As well as classic scooters, I've always had a bit of a thing about Microcars, particularly 3 wheelers. It's just unfortunate when you mention 3 wheelers these days, people think of the Reliant Robin, rather than the BMW Isetta, The Messerschmitt KR series (the inspiration behind this beauty), or maybe the daddy of them all, The Morgan ThreeWheeler. A car Stirling Moss once owned… memorably calling it his "Babe Magnet". We're a long way from Trotter's Independent Traders here…
Better known these days as the makers of traditional handbuilt British sports cars, the Morgan Motor Company was built on the success of the ThreeWheeler. Designed way back in 1909, more than 30,000 ThreeWheelers were built before they ceased production in 1953. So… over a hundred years after they were first launched, why is the Morgan 3 wheeler set for a comeback? Well, for exactly the reasons stated in my previous blog post here. Ok, I was talking about a different 3 wheeler, the Bond bug, but actually, everything I said rings true. And more so, as Morgan got the 3 wheeler concept RIGHT, way back when. In my humble opinion, and that of many engineers, two wheels at the front, where the engine is, and one at the back is a far more stable design.
And as we're in the 21st century, were talking 21st century technology, bringing the Morgan ThreeWheeler bang up to date. A modern engine… (An 1800cc Harley Davidson "Screaming Eagle" no less), and a modern gearbox (from a Mazda 5), combined with modern running gear gives you 1920's 'joy of driving' with modern reliability. A truly unique vehicle, it's going to weigh in at less than 500 kgs, it's going to be no slouch performance wise. No figures are available for fuel economy yet, but I reckon it'll be good.
So is this just another "concept" car, we'll never see on the road, or get a chance to buy? Apparently not. Morgan are confident of launching the new ThreeWheeler in 2011. You can register your interest on there website (Done that!), or email them for more information here.
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