Tricycles were considered motorcycles in England, enjoying cheaper road taxes than 4 wheeled cars, so trikes were developed considerably there. The most sporting of all was the Morgan, which survives today as a limited production 4 wheeled sports-car. The ‘33 has an 1100 cc water-cooled JAP twin, and three speed gearbox with reverse. Some say it combines the best qualities of a car and a motorcycle. Its detractors say it combines the worst! They are fast and fun, but not built with comfort in mind. This particular car was modified to run at the famous pre-war English track “Brooklands” and is close enough to the ground that it’s possible to reach over the side and put one’s hand flat on the pavement! The engine drives through a conventional car type clutch to the gearbox, which is located behind the driver’s seat. From there, final drive is by chain to the rear wheel, which is sprung via a swing arm with quarter elliptic springs. The body is of steel sheeting over an ash frame. Total weight is just over 700 lbs. Morgans are raced in “vintage” classes in both car and motorcycle races. In the latter, they race against sidecar outfits and carry a passenger. Morgans make a good account of themselves in both kinds of events.

Impressions from the Saddle
The Morgan has the luxury of an electric starter, in this case, an updated 12 volt one from an Austin A40. It easily twirls the big 1100 cc 60-degree JAP, which settles into its offbeat sound through the “Brooklands Cans”. Water-cooling makes it mechanically quiet, but that’s offset by its loud exhaust. On the steering wheel are four motorcycle type levers, which turn with the wheel, controlling throttle, ignition, choke slide, and de-compressor. I find I must suck my stomach in while cornering, or the throttle lever gets caught, which can be interesting. There are clutch and brake pedals in the usual automobile position, but the brake pedal only works the rear wheel. A ratcheted hand lever activates the front brakes, and you need both. Shifting is done with a centrally mounted automotive lever, although the pattern is reversed to normal, and you shift with your left hand, as the steering is on the right. As the Morgan is so close to the ground, cornering is unbelievably quick. After an hour or so in the Morgan, you acquire what looks like a suntan, due to the oil mist coming off the open valve gear on the exposed engine up front. It burbles along happily at 50mph on just a tiny throttle opening, and it feels like 90.

Listen to the 33 Morgan Super Sport.