Few vehicles capture the quirky charm and mechanical ingenuity of early motoring quite like the Morgan Three-Wheeler. These lightweight machines were born from a distinctly British idea of combining motorcycle powerplants with minimalist automobile frames, creating an entirely unique driving experience. This particular example, a 1938 MX4 Morgan Super Sport Three-Wheeler, is listed here on craigslist in the Dublin/Pleasanton/Livermore area of California, and it represents an incredibly rare opportunity for collectors. According to the seller, the car was imported to the U.S. in 1969 and has remained in long-term ownership ever since. It was running when put into storage in the early 1980s, but has been resting in an enclosed garage for over four decades. The seller notes that while the engine still turns over smoothly, it does not currently start due to what is believed to be an electrical issue. Thanks for the tip Jack M.!
Under the bonnet, the top end has been refreshed with new pistons, rings, and freshly ground valves prior to its long rest. While recommissioning will be needed, the engine turning freely after all these years is an encouraging sign for anyone considering taking on the project.
The seller notes the Morgan comes with a trunk of spare parts, including two transmissions, a spare radiator, and additional pieces that could prove invaluable during restoration. Also included are 53 years’ worth of club magazines and shop manuals, offering both a wealth of history and technical resources for future caretakers.
Inside, the car features a custom instrument panel, giving it a bit of individuality while maintaining its classic prewar charm. Morgans of this era are lightweight, nimble, and highly regarded among vintage racing and enthusiast circles for their quirky but effective engineering.
For fans of British motoring history, this is a special opportunity. The Morgan Three-Wheeler has become an icon thanks to its distinctive design and motorsport pedigree, and survivors like this one are rarely offered with such a long history of careful ownership and documentation.
Would you restore this rare 1938 Morgan Super Sport to its former glory, or preserve its well-earned patina and enjoy it as-is?
With the utmost respect to our British cousins, this is and always has been for me, something I just am not attracted to. Many called it the “brilliant death trap”. It’s fun to replicate British accents, but I must correct, there is nothing under this “bonnet”, as traditionally, the bonnet, or hood, covers the motor. I don’t think this even has a bonnet. For me, this vehicle doesn’t make a lick of sense. While a 3 wheeler does enable the handicapped to enjoy open air motoring, I’m not sure any 3 wheeler is the answer. The exposed motor is prime target for owls and other road hazards, or someone stops short, with the iffy brakes these had, front end damage would be catastrophic. Inherently tippy, and the 3 wheeler, the single tire rides in the grease strip, home of blasting caps and driveshafts, the stuff cars don’t pick up. It’s unconventional in almost every way. Don’t get me wrong, I bet a hoot to drive, and they boasted a top speed of 65 mph, or just over 100 kph. I’m sure some “lager louts” got more out of them, speeds almost unheard of in 1938. As novel as it was, you have to admit, the Packard Merlin it ain’t.
Oh, I almost forgot, does the tow rope come with it? Could come in mighty handy,, :)
You obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
Instead of merely criticizing perhaps you could provide your take on these vehicles so we can all be enlightened, since you appear to present yourself as an expert.
Fred….got your reply below….thanks! Sounds like you are an expert despite what you say. Interesting info on these vehicles….bet they’re a kick to drive. Thanks again!
nonsense .
To Mike F. I’m not an expert. Morgan 3 wheelers are great driving cars. I own 3 of them and drive them daily, weather permitting. They handle amazingly well due to the 2 front wheels, one rear. The center of gravity is very low and with the engine weight on the front wheels they corner great. They do have a different feel to drive and you have to do your braking before the turn then accelerate out. And, by the way, they all have a steel chassis underneath. The wood frame holds the sheet metal and the body assembly attaches to the steel tube chassis.
I completely agree with you Howard! I LOVE the 4 wheeled Morgans, but I’m not a fan of the 3 wheelers. Either get a Morgan 4 wheeler or get a Triumph motorcycle.
In many states these are registered like 3 wheel motorcycles in the Polaris Slingshot, Vanderhall Speedster, Can Am Ryker and various trikes with registration fees accordingly-as was the original intent when this was engineered to reduce the govt taxes incurred. Nice example but might be a chunk of change to bring it back to light if anything’s missing.
Wondered when someone was going to mention the huge British taxes. They considered the 3 wheeler a motorcycle and charged 2/3 less taxes on them. When we got to Norway in ’74 the value added taxes were 105 % of the base cost of the cars. VW Scirocco cost $8,400.
Beautiful work of art–and an all-in Morgan.
The concept has re-emerged with modern 3 wheelers providing rocket like performance. Probably the same feeling the Morgan gave in 1935 as the owner blasted past his contemporaries in an Austin 7.
This design is not tippy. they are very stable. if the one wheel was in front then it would be tippy. that is why the newly designed three wheeelers have the two wheels in the front.
