Morgan Threewheeler Returning in 2011: First Official Photos

The original Threewheeler was Morgan's backbone for more than 40 years. Fast, yet economical returning up to 42 US mpg, it was very successful back in the day, both on the road and the race track. Now, some 58 years after its demise, the British automaker is planning the return of the Threewheeler with a new model that will go on sale next year.

The company describes the 2011 Threewheeler as "a fusion of modern technology into a classic design", and a perfect solution for 21st century transportation.

The firm's engineers envisioned a tubular frame, dressed in durable aluminum, both lightweight (500 kg or 1,102 lbs) and aerodynamic. That translates into less work for the 100bhp 1.8-liter V-Twin Harley Davidson engine, which transfers power to the rear wheel through a Mazda-sourced 5-speed gearbox, and more driving pleasure for the owner.

Morgan says the 2011 Threewheeler can complete the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) dash in just 4.5 seconds, and go on to reach an estimated top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). Not bad for a 100 hp (75 kW) car.

The exterior's classic design cues were carried over to the cockpit, which is clad with leather, complemented by exposed anodized surfaces. Buyers will be able to customize the cars to their own liking.

Morgan didn't provide any information on pricing.

By Csaba Daradics

2011 Morgan Threewheeler Highlights

Weight: 500kg (Est.)

Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)

Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)

0-60 : 4.5 seconds (Est.)

Engine: 1800cc 'V twin' 

Gearbox: 5 speed + reverse 

Super formed aluminium body

Motorcycle homologation

Choice of 8 sport colours

Gloss black wheel arches and lamps

Gloss black wire wheels

Matt black exhausts + gloss heat shield

Nickel colored cowl

Super formed aluminium body

Gloss black roll hoops

Twin flyscreens

Black or tan leather 

Leather seats, dash and side pads

Exposed tubular black chassis

Leather steering wheel + alloy centre

Black anodized dash panel

Aluminium 'aircraft' toggle switches

Body Colored trim panels

'Bomb release' style start button

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Morgan Three Wheeler Coming Back for Company's 100th Anniversary

Fifty-eight years after the last Morgan three-wheeler rolled off the production line, a source close to the family owned company has confirmed that the iconic model will be resurrected to celebrate the brand's centenary (1910 - 2010).

When asked by Britain's Morgan Three Wheeler Club, Jill Price - the sister of Morgan Managing Director Charles Morgan - confirmed that such a model was in development. There are no official details as of yet but club members are happy to speculate:

The new three-wheeler, most likely to be named Super Sport and priced around the £46,000, could be powered by a 90 bhp 1,000cc or 1,100cc V-twin engine good for a top speed of 100 mph. This would be based on J. A. Prestwich's original and will possibly be built by local specialists Cameron Engineering.

Ian Parkinson, of the Morgan Three Wheeler Club, told the Telegraph: "We play with these silly old cars because they're are a lot of fun to drive: they corner like they're on rails and you can drift them round corners. But they can conk out without warning in the middle of nowhere.

"It will be wonderful to see a classic bit of British engineering back on the road and brand new and could open the club to a new kind of enthusiast."

The last of the three wheelers left Morgan's Malvern factory in July 1952, though the model was briefly resurrected as the Liberty Ace by American Pete Larsen in 2009.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Telegraph

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