MTWC Group Events in December to check with your GO - see contact details p 29

Dates for your 2011/12 diary

Contents 4 Hon Chairman on safari. 5 Opening Run. 6 Another one hits the road. 7 Golden days. 9 Membership renewals. 10 German opening run.

14 Competition report. 17 Book review. 18 Letters. 22 Mogspares. 23 Matchless spares list. 24 The new Morgan Three Wheeler review 30 Group reports. 36 American Cycle-cars

37 Graham Chivral reminisces. 38 Used Parts Register. 39 Floggery. 44 Regalia. 45 VSCC Goodwood Sprint photo’s. 47 Another crazy idea. 48 Parting shot.

1st Thurs Brooklands group, New Years day at Brooklands, 3rd Sat South east group, The Swan, Hornden on the Hill, 8pm 4th Sun South Coast group. Dec Holly Run, Shipley to Hassocks, 11.30 a.m. 6th Tue Brooklands Group: New Inn, 7.30pm 6th Tue E Anglia Group: Bull, Woolpit 12 noon 7th Wed North west group, Lunch, Red Lion Goostrey, 8th Thurs Soup Kitchen, Reepham, 12 noon 11th Sun West Mids group, Holly Run, Cookley Arms, 10.00. am 14th Wed West Mids group, Fruiterers Arms, Ombersley, 8.00. pm 20th Tues East Anglia group, Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph, 8pm 20th Tues Far S/W group, Ivybridge. 21st Wed East Midlands group. 21st Wed South Coast group, scalextric GP. Six Bells Chiddingley, 7.30. pm 30th Fri North west group, evening at Whipping Stocks., Over Peover. 31st Sat The Star, Stanton St John, noon. 28th Wed West Mids group, The Clent Club, 8.00. pm

2012 1st January South West group lunch meeting joint with MSCC and VSCC at Strode Arms, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet. 1st January VSCC meeting, The Royal Oak, Much Marcle April MTWC OPENING RUN PRESCOTT - see p 5 17-29 May German Opening Run - see p 10

Please check your dates, for this month anyway! Ed… Must try harder, mutter mutter.

2

Material for Jan issue must be submitted by 6th Dec.

22

EDITORIAL

VOL 66 December 2011 No 12

THE BULLETIN T H E M O N T H L Y M A G A Z I N E

O F T H E M O R G A N T H R E E - W H E E L E R C L U B Affiliated to the ACU & MSA: non-territorial

w w w . m t w c . c o . u k

3

Well, hello, I’m your new editor, John Chatwin. Some of you will know me from the Midlands Group, some will have heard of me, and some will have crossed swords with me for I admit to being pedantic at times! I hope that I can emulate the great editors who precede me. I ask for your indulgence, as I start the learning curve and apologise now for the mistakes that we all know I will make. The Bulletin is a benchmark for club publications. I know there are bigger and more flamboyant club magazines, but few can boast the continuous quality and informative articles about not only one make of vehicle, but more importantly, one “type” of a particular make. I hope that I can live up to this prestigious publication in the coming months. Believe me it won’t be for the lack of wanting to. Thanks to Nick for his help. I first joined the club in the late fifties when a “Flight Sergeant” modified MX4 S/S was eventually replaced by a JAP powered version. After leaving for a few years whilst dallying with Singer, Bentley, Aston Martin, SS100, and so on, I finally regained my senses?! I joined the ranks again in 1972 with another S/S JAP, which I have to this day. Several others have come and gone in the meanwhile. In response to people suggesting that I might regret selling the exotica that I owned, I always say the same thing. No

matter how grand or how many cc’s those other cars had. None of them give as many smiles per mile as a Mog, and I do mean “our” sort of Mog. I have owned the model with the spare wheel on a half shaft, but I didn’t take to it. Rarely does one complete a trike journey without meeting someone who is either, interested in it, or had a relative

who owned one. These are the pleasures that these quaint vehicles impart upon your soul as you trundle around with that silly grin that most of us are aware of, on your face. I have made many friends over the years, some like Roger Orford, Bob Angell, Len, Pat, Alan, Lol, Nick,

Malcolm, Mike, Brian, Dave etc I seem to have known most of my life. Few vehicles reward one in this way. Largely, the Morgan seems to be the sort of machine that, well, just gets under your skin. Once embarked upon, they are difficult to put down. I know they can reduce you to tears at times and frustrating they may be, but once you are on the road again, all is forgiven. I’ve even “gone over to the other side” inasmuch that I am currently working on an F-Type rebuild, so don’t assume that I am biased, one way or the other. I’ve met three wheeler owners abroad in the New World, Australia and the Isle of Wight! All share that same irreverent outlook on life and above all, are truly, friends. Long may it be so.

Front cover picture; Andy Tallacks Super Aero and a Frazer Nash at Ambersley Museum and Heritage Centre.

Sniff-f-f-f-f

Our USA group organiser, Chris Towner, has been honoured by the VSCCA. The club’s most prestigious award, the Koshland award, is given annually to the member deemed by the Board to typify the spirit and values of the Club and dedication to its principles. Congratulations to Chris who members will remember was the instigator of our own Esprit de Corps trophy. Now I wonder where he got the idea? Have you looked at the club’s website lately? Ian Parkinson has now given us the opportunity to renew and join on line. Amongst the first to use this facility were the Simmanks in Germany. This is a secure and quick way to ensure that your membership continues and particularly for overseas members, probably the easiest way to renew. This is also an opportunity to sign up for the ‘members only' section of the site where in addition to selected photographs there is also a wanted, for sale and exchange facility. Already members are taking advantage of this service. Alan Sharpes period picture of the Grand Prix in the October magazine posed the question of why call the car “Crystal Set”. My thoughts were a derivation from the simplest form of radio receiver known, also referred to as ‘The Cats Whisker”. The cat’s whiskers is a definition of excellence. (For canine owners “the dogs wotsits”). The crystal set was cheap, needed no battery and had potential for experimentation. Sounds just like a two speeder. I was interested in Alan Goodwin’s experiments in overcoming torsional flywheel problems. The new three-wheeler, with its two litre S & S motor, as one can imagine, has a far bigger problem. Whilst HFS’s solution was to use Dardelet threads on the three speeder with a plate clutch with springs, doubling the capacity means a more positive method is required. Current options have varied between motorcycle type spring cush drives and rubber metalastic pot joints. The

Dardelet bolts allowed the clutch pressure plate to marginally move back and forth. I suspect that the three speeder problems experienced by Alan have been more that of 80-year-old components fatiguing rather than any design fault. Lanchester devised a vibration damper, taken up by Packard in about 1910, and was fitted to the crankshaft nose. The device consisted of a flywheel which ran loose but was activated by a clutch mechanism to counteract any imbalance during running. It was adjusted to optimum smoothness and thereafter left alone. The heavier cone clutch flywheel on the two speeder helps to reduce vibration but perhaps this benefit is lost when the rest of the transmission is taken into account! I recently visited the Morgan factory with the Peterborough Motor Club. One of their number, who is a kit car enthusiast, was interested to see the bonnet catches on the traditional cars. (These are the same as on the majority of F types). The Vehicle Certification Agency will not allow these on kit cars as they are considered a danger to pedestrians. Similarly, the engine on the Planet three-wheeler, I believe, had to be fitted with a cover when it was submitted for approval. These regulations are not applied retrospectively thank goodness. You might be interested to look at how tight modern regulations are. The European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) is a good start. If your new trike doesn’t comply with the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) it has to have the aforesaid ECWVTA which necessitates crash testing and all the other criteria for a four wheel motorcar before it can be sold to the general public in the European Union. Other countries have their own regulations which may differ. Good luck Morgan Motors! Best wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Hon Chairman - on Safari Brian Clutterbuck

