Picture a Morgan, and your mind might instantly reference the 4/4 and Plus 4 models. However, it’s the quirky 3 Wheeler that helped launch the company, and its modern iteration still provides a driving experience like nothing else.
The original V-twin 3 Wheeler and its F-series replacement were part of Morgan’s line-up until 1952, but almost 60 years later the model was brought back. Revealed in 2011 to celebrate the marque’s centenary year, it was very warmly received and demand was far higher than expected.
There is just one model to choose from, but the car features a few changes over its lifespan. If considering a 2011-2013 example, there are several revisions for later versions that should have been retrofitted – and if they haven’t, that’s a concern. In 2014 the steering geometry was altered to cure bump-steer issues; this was included in the Comfort Pack on later models. The Urban Cooling Pack upgrade kept the engine operating at the correct temperature in low-speed conditions.
Customisation was king when it came to the 3 Wheeler – there were not a lot of makers who listed items such as a photo-build book, bonnet straps and pin-up girl graphics on their options lists. However, now that this model has effectively gone out of production, you will be stuck with the previous owner’s customisation choices. Generally they’re tastefully specced, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Limited-number special editions such as the Gulf, Superdry or Brooklands usually command a premium over the standard cars.
“It’s about the most fun you can have on the road without breaking the law,” explains Neville Porteous of Berrybrook Morgan. “They’re just incredible fun; you can drive them hard without speeding.”
ENGINE AND GEARBOX
The S&S V-twin engine is a low-stressed unit, and no weak points have been noted in this design as of yet. The only complaints concern the unit’s tendency to overheat when idle for long periods. This prompted Morgan to introduce an Urban Cooling Pack, which can be retrofitted to cars built prior to 2014. “Most of the early teething problems have been sorted by now,” explains Neville.
The Mazda MX-5-sourced gearbox is robust and relatively unstressed, so there is not much to worry about in this department. “Because the pedal box is cramped, people tend to ride the clutch,” says Neville. “We’ve seen cars that have needed a new clutch before 25,000 miles – get a dealer to check it.”
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES
Early cars suffered from bad bump steer, but 2014’s Comfort Pack updates cured this problem and can be retrofitted to older cars at a price.
“Some people prefer the original set-up, but I’d say the pack was a necessity,” says Neville. With a kerbweight of just over 500kg, the suspension and brakes tend to last a long time – although with many cars covering minimal mileages it’s worth checking the brakes for surface corrosion and the suspension bushes for hairline cracks.
BODYWORK AND INTERIOR
Some owners have complained about the chassis flexing, and in a small number of cases the actual frame rails have cracked. Cars built after 2014 have a strengthened chassis, so if yours is among the earlier ones, get it inspected. However, it’s likely that all models have been done already.
“They should have been fixed by now – I’ve not seen one that hasn’t been braced within the past two years,” says Neville. While there may not be much to it, the 3 Wheeler’s cabin is well crafted and stands up to regular use. Because the tonneau is an optional extra and a bit fiddly to fit, check for water or sun damage.
WHICH TO BUY
As you have probably already worked out, the 3 Wheeler is purely a weekend toy. That means you get no luggage space, virtually no creature comforts and very little protection from the elements. It also means that you can delight in the kind of driving enjoyment that is usually the preserve of far pricier vehicles.
Now that you can no longer spec this 3 Wheeler model brand new, straight from the factory, the good news is that there tends to be a decent selection of used examples to pick from at any given time. The impressive range of customisations available will ensure that no two look exactly alike. Mileages on most cars tend to be low, and residual values are strong.
Post-2014 models had a number of desirable modifications, many of which can be – and have been – retrofitted to earlier cars. Euro 3 variants are more powerful but can be registered only in the UK. Meanwhile, Euro 4 versions can be registered throughout the EU, but a few factory options such as a revised ECU and less restrictive (and much louder) exhaust can reclaim the lost ponies.
“The small number of Euro 4 cars aren’t as desirable as Euro 3 models,” says Neville. Limited editions are always sought after, but the changes are mostly cosmetic.
If ever there was a vehicle that amounted to more than the sum of its parts, then the Morgan 3 Wheeler is it. Objectively speaking it doesn’t have any class-leading traits, yet it is still capable of plastering a smile on your face after even the shortest of drives, in a way that very few rivals – at any price – can emulate.
WHAT TO PAY
UK (2013 Euro 3)
FAIR: £20,500
GOOD: £27,600
EXCELLENT: £33,800
CONCOURS: £43,400
*Condition refers more to mileage, desirable specification and availability on modern 3 Wheelers.
2.0-litre OHV V-twin (Euro 3 spec)
Power: 82bhp
Top speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 6.0 seconds
Economy: 30.3mpg
2.0-litre OHV V-twin (Euro 4 spec)
Power: 68bhp
Top speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 7.0 seconds
Economy: 34.9mpg
