Super 3 Morgan 3-Wheeler Available Now

The Morgan 3-Wheeler has a long history dating back to the F-Series first seen just before the outbreak of the Second World War. In more recent times, the Geneva Motor Show in 2011 saw the announcement of a new version of a Morgan 3-Wheeler. Now Morgan has announced the Super 3, a successor to the previous Morgan 3-Wheeler.

The biggest upgrade over the previous Morgan 3-Wheeler is that the engine is a 3-cylinder Ford 1.5-litre, producing much more power than the more conventional choice of a motorcycle engine tended to be used by Morgan for previous incarnations.

A major difference between the previous engine and the Ford engine is that the new engine is not air-cooled, which means the addition of radiators for the Super 3. While stricter emission controls in part necessitated the change, an advantage has been that the new 1.5-litre engine also puts out close to 50% more power. Of course, this meant a change in the profile of the Super 3, with wider side panels/diffuser plates (or ‘sideblades’) sitting behind the twin front wheels which can also now have luggage racks fitted for longer cruising. The new panels have led to a new way of housing the exhaust too, with the exhaust tailpipe threaded through the body. These changes dramatically change the way the Super 3 looks from the rear hinting at ‘boat tail’ automotive designs that have cropped up occasionally – all the easier to achieve such symmetry with one wheel no doubt. This whole monocoque shape redesign has, Morgan claim, added the benefit of more rigidity, and naturally enough slightly more space within. Morgan says that the overall design is influenced by the jet age, a period of aviation design that influenced a myriad of what we now see as nostalgically classic cars from the 1950s. The engine start/stop button is also influenced by aviation and inspired by a missile release button. In keeping with Morgan’s own traditions, a horseshoe front grille sits up front. The Super 3 sits on the bonded monocoque Morgan Superformed aluminium platform.

Aesthetically, an optional twin panel low profile windscreen is available; tinted yellow, the windscreen is split between the driver and passenger allowing airflow between the screens. Inside, a smartphone connected sat-nav system features a circular screen right in front of the driver. The navigation system sits among further fully digital (a first for Morgan) gauges. While the choice of a silver dash might look suitably retro, the option to have this in black might allay any fears of being dazzled by the sun.

Wheels are 20-inchers dampened by pullrod suspension with longer wishbones at the front and spring and dampers for the rear wheel which is held in place by twin trailing arms. The front wheels are clad in Speedmaster rubber, a bespoke design which has been a collaboration with Avon Tyres. A winter tyre is fitted to the rear to add more cornering control. With the engine now fitted behind the front axle, Morgan claims that the Super 3 has better overall balance than previous 3-wheelers.

It won’t come as much surprise that a British company producing an open-top automobile has thought about the weather. Heating comes courtesy of a footwell heater, and the interior is rated IP64 suggesting good protection against dust and water ingress – even the USB sockets are protected. Seat material isn’t too limited by this though, with a choice of water-resistant leather, increased durability saddle leather, or vinyl.

The good news is that the new Super 3 is available to buy right now, just in time for summer. Cost for the Morgan Super 3 starts at £41,995 with plenty of additional options to choose from.

Images: morgan-motor.com