4

The Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Opening Run 2012. In conjunction with

With the kind co-operation of the Prescott Bike Festival Organisers, the 2012 Opening Run will be held at this event. We have the Ettores Field, a prime

location usually reserved for Bugatti Owners Club Members. We shall also have a Club Stand in the paddock where our racers and Run

the Hill entries will be based. This is a charity fund raising event to raise money for the National Blood

Bikers Group a really worthwhile cause To take advantage of this, tickets must be purchased via the Club co-ordinators, Ian and Maria Parkinson on tel: 01823 277852 email: Imogman@aol.com

Senior Citizens Tickets are £5 each Adult tickets are £8 each Adult Ticket if you bring your Morgan Three Wheeler £5 each

Only one ticket per car, as this is subsidised by the Club. Child ( under 15 ) £4 each Family, 2 Adults, 2 Children. £22

If you wish to run the hill in your car you must book via www.prescott-bikefest.co.uk or if you are not on the internet we will book it for you.

Contact us for details. These prices represent a significant saving on gate prices on the day.

If you do not pre book and just turn up on the day you will pay full price. See www.prescott-bikefest.co.uk for more information - also see the Club Web Site www.mtwc.co.uk and future Bulletins for updated information. For those wishing to make a weekend of it, details of places to stay will be

published in the Bulletin and on a PDF Document on the Club web site. Last years event was a massive success, the Morgans received a fantastic

reception from the crowd. The 2012 Event promises to be bigger and even better.

Be part of it, be there. Available from www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk tickets are £30 each.

Gives you two runs up the hill. One in the morning one in the afternoon. Spaces are very limited, delay may mean missing out

Anyone not Computer literate can ask me to purchase one for them! Early booking is advised for entry and the hill.

5

6

Seen here is Dermot O’Brien enjoying the first time that his Morgan has moved under its own power in over twenty years. Bought as the archetypal basket case, that had gradually decomposed so as to await the scrap man. A renaissance had been attempted by having a Moto-Guzzi engine, err… adapted, is probably the kindest word, to replace the original power plant. Undeterred Dermot set out to achieve his dream, only to find as so many before, that what looked like a simple cycle-car was in fact quite a complex piece of machinery in its own right. Twenty years on, and a host of new skills acquired, with almost every item either replaced or repaired and a new body built, he was almost ready to roll. Disaster in the shape of a badly frost damaged cylinder barrel revealed itself. Stitched and painted this was duly re-fitted and a battery connected. To everyone’s relief the JAP fired up and with only a small amount of adjustment was ready to hit the road again. The pictures show the day of the MOT, which it passed with only a couple of minor adjustments. The next week he attended the opening run, this being not only the Mogs first trip in twenty years, but also, Dermot’s first real drive in a Morgan Three Wheeler. Although he was full of trepidation for the next few trips, he eventually settled down to

enjoying the unique pleasure of what we all take so easily for granted. The look of intense concentration in the first picture is tempered by the wave of relief in the second one. Carpe diem.

Another one hits the road. Dermot O’Brien, without whose help this issue would not have happened.

7

Golden days of motoring.

The following article, contributed by Mike Guess is by a Lt Colonel Claude Bowden and written in 1974 for a now defunct magazine. Ed… Morganitis was a three wheeled disease as difficult to erase as “solo Scottitis” so in the 20s I had two Morgans! The first being a Grand Prix side valve JAP engined version, which served me for many high speed miles, until the latest Aero Morgan arrived on the scene. It’s beautifully built water cooled vee-twin MAG engine having overhead inlet valves took my fancy, so a change was effected. There were, three main Morgan idiosyncrasies which required thoughtful action. Firstly, Morgan’s could be dangerously fast due to the enormous power to weight ratio. The odd direct steering which if worn, could generate terrifying shimmy at high speed. Then there was the lack of emergency stopping due to rear wheel only braking. Thus, descending our local hills, like Porlock, was a far more difficult feat than the simple job of blasting one’s way up under terrific power. After a runaway down Lynton Hill, when an ancient stone cracker’s recess saved me, I developed a downhill technique suitable for Somerset’s steep earthy banks at the side of the road.

I would creep down the hill with the left mudguard scraping the bank inducing considerable retarding drag, so that when the rear brake overheated to the extent that globs of grease would issue from the hub, the bank would stop me to allow things to cool off. As there was no reverse, “Morgan reversing” became popular? One planned outings to arrive at a convenient small hill. The Mog was driven up the hillock, stopped, and as it ran backwards, the steering wheel was given a twirl so that the machine faced the way it had come. The third difficulty was not so easily solved, for it meant that the driver had to time matters so that he was sufficiently sober after a party at departure time, to insert the detachable starting handle into a particularly elusive hole situated low down on the body side behind the driver’s seat. Any cross-eyed stab at this hole was doomed to failure, as I found to my cost after an excellent Hunt Ball in Minehead. Finally, my resourceful partner, bless her, located the hole as well as finding the handle. By masterfully following the right hand bank back to Porlock, we arrived safely home, showing how splendidly little populated the roads were in those golden days of motoring.

8

Following the binder round. Apologies to Alan Smethurst. Ed...

FAIRBOURNE CARRIAGES LTD

Traditional coach builders, coach painters, coach liners & trimmers, offer services to the owners of Vintage cars.

In-house machine shop, solid rubber tyre specialists & wheelwrights. Stockist of ‘Newton’ badges.

Tel: 01622 859502 www.fairbournecarriages.com

Mr Fosters Super Sports in the corn. See page 18. Ed...

