1928 Morgan Aero

Registration No: BS 9897
Chassis No: 720A
MOT: Exempt

• Powered by a water-cooled overhead-valve JAP LTOW/C/W engine with hotter cams and a higher compression ratio
• Comprehensively restored between 2003 and 2006
• Entered from a private collection, where it has resided since 2005
• Accompanied by a large history file and featured in ‘The Automobile’ shortly after the completion of the restoration

Progressively developed from 1909, HFS Morgan's ingenious Three-Wheeler ultimately played host to a variety of JAP, Matchless, Blackburne, Anzani and Ford powerplants. 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. Initially equipped with 980cc JAP V-twin side-valve engine allied to a two-speed manual transmission, it continued to evolve until production ceased in 1933.

From the stamping of 8/720 on the bevel box 'BS 9897' was manufactured in 1928, wearing chassis number 720A. Powered by a water-cooled 50-degree overhead-value LTOW/C/W 1100cc JAP engine mated to two-speed bevel box transmission, with an outside tub gear-shifter. With a higher compression ratio and hotter cams, the power output is believed to be around 60bhp. The JAP unit was also provided with a recirculating oil pump, an electric starter (a factory option from 1923) and a plate clutch rather than a traditional cone. The Morgan has been further upgraded with front pedal-operated hydraulic brakes and a rear hand brake.

A Mr Dave Shaton owned the car from 1975 to 1985 and at that time it was fitted with it's original Anzani engine and the original grotty body. In 1985 it was sold to Nick Edwards who sold the Anzani engine before selling it to Mr Philip Spencer in 1989. Mr Phil Spencer purchased the car in a poor state and after doing much work sold it to Mr William Day. The car was then passed on to Mr Paul Lukehurst, year not known, who carried on with a lot more restoration work.

Prior to the vendor purchasing the car in 2006, a great deal of work had been done by various people including chassis work by Mr Colin Wilson and a new body by the late Mr Laurie Weekes. The engine is described as 'special' utilising a strengthened crankcase with new crankshaft, con rods and domed high compression pistons. The barrels and heads are also new as are the 8/80 cams. It has a recirculating oil pump rather than the touring engine total loss system. A plate clutch replaces the original cone. The aforementioned Mr Philip Spencer was responsible for the design and build and he says it should be good for 55-60 BHP.

'BS 9897' was subject to a restoration which had begun in 2003, however, it had briefly halted before being purchased by the vendor in 2006. The vendor rewired the car in period armoured cable, adding indicators, a klaxon horn, a battery switch and a 12 volt Citroen 2CV alternator in the rear driven by a belt from the bevel box. The vendor also painted the car in a Mercedes Maroon Red. The vendor overhauled the engine, wired the electrical system, finished the paintwork, converted the front brakes to hydraulics and completed the reconstruction. When new the vehicle had no starter motor or speedometer, now has a starter and a correct period correct Watford speedometer, however, the drive from the front wheel is missing.

Presented in Mercedes Maroon Red with Red leather interior upholstery, the Aero is equipped with a Black hood and frame, as well as a Black tonneau cover. Retained in the vendor’s private collection since, the Aero is accompanied to sale by a large history file that comprises a photo album of restoration images, a large collection of invoices relating to the restoration period and other restoration correspondence, a current V5C document and a copy of ‘The Automobile’ in which the Morgan was featured following the completion of the restoration (volume 24, number 6, August 2006).

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