Registration No: CPE 309
Chassis No: D1383
MOT: Exempt

• Desirable ‘Beetleback’ body-style
• In the ownership of just two families since the 1970s
• Comprehensively restored over a ten year period with a period correct replacement Matchless V-Twin water-cooled engine sourced
• Accompanying dating letter from The Morgan Three-Wheeler Club

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).

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. Moreover, anybody who has seen them raced in anger – frequently beating infinitely more powerful four-wheeled Morgans and other marques – is likely to have acquired a firm admiration for the model.

According to the accompanying dating letter from the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, chassis number D1383 was despatched new to the supplying agent, H. Beart & Co. of Surrey on the 27^th of February 1935. Unfortunately, little is known of the Super Sports' early history until it was purchased by the previous family owners in the 1970s. Used by them until being placed into storage, ‘CPE 309’ is understood to have remained off the road for some fifteen years before being purchased by the vendor in c.1997 as a full restoration project, equating to the Morgan having been in the possession of just two families for the past c.50 years.

Subject to a comphrensive restoration across an approximately ten year period, the Morgan benefitted from a replacement water-cooled Matchless engine (which was overhauled and re-bored with new pistons); fabricated wooden body with refurbishing of the original metal panels; braking refresh with conversion to front braking via the foot pedal and rear via the hand operations; coach painting by a Morgan specialist local to the vendor; and conversion to 12-volt and alternator, as well as a battery and oil tap cut-offs. Presented in the striking colour combination of Yellow over Grey with Black interior upholstery, ‘CPE 309’ is sporting painted wire-wheels, distinctive body-length stainless-steel exhaust twin pipes and a split windscreen. Offered with the aforementioned Morgan Three-Wheeler Club dating letter, green RF60 buff logbook, and a current V5C document. The vendor informs that the Morgan has slight play in the rear wheel bearings (at the forks) which will need attention.

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