Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1935 Morgan 3-Wheeler Super Sports
Estimate
£20, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: BVU 150
Chassis No: D1269
MOT: Exempt
Later three-speed model fitted with a 60-degree V-twin J. A. P. engine
Supplied with a history file detailing a complete engine overhaul by Cameron Engineering and other works
Fitted with numerous upgrades including electric radiator fans, an alternator and hydraulic front brakes
A delightful example previously subject to significant restorative works
An ingenious concept, H. F. S. Morgan built his first three-wheeler in 1909. Based around a tubular steel frame, its low centre of gravity and advanced 'sliding pillar' independent front suspension endowed it with excellent road-holding. Progressively developed, the single rear-wheel-driven platform played host to a variety of JAP, Matchless, Blackburne, Anzani and Ford powerplants over the years (though the prototype used a Peugeot unit). Fearsome competition cars, Morgan three-wheelers driven by the likes of H. F. S. himself, Clive Lones and Harold Beart acquitted themselves well on race circuits and trial stages alike (Mrs. Gwenda Stewart recorded 115. 66mph during a record run at Montlhéry in 1930). An evolution of the JAP-powered Aero model, the Super Sports appeared in 1927. By 1933 Morgan's three-wheeler chassis could be ordered with four types of body, namely: Super Sports, Sports Two-Seater, Sports Family and Family. The Super Sports was notable for its chromium-plated exhaust pipes that run the length of the body. Interest in Morgans of this period has never waned and, if anything, increased in recent times—the company's inspired decision to create a modern three-wheeler having brought the early cars to the attention of a new audience.
According to a letter from the Morgan Motor Co., this thrilling Super Sports started life with a Red body and wheels, Black wings, and a Matchless MX4 engine, and was despatched to the Colmore Depot distributor in Liverpool on November 1st, 1934. In more recent years, however, it has been fitted with a JAP LTOW/ Z V-twin and a host of other modifications.
The ownership history of ‘BVU 150’ is known from c. 1970, when it had travelled to Scotland to reside in the village of Windygates with James Ramsay Duncan. Around 1980, it passed to Clifford Dearden of Doncaster, and then was acquired in 1992 by D. T. (Dermot) O’Brien of Sutton Coldfield, who remarked: “The vehicle has suffered badly over recent years, however I intend to restore it as close to original condition as possible.”
It has changed hands a few times since but evidently did get restored to a very high standard, if not to original condition. Apart from the JAP, other upgrades in place include electric radiator fans, an alternator and what we believe to be a Morris 1000 hydraulic brake conversion. Following its sale in 2014, the Morgan received a major engine overhaul by Three-Wheeler expert George Darbyshire for £1, 416, which included a new clutch, starter motor, starter ring and alternator belts. However, it had to be overhauled again in 2017 following a cylinder barrel breakage. This time, the responsibility fell to Cameron Engineering & Motorsports Ltd. and reached a cost of £5, 503, including the acquisition of new water-cooled barrels from MFC Castings, 86mm high-compression Accralite pistons, a new twin-carburettor manifold and two Amal Mk. I 30mm carburettors. Most recently, the starter motor was refurbished and a new regulator and alternator were fitted by Mike Underdown.
A great machine for use in both pre-war car and motorcycle circles, this Morgan is supplied with the V5C and 1992 V5, correspondence, MOTs issued from 1984 to 1987 and in 2011, plus many technical articles and drawings. Assorted literature includes an original Three-Wheeler Instruction Book, a photocopied JAP Reference Book, three 2025 issues of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club’s Bulletin, Brooklands Books’ Morgan Three-Wheeler Gold Portfolio 1910-1952, and The Best of Clarrie (a compilation of technical articles by Clarrie Coombes).