These are amazing cars – I owned and drove one in SoCal. Stable, competent, quirky with motorcycle engine, but the most fun out of bed. This one has a Matchless engine (some had JAPrestwick engines), they are not always easy to start…
Tom Lange
Herewith a picture of my late friend’s 1913 Morgan Runabout fitted with Motosocoche V Twin engine, electrics via magneto. I was the navigator on the 1980 Castrol Oil Veteran Rally in South Africa where we covered about 150 miles over 3 days. Very uncomfortable trip but we made the finish line. He bought the car as scrap in 1959. His son currently owns the car which is in need of a full restoration.
Looks like a Harley with water cooled heads, an idea VW tried in later renditions of their otherwise air cooled engines. I would expect leaks around the spark plug.
Reasonable price for this classic. Leno has one. Matchless engine is superior to JAP. Probably a duff magneto. Built because of more forgiving tax laws in UK.
I would like to drive this Morgan coast to coast in the USA. I might be 81 but still like a challenge. Any sponsors out there. Best wishes too all of you over there.
Nice write-up, Elizabeth. If dated correctly, this is a very late Matchless engined 3 wheeler. These cars exist because a 3 wheel vehicle weighing under a cerain limit was (and still is) classed as a motorbike in the UK, so you could drive on a bike license and save money on tax. They were not aimed at rich people.
A friend here in Madrid has a 1935 model, which was imported to Spain new before the Civil War (1936). It has been expensively restored to perfection and in the process (but some time after the restoration was complete) made to run reliably.
And there in lies my tale of caution. Focus on the engine here, keep the rest as much as you see it now. It is very acceptable to Morgan enthusiasts and there is something wrong in a perfectly presented Morgan 3 wheeler, apart from never getting the money back.
Assume that the engine needs doing again, join the Morgan 3 wheeler Club for spares and socialisation as you have bought something which none of your current family/friends will understand. Suspend belief and you´ll be ready to enjoy the experience of owning a Morgan 3 Wheeler.
Interesting, and it appears complete, but it needs a ton of work. Modern Morgan three-wheelers are available used for around $40K, and no doubt they perform better than this oldster, but this one would get you into any old-car tour on the planet. With so many unknowns and for a non-runner, the price is steep. Show up with $20K in cash, and you could be a Morgan owner.
Original barrelback Moggies must be fairly thin on the ground in the US. I don’t know if the price is high but I suspect he’ll get it.
Price seems very good to me. Wish I had the $ to add to this to my +4 and 4/4! Then all I would want is a DHC…
The three wheel design- although controversial is adapted by the new Aptera, having hours of wind tunnel testing and confirmation of stability. AND the grease in the middle of the road has largely evaporated since the advent of PCV and road draft tubes elimination. So, I am in anticipation of a new era of three wheelers.
Thanks for sharing the benefit of your opinions with us, Howard.
You’re mostly incorrect. These aren’t inherently unstable. They do have good power-to-weight ratio due to the light weight and would have been considered a sporty drive in 1938. They were popular in motorsport back in the day and are sought-after collectible classics today. No, it doesn’t have, or need a bonnet. No more dangerous than motorcycle.
There were no such things as “lager louts” in 1938. Lager was not widely popularized in the UK until the 1970s.
Anyone that offers only criticism or complaints about any car/cycle is not an enthusiast. Were I not up to my eyeballs in restorations this would be mine. It’s a great combination of my Harley and 69 Mustang convertible. And the challenge of getting it road worthy is worth millions. Think positive and make this vehicle a head turner.
I had fun watching these at Road America and Laguna Seca in the “historic” races. They sure don’t look unstable on the track!
I love it! I always wanted one, or a replica, and I was lucky to be able to get a cool Moto Guzzi powered M3W replica. This is a squirrelly ride, it wanders back and forth on some roads, so you have to pay attention.
Warning, purchase of this vehicle includes people driving beside you while filming your Cycle Car, on their phone, asking at stop lights what the hell is it, and just asking a bazillion questions about this critter they have never seen before.
Yes it is for sale, check it out…..https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2313224629022818
Howard should be banned
Eat your heart out, Peter Sellers. I always liked this version of the Morgan. I don’t know if I’d prefer the JAP engine of the Matchless. Either one would be welcom on my driveway.
I was meeting with some fellow scooter tramps at one of the off-beat bike shops in Great Falls one Saturday afternoon when we heard the unmistakable sound of a V-Twin pass by. We looked up just in time to see one of these speed on by. A couple of guys gave chase but the guy turned off and disappeared, never to be seen again.
He was obviously from another community because none of the locals could place him. I have to say that I’m a little disappointed because it would’ve been nice to get acquainted with the guy…
The engineers who designed these were light years ahead of their time. A fine example of the many visions of the pioneers of our automotive industry. And you can recognize it coming down the road!
Does ayone know what the engine is/was ie. Twin Matchless (hence the M stands for Matchless not Morgan) or was it the JAPs? JUst wondering as mine has the Matchless.
Matchless MX twin, not the JAPrestwick LTWZ.
Tom
The story states that this Moggie has an electrical problem that stops the engine from starting. To me that means the magneto has a fault and once that has been overcome the engine will run. All the best to the next owner.