Description
This vehicle was first registered in January 1935, so presumably was of 1934 design. Its chassis number is F174, which appears on the toque-tube flange just ahead of the gearbox.
Officially a ‘Family 4 Seater’, by modern standards, to even call it a 2+2 is a bit of an exaggeration! Instead of tiny seats, the car has been finished with a decent sized carpeted area behind the front seats in which to store a picnic hamper or overnight bag. This model has the longest wheel-base of any Morgan 3-wheeler but is also almost the only one to offer this additional space.
The front part of the lowered hood can be used as a ‘tonneau’ over this space.
This car was first bought by my father in 1960 when he was a single man on an engineering course. He made many period improvements to the car fitting Morris 8 hydraulic brakes to the front (a popular modification at the time) while using it as his daily transport. Life moved on and the Morgan was sold to make space for a new family etc. Fast forward to his retirement, and he managed to purchase the car, by this time a box of bits, and rebuilt it to its 1960 specification. He writes:
“Things Non-original on CPC 886
The front suspension is the later ‘soft’ variety, having up-swept lugs at the outer ends of the upper chassis cross-tubes, and consequently, longer springs and suspension travel.
I believe the headlamps are a later fit, being 7-inch dia. Lucas Units I believe the original Headlights were only 4 inches dia.
The car originally had just one rear-light; it now has 3, of which 2 are connected to a brake-light switch.
The car originally had no direction indicators at all; now it has flashing indicators, consistent with modern practice, but not any auto-cancelling feature.
The new radiator was made by an ex-Morgan employee, who had the relevant shape available.
I assumed he had all the quirks and dimensions of an F4, but have later concluded that he did not: It is ’deeper’ than most, which required some modifications but as a result has increased cooling capacity, and the coolant has never boiled.
Restoration was complete around 2007, but since then I have:
Fitted an 1172cc engine [known as ‘10HP’] but kept on it the 933cc [8HP] cylinder head, to boost the compression ratio. This engine was completely stripped and cleaned, and re-assembled with new piston rings, all new gaskets, a 100E camshaft, and screw-adjustable tappets [not standard on this engine]
In the gear-box I have fitted a new set of gears from ’Mogspares’, but 2nd gear is still quite noisy.
I have converted the whole electrical system from 6 to to 12 volts, except the starter-motor and horn.
I have fitted a two-piece prop-shaft as recommended [see grease nipple under fire extinguisher]
I have fitted new main springs at the front.
The front brakes are ex-Morris 8 hydraulics; the ratchet lever acts on the rear-wheel brake only.”
The car is mechanically very sound and is a pretty little thing. Obviously, tax and MOT exempt and exceptionally basic by today’s standards but offering incredible seat-of-the-pants, flies-in-the-teeth classic motoring! Although not concours it draws admiration and interest wherever it goes.
* Note: The car has non standard seats (see pictures) and will therefore require modifications to accommodate drivers over 6 feet tall.
The sale includes an 8hp engine and numerous other spares as pictured. Located in Needingworth, near to St Ives in Cambridgeshire, early viewing is strongly recommended. A deposit will secure with payment by bank transfer, bankers draft or cleared cheque; car to be collected within a week of funds clearing, please!