9

Membership Renewals From the Membership Secretary This Notice should have been in the November Bulletin Yet another year has gone by and your renewal was due on the 1st November. There should have been a Renewal Form with that issue of The Bulletin, once again some Members are so keen to renew that I have already received renewals from Colin Watson by post, Sergio Romagosa at the AGM and Dick Delafield by e-mail, thank you gentlemen for being so prompt. Options for Renewal. Should you lose your renewal form, you can go to the Club Website and download another form. Please note that the correct form is in the Members Area of the site and is called a Renewal Form. See www.mtwc.co.uk Also on the Club Website there is a link to renew via PayPal, an account is not necessary. You must Register on the Web Site first before you can do this. Stage 1 is an online renewal form and stage 2 takes you to PayPal. Both stages must be done or your renewal will be rejected. See www.mtwc.co.uk or if you contact Ian at Imogman@aol.com he will set up your access for you thereby taking away having to copy and paste a password which some people seem to struggle with. Overseas Members can also choose to pay by IBAN, please contact me and I will send you the Club Bank Account Number, please ensure you pay in £ sterling. I am also happy to talk to you on the telephone and take your credit card and vehicle details, then I will process your payment personally through RBS World Pay. If you do telephone me please have all your details including vehicle details to hand. Please do not ring without having the details to hand, I will not be able to proceed. IMPORTANT Can I please draw your attention to the following, in the past many people have omit-ted to put details of their Morgan on the form. This year, full details of at least one Morgan must be submitted to support your renewal application for Full Membership. Already people are yet again putting “same as last year” This has been going on for several years, this year full details are required. I do not have the time to keep chasing you up for this information if you do not fill the form out fully. So please do it properly for me. Should you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact me on, 01823 277852 or mariapmemsec@aol.co Maria Parkinson, Membership Secretary

We bid a hearty welcome to the following new members Michael A. S. Smith, Colne, Lancs

Christophe Guillaumin, Vichy, France Bertus Dierink, Enschede, Netherlands Greg Barnes, Scarborough, Australia

Attention all members. The D.V.L.A. have had a lot of blue V5C registration documents stolen. They are currently replacing all documents with red ones. Be very aware in any transactions that this has happened. Any blue docu-ments should be checked out with DVLA before completing any business. Ed...

10

An Invitation to: The Morgan Three Wheeler, German Opening Run 2012

date: 17.-20. May 2012 place/ village: Sankt Maergen / Black Forest / Germany accommodation: Hotel Hirschen D-79274 Stankt Maergen, Feldbergstr. 9 phone: +49 (0) 7669 94068-0 fax: +49 (0) 7669 94068-88 email: info@hirschen-st-maergen.de homepage: www.hirschen-st-maergen.de price: Double room, each person, each day: 51,50 Euro Single room, each day 59,50 Euro inclusive half board (breakfast, evening 3 course dinner) closing date: 29. February 2012 - after this date we have to release the not taken rooms! Rooms MUST be booked by you, directly to the hotel using the key word Morgan. It is possible to come one day or more earlier, but you have to arrange this with the hotel. Frank and I will be booked in from the 16. May.

Runs will lead us on the delightful Black Forest roads, that means: satisfaction for drivers and passengers, drivers - with driving their Morgans and passengers with beautiful views over the peaks and valleys (if the weather is good!).

Stankt Maergen is an Air Health Resort village, but we are welcome with our old cars. The village has a filling station. PLEASE, after booking the hotel, please inform us via email, we need this information for the further planning. Thank you!

We are looking forward to welcoming you! Frank + Barbara Simmank Ettlensegart 15 78532 Tuttlingen Germany phone: + 49 (0) 7461 2113 email: barbarasimmank@yahoo.de

Pine trees, cuckoo clocks, red pompom hats, mountains, beautiful views,

Black Forest gateaux, tasting food, good beer, these all belong to the Black Forest

11

Morgan Motor Company Recognised Three Wheeler Specialist

ENGINES

JAP MATCHLESS

RACING ROAD

REBUILDS NEW BUILDS

CHASSIS BODIES REPAIRS

RESTORATIONS SERVICING

IMPROVEMENTS UPGRADING

The World’s most comprehensive in-house facility for

The Morgan Three Wheeler

Contact the specialists

Situated only half a mile from the Morgan Factory, why not visit us.

Unit 8 & 9 Howsell Industrial Estate, Malvern,

Worcestershire, WR14 1UJ

Email: ewan@cameronracingengines.com Tel: 01684 899084 Mob: 07815 119 447

Or visit or website www.cameronracingengines.com

12

George Darbyshire Work on any classic & vintage cars.

From maintenance and repair work to full restoration. Race preparation a speciality!

Please call George on 01608 664996 or 07905 168142

WHEEL BUILDING All types - Heavy-duty spokes. Well-proven. 2 and 3 speeder rims in stock.

Other wheels: price on application. Wheels can be collected and delivered to race meetings. Quick service.

Also Morgan paintwork undertaken by long-term enthusiast. Phone Greg Bibby on 0116 279 3048 (day) or 0116 279 2120 (evenings).

Mobile 07860 237 945.

13

Michael Green 1944-2011

In August Mike passed away. He was popular, perhaps somewhat eccentric and had a great many interests as borne out by his well attended funeral and

unusual cortege. Not for Mike the large hearse and the big wooden coffin but, instead, an eco friendly wicker casket carried in a small sidecar hearse

coupled to a British Triumph motorcycle. This followed by two motorcycle outriders, then several Morgan’s and a TVR.

In the church his son read an excellent eulogy which resulted in a spontaneous round of applause. He described Mike as a man who, throughout his life, was never happier than when he was putting a smile on the faces of

others, So true.

It is sad to lose Mike but we are all the richer for having known him

Sincere condolences to Ying and Mike’s family

Stan Thorpe.

The Gerald Carr F4: now available for borrowing by members

The car has had extensive restoration to woodwork, bodywork and rear suspension, and the insurance has been re-negotiated.

Note that there is still an age limit of 25 years.

To borrow the car for a long weekend, we suggest a donation of £45, to cover insurance and maintenance. To keep the operation going successfully, more bookings are required. . . . so get planning!

Richard Williams tel: 01886 833120

Email: richardw005@aol.com

For background information, see the articles on page 18, March 2004 and page 34, July 2006.

14

Many of us will be pre-occupied with preparations for the festive season but December is a time for both looking back and looking forward so in the absence of a mass of serious competitive events I thought I would do both. Looking back to the season just ended it has been a good one in all events where Morgan Three Wheelers have competed. The grids for the MTWC Challenge Series are still small and we have yet to achieve a grid of 20 cars although there were 17 at Donington and 18 at Loton so we are getting close! Morgan's continue to dominate their classes in both VMCC and VSCC races and on the continent where there have been class wins at Etretat, Arosa and Angouleme. We were very grateful for the support of the club at Donington and hope that the success of the Sporting Section racers helps bring the club influence beyond its size. Looking forward we have a new season of the MTWC Challenge centred on VMCC circuit races, hill-climb invitations to Loton, Harewood and Prescott and the possibility of a return to VSCC Cadwell for a MTWC race if money permits. ‘The Nick Wood Memorial Sprint’ at Curborough was a success and made a small profit although the price of both the venue and the ACU insurance will rise for 2012 so we will have to increase the entry charge. The Prescott Bike Festival was very successful last year and the Sporting Section are pleased to be attending again in 2012 to support the charity and promote the MTWC. There has been some action on the circuits this month with Bill Tuer, Guy Shotton and Greg Bibby at the Sidecar Festival at Mallory Park and Sue Darbyshire and Gary Caroline at the VSCC Goodwood Sprint while Iain Stewart has been campaigning his Morgan in Portugal. VSCC Goodwood Sprint 22nd October The final meeting of the season for the 2 speeders with Sue Darbyshire taking Fastest

