1927 Morgan 3-Wheeler Aero

Registration No: VY 8502
Chassis No: 623
MOT: Exempt

• Powered by a water-cooled side-valve JAP V-Twin 998cc engine
• Aero coachwork, thought to have been restored in the 1980s
• In current ownership since 2018
• Started readily and both ran and drove well during the recent photography session

An ingenious concept, HFS Morgan built his first three-wheeler in 1909. Based around a tubular steel chassis frame, the design's low centre of gravity and advanced 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension endowed it with superlative roadholding. 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). The Aero derivative soon became a favourite among sporting motorists, and with stark bodywork, impressive power-to-weight ratio and nimble handling was capable of embarrassing far more expensive machinery. 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.

Manufactured new in 1927, chassis number ‘928’ is powered by a 998cc JAP V-Twin side-valve, water-cooled engine, that features a total loss oil system with dashboard control, allowing a release of one drip of oil every few seconds which passes down a copper tube and into the base of one cylinder from where it lubricates the engine internals. Utilising a two-speed drive, consisting of two-chain drives to the rear wheel engaged by a dog clutch operated by a hand lever on the right side of the cockpit. The front wheels are braked by a lever in the centre of the cockpit with a ratchet ‘handbrake’, and conventional clutch pedal and rear brake operating a leather belt on the rear wheel brake drum. Understood to have been fully restored during the 1980s in the Aero coachwork in which it is presented today, the vendor acquired the Aero in May 2018 from a bereavement sale, when it had been off the road for two years due to a petrol leak under the dashboard.

Since then, the vendor returned the Morgan to the road, now affectionately named ‘Frog’ and he informs that ‘VY 8502’ has run reliably and sweetly throughout his ownership. The bodywork, which is presented in Dark Green with Black wings, appears to have been built and finished to a high standard with a good paint finish and pretty detailing, and the Black interior presents nicely too. In the vendor's ownership, the rear wheel spokes have been re-tightened, and a new tyre and tube fitted. Starting readily and both running and driving well during the recent photography session, these Morgan 3 Wheelers have a unique character and are well supported by an active and enthusiastic club.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452