Description
The Type 1 Triking, the purist of the marque and a true homage to the early Morgan three-wheelers in so far as simplicity and basic ergonomics. Owning a three-wheeler was always on my bucket list so when the opportunity presented itself to acquire the car below a deal was done. Being involved in race car engineering since the early 1980’s I admired the design of the Triking, particularly the Type 1 with its similarities to the Lotus Elan front chassis and backbone chassis and suspension. These things are all personal preference and the minimalist stature of the Type 1 appealed. At a stout framed 5’ 7” with average size feet, comfort and driving is fine but my car is not for anyone with greater parameters than those. As for the car, I have a file setting out its interesting early history detailing the association between owner/ builder and Tony Divey, I bought the car from its second owner, a friend of the first, with just 5800 miles covered since its build in 1985. Yet again, going back to personal preference, I wanted to tailor the car to my taste. I always considered the early Morgan three-wheelers and others of its type to be a cheap form of motoring so I wished to replicate that appearance with more austere levels of trim and instrumentation. I also wanted to incorporate period correct instrumentation, switchgear and other controls. Finally, I wanted to dispose of the cleverly engineered one piece tail moulding but with its trailer style rear lights, I always thought that let down the appearance.
One drawback of the early chassis is the requirement to remove the powerplant to carry out an oil change, hardly practical, so we have engineered a removable cross-member giving unencumbered access to the sump. I’ve just carried out an oil change in the process plus changing the lubricants in the gearbox and bevel drive.
The one-piece top cover is secured by 4 no. Dzus slide latches plus 4 lifting handles so panel removal is much simplified.
The original hub mounted mudguards whose stays kept breaking have been replaced with flowing body mounted wings.
Aluminium period exhaust boxes are fitted fed by stainless steel pipes from the newly re-plated headers.
New throttle and choke cables are fitted.
An external handbrake is utilised giving far more positive feel and action, activating both the front and rear master cylinders which too benefit from a new and improved balance bar assembly.
Pedal pads are fitted with expanded metal covers to aid grip.
The steering now has a period looking wheel much the same as an early Morgan, it is fitted with a quick release hub aiding ingress and egress and providing a useful security benefit. Take it with you when you leave the vehicle, provided you can fit it in your bag or rucksack unless happy to carry it loose!
The gear change is unique with a near column mounted lever, literally at your fingertips whilst steering. One up, four down with a much more positive action and feel than the original fitment but being a Guzzi, with an agricultural type gearbox, you still need to be firm. There is no reverse gear but that is part of the charm.
All instrumentation and switch gear is period type with original chronometric tachometer and speedometer professionally refurbished and correctly calibrated. All of this fitted within a bespoke solid timber and phenolic laminate dashboard.
The glove cubby box has a light and a twin USB point charger, discreetly mounted. There is a classic two pin power take off on the dash. Seats and backrest have been reupholstered, again in a classic look of the 1930’s period. Floorboards are varnished plywood and side footwell vents added for period look and ventilation. There is the usual storage behind the seats plus a battery isolator. As for the back end, the chassis was extended with box section and aluminium paneling and a useful boot area created. This is of sufficient size to accommodate all the hood, hood frames and tonneau which come with the car plus more useful space for additional storage. Access is via a lift up top cover, also in aluminium plus a rear boot lid which includes a useful basket rack. Inside the boot there is a larger, foam-filled aluminium fuel tank with period filler and a rear wheel hugger. The hugger has an access hole to check tyre pressure.
The rear hugger can be removed to facilitate the plywood boot floor which is retained by six bolts, giving total access to the swing arm and wheel for servicing purposes if required. Bevel box oil changes can be done without removal of either of these items. New uprated rear Hagon spring damper units are fitted giving a slightly raised rear ride height and the Triking benefits from new tyres all round. Mechanically the car is sound but it’s not concourse with signs of its age showing on some components, wishbone plating for example but if a new owner chose to improve these items it would be relatively simple.
I have a comprehensive file detailing everything purchased.