Vintage car with a time of 111.21 seconds followed by Gary Caroline just 7 tenths behind. They have both achieved superb results this year and along with Duncan Wood and Bob Towell have made the 3 wheeler Morgan the car to beat at VSCC races. World Sidecar Festival Mallory Park 29/30th October This very popular event attracts competitors from far and wide and Morgan honours were upheld by Bill, Guy and Greg who all put on a very good show for the public with some close racing. The event was subdued following the death of sidecar passenger Dave Wells on Saturday and I would like to pass on this club’s condolences to his family. Algarve Historic Festival 21/22/23rd October We have not had Iain Stewart racing with us very often recently but he has been out to Portugal again and sent this report: The racing in Portimao last year was a 1 hour race with driver change over. This year it was a 30 min race on the Sat and a 30 min race on the Sunday (much better). Chris Williams was in Germany that weekend and for a 30min race - it didn't seem so important to have a 2nd driver. All cars had to pit stop for a driver change-over. Solo drivers (like me) had to be stationary for 30 sec in the pit lane to compensate for those drivers changing places. That is fair enough - but Blakeney-Edwards / Gillet managed to change places in their Frazer Nash in under 4 seconds (I don't think their car even stopped). It was impossible for me to make up 26 seconds difference and they beat me to a class win. My Morgan was travelling at very similar speeds to last year and finished 2nd in class and 5th overall. I was beaten by a couple of supercharged Altas, The Frazer Nash (mentioned above) and a supercharged Talbot. Lots of people were saying the

Competition Report Pete Clews

15

winning Alta has just had £200,000 spent on engine upgrades. A few of the leading cars have also just suddenly appeared with modern limited slip diffs and this is reflected in their lap times. The racing was generally a bit faster than last year and there were also more spectators. Well done to Iain who says that he should have time to take part in a few more events next season. Writing of next season we have the promise of some new competitors and passengers and if you fancy entering a few events you need to start now. You will need a licence from the ACU for VMCC/MTWC Challenge events or the MSA for VSCC events, an eligible car for the class you wish to enter and appropriate helmet and leathers for ACU or helmet and race suit for MSA. You will need to obtain a green card from the MTWC Eligibility Scrutineer to ensure that your car complies with the Sporting Formula.

The Eligibility Scrutineer is Chas Reynolds, Tel: 01260 252780 email: chasreynolds@tiscali.co.uk The VSCC have their own eligibility committee and criteria. If you want to enter just the hill-climbs and sprints you can usually do this on a one day licence but you still need the eligible car and clothing. The club now has several sets of leathers available to be borrowed at meetings. I can provide you with information and assistance to ‘get you ready’ to join in, you just need the enthusiasm. Why not give it a try, as Simon Mayo says on his radio programme “enjoy yourself - it’s later than you think”. Pete Clews. 01782 396762

Beart and Norris in Morgan’s, about to contest the Cycle-car championship in a 1924 BMCRC meeting. Beart gained an unexpected victory at 83.9 mph. Please excuse the quality of photo. Ed...

16

Morgan Threewheeler Racing. Championship Other info Fastest lap Tuer/Tuer. 1.56.70 67.25mph Round 8 Cadwell Park Circuit 25 Sept 2011 Legend;SS=Super Sports. Ae//Sae=Aero//Super Aero. F.S//F.SS=F Super//F Super Sports

Pos Name Car Lap Time Speed C'ship Points

Trophy points

1 Bill Tuer / Maggie Tuer SS 1205cc JAP 4 8.07.78 64.36 10

2 Greg Bibby / Paula Heaney SS 1208cc JAP 4 8.28.89 61.69 9

3 Pete Clews / Sue Cook F.S. 1172cc ioe 4 9.40.50 54.08 8

4 George Gould / Bowers-Siddle F4 1172cc 4

10.06.64 51.75 7 10

5 Chas Pilbeam / Wendy Glenn

F.S. 1172cc E93A 4

10.30.84 49.76 6 9

Competition results.

I promise the layout will improve. Ed...

17

BOOK REVIEW Transmogrification and A tall Short

Story, By John Bradshaw.

In the literary world, this must be some sort of a first. We are all used to Tesco’s doing it, but to get a BOGOF when buying a book is something of a novelty. This book is in fact two in one. From one end, you get the story of a project to build someone’s ideal, as a Morgan based three wheeled trials car. From the other you get a rather whimsical tale that with a little imagination allows you to be-lieve that the car developed into what you see on the other cover. As I have been involved to a very small de-gree in the gestation of the real Muriel, the three wheeler on the cover, I feel qualified to write about the book. First of all and John Bradshaw will agree entirely, she is no thor-oughbred or indeed vintage or classic ma-chine in its entirety. However, the compo-nent parts all have their place in the classic or vintage car/aeroplane/motorcycle world. Obsessive is a word that is often wrongly used, but in this instance, an obsession was seen through to the finished article. Some scoffed and said it would not work, we all laughed a little at times at the concept. Few of us thought it would ever result in any-thing. However, “Braddy” proved us all wrong and Muriel is proof that it can be done. To see the real thing is to see a qual-ity motor that puts many genuine classics to shame. The attention to detail is superb and the finished article does indeed stand looking at. If you enjoy seeing how an ordinary per-son with little more than a garage and a lot of friends and contacts, can pursue an idea through to completion then you will enjoy Transmogrification. The other part of the book is a yarn that centres on pre-war trialling. It does labour the point at times but as you progress

through the tale, you begin to see why. Lots of name dropping that will be familiar to all of us whilst Mogs are featured strongly. A lot of tongue in cheek dialogue and a fair amount of what a lot of us would “like” to have happened. None the less, the gist of it, is what might just have been possible, in order to have produced the strange vehicle we now see. Not so strange to true Morgan owners, who are familiar with the exploits of most of the characters and are well aware that single cylinder Morgans featured in pre-war record breaking. In the main, a bit of fun that must not be taken too literally and at all times be remembered as a work of fiction. It’s a good yarn with a fair bit of technical know how, which will I’m sure whet a few appetites. A goodly number of the features on Muriel can easily improve or at least be of use to Morgan Three Wheelers. “Braddy” is always eager to speak with and advise or help anyone even remotely interested in his project, so this should be born in mind as an added bonus to the purchase price. Person-ally, I cannot wait to see Muriel take to the mud! Copies can be obtained from Aspect Design at £15.00 plus £2.00 postage on 07972523685 or 01228 792113. ISBN # 978-0-9566403-1-4 John Chatwin.

18

Dear John, A “hose” by any other name. John Chatwin’s tip on protective material round the neck chopper on Morgan’s, reminded me of my brothers similar arrangement whereby he used a length of garden hose. In 1964 he had entered a race at Cadwell Park where I was persuaded to be the passenger. In those days when men were men, the passenger would throw himself bodily over the side, or the tail when cornering. I dutifully did the same on the right hander at “Charlies;” grabbing the edge of the cockpit as I did so. Of course the hose came away in my hand and I still do not know how I managed not to fall out completely. This was not quite the end of the story for later on, just after the hairpin we flipped. I was thrown over the tail onto the grass happily with no lasting harm. Happy days. Jim Gill. Trawden, Lancs. Help! Dear John and fellow members, I’d like to find out more of my Mog’s history and former owners. If possible. (Derek Statham of London may be one) Jake tells that it is a 1933 3 speeder SS Beetle-back. Chassis D635, eng # LTOWZ/S/D-26704/S. I bought it in 1978 from Hans Becker in Deurne NL when its JAP had been replaced with an MX. It had fresh red paint over rust. I have rebuilt it and it has been on the road since 1980. Thank you for any information. Peter Gellert. Ellerbecker Weg 127, 25462 Rellingen, Germany. 0049 4101 821231 Dear John. We have two senior personnel actively engaged in the success of the Red Bull Formula One Team, whose first love is the Morgan Three Wheeler, via Alistair Rew and my elder son Mathew Hibbert. In view of the outstanding success in 2010 that appears to be repeating in 2011 would it not be appropriate to offer Honorary membership of the MTWC to Messrs Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber? D Alistair Hibbert. Ed???

