chains and sprockets to the rear
wheel. The most innovative feature, however, was the "sliding
pillar" independent front suspension - the basic concept of which
is still used on Morgans nearly 110 years later! A �3000 loan from
his father (no small sum in 1910) allowed H.F.S. to set up a
manufacturing facility where he could build his new machine. Morgan
unveiled his creation (now powered by a J.A.P. V-Twin) at the Motor
Cycle Show, though the single seater configuration did limit
initial interest, a two-seater variant introduced in 1911 finally
saw orders flowing in. Sporty and economical, the Morgan
three-wheeler's popularity grew exponentially, its image cemented
by the company's participation in trials and track competition.
Initially all Morgans were two-seaters, powered by a succession of
J.A.P., Blumfield, and Precision V-twin engines. Front brakes were
added in 1923, the year total Morgan production surpassed 40,000
units. A Family model, with a modest rear seat, was added to the
line in 1925. Late 1931 saw a new chassis design as well as a three
speed gearbox with the rather handy addition of a reverse gear. Two
years later, even more changes were brought with the addition of a
four-cylinder Morgan, powered by an 8-horsepower, 933-cc Ford
engine. A completely new Z-section frame was supplied by
Rubery-Owen, Ltd., and Ford's three-speed (plus reverse) gearbox
was used. Designated as Model F (for Ford) it would remain in
production even as a four-wheeled Morgan was introduced in 1935.
V-twin Morgans ceased production at the beginning of World War II,
but the F model was continued until 1952. Both two- and four-seat
Fs were built, and from 1937 an F-Super was added with cycle
fenders and a 1,172-cubic centimeter engine rated at 10 horsepower
(30 brake horsepower). It is one of these rare F-Supers we offer
here, one of just 129 built after World War II. This delightful
Morgan F-Super was treated to a complete and meticulous restoration
by the previous owner. It presents in fabulous condition, looking
fresh and cheerful in its distinct shade of light green accented by
black front wings. Paint quality is excellent with high quality
detailing throughout. As part of the restoration, the wood body
framing was renewed as needed and the car remains in outstanding
order. Chrome trim is likewise in excellent condition and the car
retains pleasant details such as leather bonnet straps and an
original 1953 tax disc. The interior is charmingly spartan, with
room for two on the black leather seats. The upholstery has been
beautifully crafted and looks fresh and inviting. Black carpets and
door cards are similarly excellent and the polished wood dash
stands out, accented with a body color instrument panel.
Instrumentation is limited to the very basics, just a fuel gauge
and speedometer keep the driver informed. Should you find yourself
in adverse weather conditions, there is a full canvas top to keep
out the elements. But for sunny days, this Morgan is best enjoyed
with the top stowed and the windscreen folded for the full
wind-in-the-face experience. The 30 hp Ford engine is simply
presented but pleasingly detailed down to a set of spare plugs on
the firewall. As part of the restoration, the engine and associated
mechanicals were rebuilt. A jack bag and period trouble light are
found in the cowl-mounted tool box. Since the restoration was
completed, this wonderful Morgan has been shown at a number of
prestigious events including Keels and Wheels, Boca Raton, Ault
Park, Meadowbrook, and Hilton Head Island Concours where is
received numerous class and special awards. Most notably, it has
scored an AACA Grand National First Place award. Rare and eminently
charming, it remains in excellent condition, an outstanding early
example from this most quirky of British car companies.