• In current ownership for 60 years! • Rare 4-seater Sports Family model
• Comprehensively restored
• Impressive history file • Find another!
The Appeal
Prior to World War II, Morgan was recognised as the UK’s leading challenger in the three-wheel field. During this period, Morgan utilised six different types of motorcycle engines, including the best known JAP units, coupled up with a robust metal tubular frame chassis.
The Family and Sports range of cars first appeared in 1933 and were to become the last of the three-wheeled models to be produced by the Malvern based company.
The model established a positive reputation in club sports and reliability trails, a feat that continues to this day and fed the impetus for Morgan to relaunch an upgraded version of the iconic Sports Aero model in 2011.
The cars’ hand throttles, Bowden-wire control mechanisms, and drip lubrication would have been familiar to Motorcycle users but offered significant advantages over the once ubiquitous motorcycle and sidecar setups, as well as tax savings over equivalent powered 4-wheeled cars.
Available in a range of body styles, all mounted on the M-Type chassis, its virtues of cut-price motoring with a sporting edge made them popular and became a spirited budget option in the intervening years.
This 1931 car started life as a Family Deluxe model and is powered by a V-twin JAP water-cooled 1096cc engine and is believed to be one of the later of the Deluxe models.
Rebuilt from the ground up, it is also fitted with upgraded BSA front drum brakes, electric ignition and 12V electrics. Initially bought as a project car in 1962, the owner gathered parts over the next five decades, with a view to building it as a retirement project.
The car is now fully restored, with the owner knowing where every nut and bolt came from and how much he spent on it.
It is a monument to the owner's perseverance and dedication.
The present owner purchased the car when he was 16 years old, thanks to a tip from his brother, whose boss had it for sale.
The car had originally left the factory in 1931 with a Family Deluxe body but had been converted into a 2 seater. This, however, was the least of his concerns, as the car required a total overhaul as well as a new engine.
Not put off by the prospect, his youthful exuberance meant that he managed to track an engine from a donor 1933 car, as well as many other useful parts.
However, by the time he managed to get the new engine installed and running, he was now old enough to obtain a car license but decided to keep the Morgan in his father's garage.
The car was always in the back of his mind, as continued to obtain parts and spend the odd afternoon working on it, as he balanced raising a young family and embarked on a career as a motor mechanic.
It was the motivation of his brother which kick-started the owner's ambitions to finally get the car back on the road and in 2000, following an assessment of work that needed to be done via a club member, the owner finalised a plan to complete the restoration.
An exercise in utilising the benefits of a car club, much of the work, advice and encouragement came from members of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club who were on hand to rebuild the chassis, body, woodwork and mechanics.
Among the more notable pieces of documentation includes a letter from Morgan confirming the car's chassis number and its original body style, it also comes with a healthy amount of invoices, notes, handbooks, club information and receipts including the original 1962 logbook, along with a current V5.
The car also comes with a decent amount of spares, including the original 1931 engine, as well as a sizeable amount of hard to find mechanical parts. In addition, the sale also includes a purpose-built trailer.
The owner has actively utilised and enjoyed the car following its restoration, taking it to local classic car shows and even driving his brother in it shortly before his passing.
In the last couple of years, it has seen less use and with ill health also being a factor, he has finally decided to place the car for sale.
The original interior materials has been replaced with an attractive tan leather finish and new wood, which was part of the car's extensive program of renovation.
The seats are all free from rips, with light signs of use. The beading is intact. The floor has been covered with a rubber mat, which is in good condition. The side padding is decent with minor marks around the pockets.
The wood finished dashboard complements the cosy cabin, and is in excellent shape with no signs of wear or damage noted, with minor marks noted on the painted metal oval dash plate.
The controls are all functional, with no significant issues in terms of their condition. The owner has told us that the non-functioning Smith copy Speedometer was sourced via India courtesy of Royal Enfield but would need some work to connect to the front sprockets. The ammeter is also not functional.
The steering wheel hand-control mechanisms show a little age-related wear but have been demonstrated to work perfectly. There are minor signs of age on the steering wheel but free of significant damage or cracks. Both levers and their wooden handles are in good condition.
The overall presentation is positive, a reflection on the detailed restoration that was carried out on the car over the last 22 years.
Brian Martin, an Oxfordshire based body restorer recreated the 4 seater Sports Family style body from original club patterns.
The condition of the Aluminium panels is good throughout, with the only metal blemish being noted on the off-side lower panel near the exhaust, which will be repaired by the time the car is handed over to the new owner.
The paint finish displays an impressive lustre, with an even finish throughout. There are a couple of minor scratches on the front mudguards, which will also be addressed as part of the sale.
Bob Angel, a club member, reworked the metal chassis to give it a lower, larger retubed structure, and Chris Booth, another club member, restored the timber frame that supports the bodywork.
The exterior fittings such as the lights and glass are in good condition, with no damage or wear observed. The wire wheels are new items that are free from any form of blemishes, with the tyres displaying excellent tread.
The car also comes with a new tonneau cover, which offers a good fit and is in near perfect condition.
The original 1931 engine has been replaced with a 1933 unit, but the owner has retained the original and it will be part of the sale. The JAP V twins offer an excellent power to weight ratio, which is enhanced by its clean bill of health thanks to a comprehensive rebuild.
It was handed over to Club member Pat Badstock for a complete rebuild, including a new flywheel, dog and chain sprockets. The car has also received a new Monobloc carburettor, new dual exhausts and has been converted to use a 12V battery, along with electric ignition and a Dynastart.
The owner had considered converting the car with the slightly more sporting overhead valves, as opposed to the side valves currently fitted but there’s an argument to suggest that the power output would be negligible for his purposes, but food for thought for the new owner.
The engine starts up without any issues, firing up in just one cycle resulting in a rhythmic machine-gun like beat.
No knocking or straining is noted to come from the engine, with no excessive exhaust smoke observed. The owner says it runs as well as a 1930’s twin-vee engine should run, and is capable of achieving a brisk pace with a potential to reach dual carriageway speeds.
On the day, no fluid leaks were observed, but the owner has pointed out it occasionally seeps drops of oil if the engine rests at a particular cycle. The owner has also noted that it hasn't overheated while in use.
The physical condition of the engine is positive, with no issues with the general condition of the components, other than a light sheen of age in places. There is evidence of good maintenance, with the hoses and ancillaries in good condition.
The car is fitted with new BSA sourced brakes, which share the same pattern and are said to perform well in context to the age of the car. The two-speed transmission is achieved by having two chains to the rear wheel giving high and low ratios either of which could be selected leaving a neutral in between, and it's that simple mechanism that allows it to perform without issue.
The ride absorption is one for the purists but on smooth roads, the drive will always be an engaging experience, feeling like you are travelling far faster than you actually are.
There’s no doubt that the owner has created a beautifully crafted car which combines the familiar purposeful looking Sports body style with the practicality of the Family model, individually characterised by its exposed engine and lowered and widened chassis.
Supported by a helpful and resourceful club that can supply most parts, the key to the Morgan is its elegantly executed simplicity and its unique character.
A genuine British icon and will never fail to turn heads.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1931 Morgan Family Sports
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