Dear John. In the September East Anglia group reports it is stated that attendance was down due to the harvest etc. I did not go due to being busy bindering the corn. I enclose a photo showing my car in a 40 acre field of stooks. My brother and I grow this long straw wheat for the thatchers and have done so for the last 25 years. I always wanted a Morgan Three Wheeler since seeing one in 1950 on my way to school and in 2004 was lucky enough to buy WFF 320 at the Duxford auction. It was positioned very close to Concord and I should have photographed it there but I was too excited with the buying. I am very pleased with it and it receives lots of interest whenever I am out in it. The Bulletin is an excellent magazine and I look forward to every issue. A G Foster. Martlesham, Suffolk. See photo on page 8. Ed... Dear John, From Canada. I am just letting you know that the October issue of the Bulletin arrived yesterday. (when? Ed…) I must also tell you that I think it is one of the finest auto publications bar none. Congratulations to all involved. I know what it takes. I first joined the Three Wheeler Club in about 1962 and lost my way as the family came along and was raised along with mortgages. I still have the SS which I purchased then and the Family model which I purchased near Brighton in 1967 which I drove from Lewes and up through London and left sitting on Queens Gate Court amongst Bristols and other run-down classics of the day. I later drove it through Fleet Street with faulty mufflers and delivered it to the docks at Brixton somewhere, to ship to the Toronto docks, which no longer exist. I returned in 1969 with an NSU RO 80 which I had purchased at the factory and toured historic Chester with John Lindop, who was with the Club at the time. I even have

Dear John Letters

19

recordings from the Chester Cathedral organ. I then drove to the Morgan Factory for a tour and to purchase some parts for the two 3-wheeler cars. Whilst there, I was asked whether I might like to do a deal on the last fiberglass body which stood upright in the parts room and was essentially in the way. It was a good offer, but why would a Three Wheel Morgan owner let down the side for a 4 wheeler? What an idiot I was in hindsight! I will try to get my membership fees off this week. George Ormsby, Canada. Dear John, Congratulations on the Ed’s job. NICE ONE ROGER! Many of us who run three speeder twins have one of Roger Orford's alternator conversions attached to their gearbox. Roger has developed another neat modification which includes a Newtronic opto-electronic switch, in a brand new contact breaker housing. He supplies these as a kit which contains a new Dynatec coil. Everything is nicely finished and presented. I have recently fitted one of these kits to my LTOWZ, replacing the original points set-up which was very difficult to time accurately, even with a brand new cam. The principal problem was, that there was some slack in the front camshaft bearing and this allowed the points gap to vary continuously. The Newtronic ignition is one that is much favoured by our racing fraternity. It is

unaffected by shaft wander as the electronics react to the exposure of a LED to a photo electric cell, this being the result of the passing of a pair of accurately cut rotating blades between the light and the cell. The kit proved to be easy to fit, with a new housing and lid to replace to old ones. The instructions were well written and the only extras needed were the HT cable ends to suit the new coil. These were bought from Tim at the Green Spark Plug Company. I had previous experience of the Newtronic type ignition when it was known as the Piranha

system. I had used it on an historic racer which I ran in the 1970's which used the Lucas D25 distributor. That set-up refused to cope with 6 cylinders at 5,000+ rpm because of points bounce. Fitting the Piranha transformed the engine allowing it to rev cleanly to 6,000 rpm, beyond which point other factors intruded. Once fitted and timed as in the instructions, the big JAP fired-up instantly and road testing

proved that the kit did everything it said on the box and more. I am well pleased. Robin Rew, by e-mail. Thanks, Ed... Dear John, Membership of the MTWC At the last Group meeting in the North-West, there was considerable discussion about the new Morgan Three-Wheeler and owners’ membership within the MTWC. Many

YOUR RENEWAL FORM WAS WITH THE LAST

BULLETIN - DON’T DELAY …. SEND IT NOW!

20

against. It was explained that as our Articles of Association stand an owner of a Morgan Three Wheeler is entitled to be considered for full membership. An application does not automatically have to be accepted. Members expressed feelings that the Club/Committee were too hasty in accepting owners of the new Morgan as Full members although, un-der the Articles, there would appear to be no valid reason for not doing so. Concerns were that accepting a significant number of new owners ran the risk of substantially altering the basic nature and raison d’etre of the tra-ditional club. It was pointed out that the deci-sion was possibly taken a) by default and b) in the belief that there was ongoing support for the original Morgan movement and par-ticularly financial support for the sporting activity within the Club, neither which now seems apparent. Significant opinion was also voiced that as a Club we should not divorce ourselves from this new generation of owners but should seek some way of welcoming them in such away that the basic structure of the existing Club is not prejudiced. In view of these discussions, which I believe are not unique within the club, I would like to offer a suggestion for the Committee to consider. Might we have a separate register within the club specifically for owners of the new Morgan? Their subscriptions might be managed by a separate account, maybe even a separate treasurer. They would pay towards the Bulletin in which there would be special pages featuring new Morgan topics. The balance of their funds would be used to either support their own activities or contribute to joint activities. Their voting rights would be negotiated to ensure that the status and op-eration of the traditional club could not be prejudiced. There are many more points which would need to be discussed and de-cided upon but I offer this initial approach in order to stimulate thought as to how the Club could best appeal to All owners of Morgan Three Wheelers. Mike Guess.

Dear John, The new Three Wheeler. Comments currently circulating from where and to whom? Maria and I have not seen any! Elaboration is needed surely. This should have been debated properly, twelve months ago. Sorry but we have to get back to processing the scores of renewals that are coming in as well as reading the notes at-tached to many of them saying their NEW MORGAN will be here soon. A lot of these people are old Morgan owners too!! Plus they are all over the world, not just UK. The others, well we have been accepting them as Associates for over a year now, that was the Committee's decision. They are now renew-ing and saying their new car is due soon as well. They will then be issued with a FULL Membership. That was the Committee's deci-sion too. Our views on the new Morgan and more importantly The Morgan Motor Co are well known, but we are dealing with people here, more importantly to us, is that they are Club Members. Regards, Ian and Maria Parkinson. Hon Website & Membership Officers. Oh Gord... Dear John May I say thank you to the eBay member who alerted me to the Gordon Three-wheeler brochure offered recently. I was unable to reply to express my thanks as the system did not permit. I paid a minor prince's ransom and at the time of writing, eagerly await de-livery. Any information leading to a Gordon acquisition is much appreciated. Yours sincerely Nick Taylor. and ... Thanks to all those who have sent messages of appreciation upon my retirement - the generous comments make the efforts of the last four years worthwhile. To you John, thanks for taking over and every good wish for a successful ... and most importantly HAPPY Editorship. Yours sincerely, Nick Taylor.

