Morgan three wheeler...
Discussion
Any of you guys in the Classic section had any experience of the current Morgan three wheeler?
I love Morgan style three wheelers (old and new, and Berkeley, JZR, BRA, Lomax and even Velorex) and when all the other projects are done would very much like to build similar with an old Harley engine...
Anyway... it was my 50th birthday about a week ago and t'other half has booked me a day's hire of one. For my fortieth she got me a day's hire of an early six cylinder Austin Healey... had a lovely day out in it, thoroughly enjoyed it but came away no longer wanting one... I have a strange feeling that the opposite may be true of the Morgan... really looking forward to it!
Anyone tried one, and any thoughts on how they compare to a classic?
(I've deliberately posted in Classic Cars as I'm more interested in the thoughts of those with experience of old cars)
I love Morgan style three wheelers (old and new, and Berkeley, JZR, BRA, Lomax and even Velorex) and when all the other projects are done would very much like to build similar with an old Harley engine...
Anyway... it was my 50th birthday about a week ago and t'other half has booked me a day's hire of one. For my fortieth she got me a day's hire of an early six cylinder Austin Healey... had a lovely day out in it, thoroughly enjoyed it but came away no longer wanting one... I have a strange feeling that the opposite may be true of the Morgan... really looking forward to it!
Anyone tried one, and any thoughts on how they compare to a classic?
(I've deliberately posted in Classic Cars as I'm more interested in the thoughts of those with experience of old cars)
It was on 5th Gear the other night with Tiff at the wheel - trying to drift it! The only way he found out how was on grass, since it wouldn't on tarmac. Sadly, no idea how they are to drive but there do seem quite a few newish ones on the market. I wonder if the "new toy" effect is wearing off; that and open to the elements, as Vicky BH showed!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/83/3+wheeler/
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/83/3+wheeler/
Even if the 'new toy' effect is causing some to be sold, all the ones on your link are priced above the new list price. Even allowing for all the extras, they appear to have held there value pretty well.
If only these were like S class mercedes - in a few years I'd be picking one up for £5k.. I wish
If only these were like S class mercedes - in a few years I'd be picking one up for £5k.. I wish
I've never driven one, but the Chris Harris video is very good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htI3weS49cc
balls-out said:
If only these were like S class mercedes - in a few years I'd be picking one up for £5k.. I wish
You and I both... have also noticed the lack of miles on the "pre-loved" examples - much like folks buying retro cafe racers/Harley Davidsons etc. and not realising how physical it can be out in the fresh air. I gather the demographic tho' is older gentlemen, many of whom already own a far more practical four wheeled Morgan 
lowdrag said:
It was on 5th Gear the other night with Tiff at the wheel - trying to drift it! The only way he found out how was on grass, since it wouldn't on tarmac. Sadly, no idea how they are to drive but there do seem quite a few newish ones on the market. I wonder if the "new toy" effect is wearing off; that and open to the elements, as Vicky BH showed!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/83/3+wheeler/
The early cars are proving to be very unreliable with some quite major problems including several broken chassis on the 2012 models.http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/83/3+wheeler/
They have continuing problems with the drivetrain including the bevel box (a 90 degree drive), rear drive belt issues (premature wear of the toothed pulley) and engine shock absorber (compensator as they call it) failures.
If you're looking at buying a used car make sure you do your homework.
The reason there are so many for sale is that owners are not happy with them.
Edited by mph on Thursday 7th August 14:03
To paraphrase my usually very understated uncle who was offered a drive in one recently and who emailed me about his experience afterwards:
"It is interesting to get in and the cockpit is very aircraft like if not a little cosy (no doors climb in and slide down into the seat).
If you get a chance you must try one there are a huge laugh and very powerful, if not a little exciting to drive. It goes like stink, simply exhilarating performance ...by gum it doesn't half go and with your backside so close to the ground and very little windscreen it seems even quicker. Magnificent! I can now understand why Jay Leno has one!"
