1930 Morgan Super Sports Aero

Registration No: GH 1672
Chassis No: M181
MOT: Exempt

• Powered by a water-cooled OHV JAP V-twin 1,100cc engine
• Desirable Super Sports example of a Vintage two-speed Aero
• Well engineered with several upgrades for usability, including electric start
• Previously owned by one-time secretary of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, Ken Robinson

H. F. S. Morgan built his first three-wheeler in 1909. An ingenious concept 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 H. F. S. 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 Montlhéry in 1930). An evolution of the JAP-powered Aero model, the Super Sports appeared in 1927. 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.

This beautiful Super Sports was originally Blue with the wings, wheels and chassis in Cream, and was despatched new on July 9th, 1930, to the Morgan agent Maskell. Chassis M181 has become known as the Duke of Hamilton Morgan, suggesting past ownership by Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, 14th Duke of Hamilton, a prominent aviator, or his son Angus, the 15th Duke, a motorsport enthusiast. Confirmed ownership starts in the 1970s, when it belonged to Ken Robinson, who in 1982 became secretary of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club. By that stage, the Aero was somewhat modified with hydraulic front brakes, 12v lights, upswept pipes and an external handbrake (it now also has an electric starter).

Ownership passed to John Allington in 1988, and in 1992 it entered the present family and was used enthusiastically, notably in the VMCC’s Levis Cup Trial for several years in the ’90s (by which stage it was Red). It has been kept running in recent years, though the usual checks are advised before use. With great potential for enjoyment with the VSCC, VMCC, Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club and Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, this Aero is supplied with the current V5C, an historic V5, 1990s VMCC magazines, a copy of the factory build record, and copies of period and recent magazine articles.

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