21

.

G.E.E LTD Workshop: Gigg Mill, Old Bristol Rd, Nailsworth, Glos GL6 0JP Visitors by appointment, please Tel/Fax: 01453 832 113

F-type chassis from £520, 4-wheeler chassis to your spec: 4/4, +4, +8. Crossheads built and components supplied.

Hubcaps: polished alloy as original £22 pair; stainless £26 pair. Mayflower lamp diecastings £52 pair; lamps to suit £34.

Dash parts red & black sockets £21.50. Our replica hornpush for Super Sports etc £32.Small chrome hornpush £8. Big black Lucas hornpush late F-type £20.

Red warning lamp £18. Chrome map lamp £37.50.

Most steering-column parts available. Morgan rear brake cam £26, arm £28. F-type clutch sleeve £30. F-type flywheel bearing £6.

Cast winged Ms for rad cap for flat or domed cap, polished and threaded, £16. Polished alloy storks £38. Bronze storks £46.

Stub axle inner nuts £4 each; locktabs to suit £2.50 each. Many other parts (many original). Enquire.

Spares for all 4-wheelers Series 1 to Aero 8, some at big savings. Just ask.

CNC-machined stub axles. Girling F-type, 3-speed with flat backplates & 3-speed with dished backplates, £ 50.00 pair.

Stainless bonnet knobs and escutcheons for F-type, circle type with screws & nuts £55.00 set.

All prices plus post and VAT.

Is your car insurance due? Get a quote from the motor-insurance specialists. It will cost you nothing; it could save you a lot. SPECIAL SCHEME RATES FOR MORGANS AND OTHER CLASSIC CARS

Morgan Insurance Consultants William Curtis House, Lenton Street, Alton, Hants. GU34 1HH. 01420 594242. e-mail: morgans@headleyinsurance.com

22

Matchless MX, MX2 & MX4 Starter Dog Coupling Shaft Part No. RE224. New parts are now in stock. With casting, heat treatment and grinding operations they are not cheap to manufacture. It is made more difficult by the square hole required for the starting handle. With previous parts this was achieved either by broaching or wire cutting but our latest ones are investment cast. Thanks to Ian Haynes voluntary time and skill in making the lost-wax dies, we have been able keep the price down to the same level as when they were last made, eleven years ago. For oil tightness the best solution is to fit a lip seal within the timing cover.

Matchless Oil Feed Banjo to Rocker Box MX2 & MX4 Part No. RE219 A new part in stock of the original spherical shape. These brass connectors come ready to be soldered to ¼ inch diameter copper feed pipes which members can then have chromium plated after assembly. Matchless Rocker Box Project Development of this complicated item for manufacture has been underway for several years. Bob Haynes, Ian Haynes and Peter Faulkner have all been involved and each contributing hundreds of hours of voluntary time as well as their great collective expertise. The dies for the lost wax patterns for the investment casting are being finalised after recent casting and machining trials.

List of spares are shown in previous copies of The Bulletin. Sales Officers will advise of availability and any price changes. Matchless Dec 11. Transmission Oct 11, Ford July 11, JAP May 11, Misc Apr 11.

JAP sales Andrew Morison, Dolphin House, 01730 890 188 Fax 01730 890 189 Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants GU31 5AW japsales@mtwc.co.uk Matchless sales Roger Orford (T), Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS (Mobile 07969 950015) mogrog@hotmail.co.uk Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017 South Staffordshire WV4 4XX robert@derricott.freeserve.co.uk Ford sales David Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01580 766637 Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6JL david-young@talktalk.net

Grahame Joseph Mogspares Coordinator

01798 831340 grahamejoseph@gmail.com

Buying Mogspares items Ordering. You order spares from the appropriate Sales Officers, (see below), who keep stocks of spares, as listed in most issues of The Bulletin. (In general, items that are not JAP, Matchless or Ford are dealt with by the Transmission Sales Officer.) Payment When a Sales Officer sends your order, he includes an invoice and remittance advice. Payment is sent, on receipt of items, with the remittance advice, or copy of invoice to the Mogspares Financial Administrator - not to the Sales Officer. Payment can be made by: 1. Cheque payable to "Mogspares" 2. BACS electronic transfer (internet or telephone

banking) directly into the account stated on the remittance form. Please state your name and the invoice number so that we can identify payment.

3. Bank card, by contacting the Administrator by telephone, email or letter giving card details and the invoice to be paid. Due to bank charges, there is a 4% surcharge if payment is made by card.

Administration The Mogspares Coordinator manages the Mogspares system and arranges the ordering of new spares and may be contacted about problems and queries. He does not deal with sales, or stock spares himself, nor do the Mogspares Financial Administrator or Technical Advisors.

The spares scheme of The Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Ltd.

23

24

25

JAP magneto bevel drive gear sets, £80.00 pr; twin mag set, £115.00 plus postage £2 UK, £2 Europe, £3 overseas.

Square ML magneto pick-up and brush; £10 each incl P&P anywhere. JAP D-shaped bevel gear covers £25.00 P&P anywhere.

JAP half-round bevel-gear covers for late KT series with mechanical oil pump: £25 incl P&P anywhere (must be finish-bored in timing cover to pair up).

50°/60°JAP engine plate sets £40 plus postage: £8 UK, £32 Europe, If you are not entirely satisfied with goods supplied,

please don’t hesitate to return them for a refund.

David Browne, Gorse Farm, Fulletby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LA Tel/fax 01507 534 315

26

New Morgan 3 Wheeler, Road Impressions – Tony Quinn

The phone rang last Friday. It was Williams, the local Morgan agents, to say that they were collecting their demonstration 3 Wheeler from Malvern today and would I like a test drive? So what follows is a very subjective assessment of a generous 20 mile drive around the lovely South Gloucestershire countryside encompassing a variety of road surfaces and speeds. The seating is fixed, but the pedals can be adjusted fore and aft. The pedals are quite close together and fine for my size 8s, but could be a bit tricky if you have SW GO size 13s. For a short feller the steering wheel is quite a reach. One of the steering wheel spokes obscured the rev counter completely, something that has been mentioned in other road impressions. Whether the steering wheel, which is detachable for entry and exit, can be repositioned is unclear. Photos appear to show that the transmission is quite intrusive but I found it made the cockpit nice and snug, preventing one being thrown around on corners. The gear lever is about 2” too far back. This sounds a trivial criticism, but in practice it means that gear changing is an awkward rather than pleasurable activity. Just try it as you sit reading this! Whether it would be possible to alleviate this by cranking the upright lever forwards….? Given that the gearbox is sourced from Mazda, it was disappointing to find that the gear-change can best be described as rubbery and imprecise and not helped by the aforesaid lever position. I expect one would get used to it in time. Firing up the 1990cc S&S V twin makes the whole car come alive. The clutch is heavy but nicely progressive so that one can take off at just over tick-over. The engine has a lovely wide spread of power and the accelerator pedal has a long travel, making it very controllable, either when pottering or pressing on. It is red-lined at about 5,500rpm when a rev-limiter cuts in. It’s a perfect Morgan engine. There is some vibration, slightly more than I was expecting but not at all off-putting and without it the car would lack character. The final drive is though a bevel box, the output connecting a toothed belt to the back wheel. Problems occurred with the prototype cars with the toothed belt jumping. To address this issue, a wider belt and sprockets have been fitted and the rear wheel and tyre are now narrower, but plenty wide enough from what I could tell. So far, so good? Unfortunately, no. The bevel box whines loudly

under acceleration and on the over-run. Under light load it’s not so bad, but it’s simply not acceptable in a 2011 vehicle costing £30,000.

