Simple Joys - Morgan 3 Wheeler

Last November when I visited the Morgan factory there was much debate about a rumoured revival by Morgan of their fabled 3 wheel concept, which was abandoned when the last Morgan F-4 left the factory in 1953, with an updated design powered by a Harley Davidson motor.



The truth that emerged was a little more complex, when earlier this year Morgan launched their 3 Wheeler at the Geneva motor show, with this particular vehicle on their stand.



Self taught engineer, Pete Larsen from Seattle is the man responsible for putting the Morgan name back on three wheel vehicles. A couple of years ago Pete developed a Harley Davidson powered space frame Morgan tribute 3 wheeler which was marketed under the Liberty Ace brand.



After reading a UK newspaper report on this vehicle Morgan executives visited Pete's workshop and ended up buying the business. Pete now makes the HD powered Liberty Ace under license from Morgan while Morgan have re engineered Pete's design to take a 115hp S&S 'X-Wedge' V twin manufactured in Wisconsin.



The reengineered Morgan comes with a detachable steering wheel, to ease access, that is connected to a Quaife steering rack, in place of the Mustang modified rack used in the original Liberty Ace, the transmission on both vehicles is a Mazda 5 speed which drives the rear wheel.



The Matt Humphries designed aluminium bodywork is manufactured by Premier Sheet Metal in Coventry.



After the initial production run a special Superdry Edition has already been planned complete with bespoke Superdry branded tyres !



High profile car enthusiast, owner and fan of old Morgan 3 wheelers Jay Leno was one of the first 500 customers to order one of the cycle cars which tip the scales at just over 1000 lbs / 500 kgs and can reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds.



I have never driven a Morgan or 3 Wheeler of any description but watching Jay drive the car I have to believe that 'there is nothing quite like driving a 3 wheeler, it just makes you smile', rather like reading my favourite 'Simple Joys' blog written by another Morgan 3 wheeler fan Chief 187, who's birthday happens to be today.

Happy Birthday Chief 187, this one is just for you !

Thanks for joining me on today's three wheel edition of 'Gettin' a lil' psycho on tyres', I hope you will join me again tomorrow ! Don't forget to come back now !