On Tuesday 1 April I went for a drink in the New Inn and was introduced to Michael, Trevor, Gary and a car with two wheels at the front, one at the back, a wooden body frame clad in steel sheet and a tubular metal chassis. No, this wasn’t an April fool’s joke, but a monthly meeting of the Brooklands group of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club.
This group, led by Trevor Seymour, has met for the last 6 or 7 years at the New Inn on the first Tuesday of the month, having previously convened in the Saddlers and then the Jovial Sailor. There are normally 35 to 40 club members in attendance, including Michael Joseph, UK Chairman of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, who attends the South Coast group but also goes to some meetings in Send. Usually there are a few of the classic cars parked too.
The enthusiasm of the Morgan group is clear for all to see, and the pub buzzes with their conversation. An owner with a problem may well find a solution from one of the other experienced members at the meetings; or at the very least a sympathetic ear! When I was there, one had brought along a number of components that were being eagerly discussed; and a young man who is building his own car was holding up a steering wheel. Apparently the cars had the biggest V twin engines available, including Matchless, JAP, Anzani, Blackburn and finally a Ford four cylinder. There is no foot accelerator but only a hand throttle lever on the steering wheel. Early cars have only two gears and no reverse. So if you want to go backwards, you have to push!
All types of club interest are catered for, from restoration to racing. Gary bought his first Morgan aged 16, when he told me they were classified as motorcycles, and so you could drive them on a provisional licence. No spring chicken now, he is still racing the car affectionately known as a “Mog”. He was among several club members who told me that they owned more than one three-wheeler and perhaps a four-wheeler version as well (although I could tell those were thought of as rather new-fangled!).
The three-wheeler was Harry Morgan’s design. Launched in 1909, it was in production for over 40 years. Morgans were very successful in all motor sport, the only three wheeler raced with success. By 1930 this car had taken over 350 speed and distance records, many driven by a lady called Gwenda Stewart. Many of the cars are still driven to race events on the continent.
After a half-century absence the Morgan Company has introduced a new repro three wheeler but with all modern components including a Harley Davidson engine. Morgan is the second oldest car manufacturer in the world after Daimler Benz. Thank heavens for something British having lasted so long and still being made, in Malvern!
Autocar has described the new three-wheeler as a “terrifically fun car to drive” and the New Inn club regulars have obviously known that for a very long time. To find out more, visit www.mtwc.co.uk or go along one of these Tuesdays. They’re a very friendly bunch and love to talk about their cars!