I've been angling for a test drive somewhere ever since
Out of interest and speaking to a Morgan dealer recently, he thinks a lot of the used ones he has seen have come back because the owners didn't quite realise what they were buying.
"It is interesting to get in and the cockpit is very aircraft like if not a little cosy (no doors climb in and slide down into the seat).
If you get a chance you must try one there are a huge laugh and very powerful, if not a little exciting to drive. It goes like stink, simply exhilarating performance ...by gum it doesn't half go and with your backside so close to the ground and very little windscreen it seems even quicker. Magnificent! I can now understand why Jay Leno has one!"
I've been angling for a test drive somewhere ever since
Out of interest and speaking to a Morgan dealer recently, he thinks a lot of the used ones he has seen have come back because the owners didn't quite realise what they were buying.
SPT28 said:
Out of interest and speaking to a Morgan dealer recently, he thinks a lot of the used ones he has seen have come back because the owners didn't quite realise what they were buying.
As the owner of a vintage one, and a serial lurker on several three wheeler sites I'd say he is right. A lot have been bought by people who to say they didn't quite realise what they were buying is getting close to the understatement of the century.I've got one, they're great, and I had a couple of classics before.
Unfortunately some of the reliability issues mentioned above are true.... Although I would like to think that the ones being sold now have had these sorted
I drove 1000km in mine at the weekend, including a couple of hours of autoroute at 80 ish in pouring rain, getting beeps and thumbs up from everyone who passed me :-)
Unfortunately some of the reliability issues mentioned above are true.... Although I would like to think that the ones being sold now have had these sorted
I drove 1000km in mine at the weekend, including a couple of hours of autoroute at 80 ish in pouring rain, getting beeps and thumbs up from everyone who passed me :-)
Slidingpillar said:
Cool, so the five speeder (the name for the new one) is just as much a rain magnet as the two speeder.
I have to admit I've become obsessed with always knowing the latest weather forecast!Just looking at your profile and your website, your car is wonderful
I will read the rebuild in detail later
Thanks for all the comments folks - just got back in from our local hot rod meeting and one of the guys has just bought one to go with all his other stuff. He described it as, "Pretty crap really, but fantastic fun and goes like ****. I can see myself keeping this one." - that from someone with a collection of bikes, muscle cars etc...
I just hope the weather's good when we get ours...
I just hope the weather's good when we get ours...
An old one is absolutely top of my will buy one when I can afford one.
Here's a little video showing how you drive them...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D_GYGAZMgRE
Here's a little video showing how you drive them...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D_GYGAZMgRE
Always liked these,and was so pleased that morgan started remanufacturing them.
Wow that video looks incredible fun,but bloody hard work. And the passenger,well I take my hat off to her, balls of steel! They really are quite physical to drive. Now I sort of get the 'didn't realise what it would be like' comments.
Would love to own one,new or original but its too much money for a toy- for me.
Am interested in a day's hire though.. Will look into that.
Wow that video looks incredible fun,but bloody hard work. And the passenger,well I take my hat off to her, balls of steel! They really are quite physical to drive. Now I sort of get the 'didn't realise what it would be like' comments.
Would love to own one,new or original but its too much money for a toy- for me.
Am interested in a day's hire though.. Will look into that.
V-spec said:
Slidingpillar said:
Cool, so the five speeder (the name for the new one) is just as much a rain magnet as the two speeder.
I have to admit I've become obsessed with always knowing the latest weather forecast!Just looking at your profile and your website, your car is wonderful
I will read the rebuild in detail later
Slidingpillar said:
The car in the video is perhaps the fastest Morgan trike ever (Bill and Maggie Tuers car). And that even includes a rather non-standard five speeder too.
Indeed. At Cadwell last year the commentator mentioned the Tuers have over 1000 wins in their Morgan. The Bibby's sometimes give them a decent run in VMCC events though
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