Having looked at the publicity pictures as well as seeing the new 3 wheeler in the metal at the Prescott Bike Fest and more recently at Curborough, my instinct was that the combination of a wide rear tyre, relatively skinny front ones and a powerful engine would be a recipe for terminal understeer and a close encounter with adjacent hedgerows. In fact the handling was delightfully neutral and confidence-inspiring. Conditions were a bit damp and it wouldn’t have been right to play heroes with Williams’ demonstrator, but the car gave no cause for concern whatsoever. On the contrary, the quality of ride was excellent bearing in mind that in a three track vehicle, one of the wheels is going to come into contact with every undulation in the road. Both the feel and performance of the brakes seemed just right although the steering was a bit odd. The weight and gearing of the steering is pretty good, but there is no self-centring action so the steering wheel needs to be actively turned back to the straight- ahead position. Not only that, but it seemed to me that when the front wheels reached say 30 degrees from straight-ahead, the steering started to take over and drag the car tighter into the corner. It might be that the steering becomes lighter at this point and simply exerting the same effort on the steering wheel produces more turning effect at a given point, but it was an odd experience and it’s difficult to see how one could, or should, become acclimatised to it.

To sum up, the new 3 wheeler exceeded my expectations many ways. Performance is great both in what it does and the way it does it. Ride quality and handling are excellent. I could have happily driven it all day. However, for those parting with their hard-earned cash there are some shortcomings none of which should have been present in a vehicle that has passed through the development phase into demonstration vehicles. It’s not too late for Morgan to sort these issues for customer-supplied cars, so let’s hope they address them very soon. Finally, many thanks to Paul and the team at Williams. As I said at the start, these are simply my impressions and you will need to make up your own mind. Find out for yourself by contacting your local Morgan agent.

Subscriptions and membership records New membership forms, subscription renewals, and notification of changes of address

should be sent to the Membership Secretary Maria Parkinson, 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2ER

Tel 01823 277852 email: mariapmemsec@aol.com

Editorial material Material submitted for publication should reach the Editor before the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, except when earlier delivery has been stipulated in a notice or by direct contact.

John Chatwin 9 Beechfield Rise Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6EL Tel: 01543 263055 email: chatwindows@aol.com

Bulletin distribution The Bulletin is distributed for the Club by Lavenham Press. For queries regarding non-arrival of your copy of the magazine, please contact the Membership Secretary:

Maria Parkinson, 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2ER Tel: 01823 277 852 email: mariapmemsec@aol.com

Contacts

Back issues and the Index

Back issues of the Bulletin up to the year 2010 can be read on the CDs advertised in Regalia.

Nev Lear‘s Index of Bulletin articles is also included .

Back copies of individual issues can be purchased from the Membership Secretary,

plus postage at cost.

Website and Publicity Officer

Website and publicity enquiries should be addressed to: email: publicity@mtwc.co.uk

Ian Parkinson 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton,

Somerset TA1 2ER Tel: 01823 277 852

27

Group Reports Group officers should submit their reports and dates of events and meetings, BEFORE the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, to the Assistant Editor with a copy to the Editor Doug Forbes

2 Woods Batch Street, SOMERSET BA16 OBH

Tel: 01458 841418 email: douglasforbes141@btinternet.com

Advertisements One-off Morgan-related small advertisements in The Floggery are free for members. Details should be received by the 5th of the previous month. To submit an advert please contact:

Doug Forbes 2 Woods Batch Street, Somerset BA16 OBH Tel: 01458 841418 email: douglasforbes141@btinternet.com

Requests for commercial advertisements or Bulletin enclosures should be discussed with the Editor.

Articles and advertisements in The Bulletin are the copyright of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, and must not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the written permission of the Editor.

Views or opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Club Committee. Reference to products or services does not imply the endorsement of the Club or Mogspares.

President Alan Lazenbury Vice-Presidents John & Rose Hoar, Laurie Weeks, Gary Caroline

Directors of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Ltd Brian Clutterbuck, Alan Lazenbury, John Scruton

Chairman Brian Clutterbuck, Clissetts, Stanley Hill, Bosbury, 01531 640 415 Ledbury HR8 IHE clissett@me.com Secretary Dennis Plater, 5 Wakelin Chase Ingatestone, 01277 352 867 Essex CM4 9HH Treasurer John Scruton, Nonesuch, 48 Private Road, Mapperley 0115 960 6240 Notts. NG3 5FQ treasurer@mtwc.co.uk Membership Secretary Maria Parkinson ) Bulletin Editor John Chatwin ) See page 27 Website & Publicity Officers Ian Parkinson )

Competition Sec Pete Clews, 141 Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent 01782 396762 Staffs ST11 9PB 07759 983993 peter_clews@hotmail.com Registrar Steve Lister, West End farm, West End, Elton, Matlock, 01629 650 933 Derbys, DE4 2BZ stevelister@mypostoffice.co.uk Librarian Peter Thompson, Snapdragons, Gold Hill North, 01895 236 246 Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 9DS peter@marineengine.co.uk Regalia Secretary John Barker, 83 County Park Avenue, Halesowen, 0121 501 2042 West Midlands B62 8SX john.barker63@gmail.com Archivist Jake Alderson, 36 Stone Delf, Fulwood, Sheffield S10 3QX 0114 230 7197 Mogspares Grahame Joseph, Wisteria Cottage, East Street, Amberley, 01798 831 340 Coordinator Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9NN grahamejoseph@googlemail.com Mogspares Financial Len Critchlow, Grange Wharf, Grange Lane, Alvechurch 0121 445 3199 Administrator Birmingham, West Midlands, B48 7DQ lencritchlow@aol.com JAP sales Andrew Morison, Dolphin House, 01730 890 188 Fax 01730 890 189 Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants GU31 5AW japsales@mtwc.co.uk Matchless sales Roger Orford (T), Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS (Mobile 07969 950015) mogrog@hotmail.co.uk Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017 South Staffordshire WV4 4XX robert@derricott.freeserve.co.uk Ford sales David Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01386 750935 Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JL david-young@talktalk.net Used Parts David Browne, Gorse Farm, Fulletby, Horncastle, Tel/fax 01507 534 315 Exchange Lincolnshire LN9 6LA Technical Adviser: Chris Booth (T), 65 High Street, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, 01580 241 234 2-speeders Kent TN17 4LP chrismbooth@talktalk.net Technical Adviser: Bob Angell (T), Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, 01244 532 714 3-speeders Flintshire CH5 3BZ Technical Adviser: Colin Harris (T), 375 Amersham Road, Hazlemere, 01494 716 463 F-types Bucks HP15 7HR threewcol@yahoo.co.uk ACU Representative John Blower, 195 Star & Garter Road, Stoke on Trent, 01782 311 201 Staffs ST3 7HJ

____________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE On this page and in the list of Group Organisers, Officers of the Club listed who have a (T) after their names have indicated that they are trading in Morgans or Morgan-related parts.

