– FULL GALLERY OF SHOTS AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK –
With sinews suitably stiffened, the only mild concern now is the 42-litre fuel tank just behind me, the percentage counter of which (in place of a traditional fuel gauge) is reading 32 per cent full. We’ve only been on the go an hour, but decide to top up the ol’ two-seater anyway to be on the safe side. Cue another flurry of iPhone shots on the petrol station forecourt.
It’s at this point I’m handed a helmet, generously donated by crankandpiston cohort AJ. Photographer Hari is adamant he wants some ‘proper driving shots’, so I accordingly don the Icon and mount up. The bomb is released, the exhaust by my right elbow begins to rattle the cockpit once again, and soon we’re at the base of the Hatta mountains, ready to put the Morgan’s handling to the test. On three wheels. This should be interesting.
The effect of 87bhp from the S&S V-Twin soon becomes clear. Capable of 0-100kph in six seconds flat the 3 Wheeler might be, but it is not fast: with even the bravest of chaps at the wheel, it tops out at 185kph. The lowdown effects of 103lb ft of torque however does at least give the Morgan some guts through the corner, even if the staggeringly heavy clutch pedal is causing irreparable damage to my left kneecap. A tangible kick from the V-Twin follows each successful gear change, and though the ground may not be whizzing past any faster, to my alarm it does on occasion go sideways. Momentum into the corner loads up the front wheels, lifting the single rear profile tyre as a result: downshift mid-corner and you’ll suddenly find the back end stepping out. Apexes and ultimate lap times are clearly not what the Morgan is looking for, and frankly, neither am I.
– FULL GALLERY OF SHOTS AVAILABLE HERE – CLICK –
After only a few kilometres, I’m already pulling over to rid myself of the iron mask, much to the collective chagrin of our photography unit. But once the driving goggles and cap are donned again, I’m back onto the road before an argument can kick off.
That’s more like it. The wind is once again buffeting me in all directions, the go-kart like sound of that V-Twin is heavy in the air once again without sound deadening, and I’m soon partially deaf once again. As it should be. Slide a helmet on and ‘drive to the limit’, and you entirely miss the point of the 3 Wheeler. The 19-inch wire wheels run on such low profile tyres that grip is just sufficient enough to keep the 87bhp aerofoil from understeering wildly. The steering is so weighty that attempts to nail the apex are a coin toss, even though the balance – thanks largely to a low centre of gravity – is actually quite good. As the kilometres roll by, I discover I’ve even adopted a new driving position, my left arm clamped tight to the bodywork whilst power from my right shoulder does most of the heavy work. It draws to mind thoughts of post-war Grand Prix drivers but not because of the performance. Because of the heritage. Because of the experience. Because it’s slightly mental.
The 3 Wheeler may not be the most aggressive, manoeuvrable or best handling ‘driver’s car’ around, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a 100 years of motoring history, with all the bells and whistles removed. A back-to-basics experience that reminds me why I’ve loved driving since passing my test nearly 15 years ago. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s nerve-wracking in equal measure, quite aside from the fact that the wind, the noise and the cramped confines I find myself in are delivering a sizeable beating to me as every kilometre ticks by. It’s British automotive heritage, a sense of character and as back-to-basics as you can get, and I think it’s absolutely brilliant.
I’m no longer hesitating. Driving the Morgan 3 Wheeler is the most fun I’ve ever had in a road legal car, and I’m already on the hunt for a white scarf and cloth cap.
Full technical specifications available on page 3
Awesome selection of WALLPAPERS available HERE – Set 1
Awesome selection of WALLPAPERS available HERE – Set 2
For our Morgan factory tour, CLICK HERE
