1933 Morgan 3-Wheeler Super-Sports

Registration No: EX 6915
Chassis No: D236
MOT: Exempt

• JAP-engined V-twin Morgan
• Subject to a comprehensive body and engine overhaul in 2003
• Affectionately known as 'Castrol' and previously displayed at the Haynes International Motor Museum
• In need of light recommissioning

An ingenious concept, HFS Morgan built his first three-wheeler in 1909. Based around a tubular steel frame, its low centre of gravity and advanced 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension endowed it with excellent road-holding. Progressively developed, the single rear-wheel-driven platform played host to a variety of JAP, Matchless, Blackburne, Anzani and Ford powerplants over the years (though, the prototype used a Peugeot unit). Fearsome competition cars, Morgan three-wheelers driven by the likes of HFS himself, Clive Lones and Harold Beart acquitted themselves well on race circuits and trial stages alike (Mrs Gwenda Stewart recorded 115.66mph during a record run at Montlhery in 1930). An evolution of the JAP powered Aero model, the Super Sports appeared in 1927. By 1933 Morgan's three-wheeler chassis could be ordered with four types of body, namely: Super Sports, Sports Two-Seater, Sports Family and Family. The Super Sports was notable for its chromium-plated exhaust pipes that run the length of the body. Interest in Morgans of this period has never waned and, if anything, increased in recent times - the company's inspired decision to create a modern three-wheeler having brought the early cars to the attention of a new audience.

Built in 1933 and fitted from new with an 1100cc water-cooled JAP V-twin engine, little is known of the early history of chassis D236. However, a note from a previous owner suggests that the sporting three-wheeler was laid up during World War II and remained off the road until 1952, when it was subject to a rebuild and registered as ‘EX 6915’ which has been retained to this day. Evidence suggests that the car was used for racing during the years between its first rebuild and acquisition by the previous owner in 2010, and a recent chance sighting of a photograph of the car at a sporting event was found by our specialist hanging on the wall at the Fox & Hounds pub near Godstone, Surrey attesting to this.

A note on file from the previous owner shows that the car was subject to a second complete overhaul in 2003 and painted in the current colour scheme of Castrol Green & Red, which resulted in the two-seater becoming fittingly known as ‘Castrol’. Upon acquisition, it was noted by the previous owner that the JAP engine was fitted with a racing camshaft, which was swapped back to a standard camshaft to make it more usable on the road, along with the fitment of electronic ignition and a new Amal carburettor. Such was the standard of ‘Castrol’, that in 2019 it was chosen by the Haynes International Motor Museum to be on exhibition with several other Morgans to represent the marque. Unfortunately, the previous owner’s age meant that his collection of Morgans ended up being laid-up for several years and when they needed to be sold off the vendor stepped in and purchased ‘Castrol’ and a more modern 2012 stablemate as non-running projects. A significant lack of time now means that both cars will be sold at our Buxton auction and are both offered 'as found' by the vendor in non-running condition in need of mechanical work, although it is noted by the vendor that both cars’ engines turn over and roll freely. The vendor has also noted that the bodywork is very straight, although cosmetically the paint and chrome has suffered from storage and may need some work if perfection is sought.

Seldom do these pre-war three-wheelers get offered at this price level as they remain incredibly sought after. We feel that ‘Castrol’ would make a very rewarding project for any prospective purchaser. It is offered with a history 'write-up' from the previous owner and its UK V5C Registration Document.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430