Officers of the Club

28

Australia Terry Doyle, 94 Disraeli St, Kew 3101, Victoria, Australia 03 9853 1908 Brooklands Trevor Seymour, 1 Chequer Tree Close, Knaphill, 01483 480 388 Woking, Surrey GU21 2PB East Anglia Simon Rayfield, Hillrise, New Road, Reepham, 01603 870 500 Norwich, Norfolk NR10 4LP email: scrayfield@onetel.net E Midlands Malcolm Bull (T), 53 MacDonald Road, Wyken, 02476 444 282 Coventry CV2 5FE email: malcolmbull242@btinternet.com Far SW John Thomas, 4 Symons Row, Fore Street, St Cleer, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 5DN 01579 346 202 Germany Volunteer needed North West Mike Guess, 189 Chester Road, Grappenhall, 01925 262 264 Warrington, Cheshire WA4 2QB email: mm.guess@talktalk.net Scandinavia Lennart Nilsson, Baldersvagen 1,SE-392 47 Kalmar,+46 (0) 480 492933 Sweden mob +46 (0)708 937603 email: lnilsson@me.com. South Coast Michael Joseph, Woodlands Farm Cottage, Adversane, 01403 783485 Billingshurst, W Sussex RH14 9JG email: mljoseph111@gmail.com South East Dennis Plater, Holbrooks, Thoby Lane, Mountnessing, 01277 352 867 (contact) Brentwood, Essex CM15 0TA South West Ian Parkinson, 26 Hamilton Road, Taunton, 01823 277 852 Somerset TA1 2ER email: Imogman@aol.com USA Chris Towner, 56 Brick Hill Road, Orleans MA 02653, USA Tel (home) 508 255 6432 Fax (work) 508 255 9393 email: quahogracing@comcast.net W Midlands Dave Anscombe, 80 High Park Avenue, Wollaston, 01384 372 307 Stourbridge DY8 3NA email: anscombe@wollaston80.freeserve.co.uk YND Dave Hodgson, 74 Union Road, Low Moor, Bradford 01274 674381 West Yorkshire, BD12 0DF email: david.hodgson486@btinternet.com

Sub-Groups Dorset Peter Miller, 3 Parklands, Blandford Forum, 01258 454986

(contact) Dorset, DT11 7BA, e-mail: CorgiKing@aol.com Lancs Deryck Wright, Hawthorns Caravan Park, Nether Kellet, & Lakes Carnforth, Lancs LA6 1EA Tel/fax 01524 720837 Oxford Bob Cragg, 1 Manor Farm, Culham, Abingdon, 01235 532 565 Oxon OX14 4NP Fax 01235 550 656 Far Far SW

Group Organisers

29

30

BROOKLANDS We had a very busy meeting at the New Inn on Tuesday. Carol counted around 39-40 people. Sadly, my Sports 2 Seater was the only Morgan in the car park. There were plenty of bits to look at including photographs and progress reports of rebuild projects, a built up M type bevel box, a repaired wide B bevel box and a one piece curved gear bevel wheel. Robert Carter had photograph of his F type which appears to be coming along nicely. Heads all crowded around in deep discussion. Steve Lister brought his laptop to show us the Club Registry of Morgans and explained how it works. It is very interesting to see how much information it contains. Steve will hate me for saying it because of the extra work, but if you send him all the historic information from the date you purchased your car, and any details of previous owners as found in old log books along with any detail changes such as colour, engine, major rebuilds or accidents, body type etc, it can all be included. All of the last months walking wounded seem to be on the mend; however this month there is a new crop! Gay Matty is suffering from a damaged ankle following walks in Scotland. Marian Clayton hobbled in on crutches following a slip up on a grape. It is not known if it was in or out of a bottle. She is more annoyed at the lack of sympathy and the laughter when she explains what happened. It’s dangerous out there don’t walk when you can stay in your Morgans. We finally presented Gordon Naisby with his proper Group Enthusiast award. In anticipation he brought along an earlier Enthusiast Award in the form of a small silver chalice which was presented to him in 1957. Don’t forget New Years Day at Brooklands. It is a good way to start the year mixing it with lots of interesting vehicles and odd ball owners – so we fit in well then. It has the advantage over a crowded pub and car park. There is the historic setting, you can get warm and they do a good lunch.

Remember you can’t drive into the Museum site via Mercedes World. Use the old Campbell Circuit entrance on the B374 Brooklands Road. Its time to organise another Group Christmas bash – details next month. We will be arranging for a film show at John Hamers Bee Keeping school. Provisional date is January 28th. Have a good Christmas if we don’t see you at the December meeting. Trevor Seymour Next meeting 6th December 1st January, New Years Day at Brooklands Provisional date for a film show 28th January EAST ANGLIA Our primary date this month is Thursday the 8th December for the annual Soup Kitchen in Reepham. Please call us beforehand on 01603 870500 so that the catering manager can get the quantity v numbers right. Also note our new email address. It must have been a bit of a shock to the Woolpit stalwarts to find their GO appearing in November, an event that will not have gone unnoticed by Raedwald. Really good to see everyone again for the banter and to enjoy a wholesome pensioners’ lunch. Keep up the good work. Condolences to Colin Klyn for retiring from this year’s London to Brighton Run with his delightful 1902 Bartholemew, all will no doubt be revealed at our November Stow Bardolph meet-up. A lovely little car, somewhat fragile and possibly in need of a spare horsepower on a rein behind. I can remember when the London to Brighton was a notable news item on Sunday evening TV. Sad to say it has been swept away in favour of politics, violence and sundry other unpleasant occurrences that the press drools over these days. Stories, or should they be facts, both good and bad continue to circulate about the new three-wheeler which is due to go on show in a local dealership shortly, more of this in the next Bulletin.

Group Reports

So, give us a call to say you will be at the Soup Kitchen in December and look forward hopefully to a dry day and plenty of Morgans to keep our grass lubricated. Simon 06/12 The Bull, Woolpit 12 noon 08/12 Soup Kitchen, Reepham, 12 midday 20/12 Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph 8 pm EAST ANGLIA – WOOLPIT At the November lunch, graced by the presence of Simon, our G.O. back from France, the onion soup topped with thick slices of cheese on toast was especially popular. Brian and Daphne arrived by F4, whilst following a torrential shower, John Foster made the snap decision to bring his 3-speeder beetle-back. Its OHV-JAP now ticks over smoothly and runs well after attention to the timing – "4.3 degrees per flywheel tooth" was the secret for getting this correct. Daphne proudly displayed her new waterproof MTWC jacket, drawing attention to the "hundreds of pockets for the men". And we innocently thought she had only Brian … Recently Martin Brown’s F-Super coasted to a halt on double yellows, and he feared the worst as a policeman approached. But the officer’s father had owned a Morgan, and he enquired whether the length of chain in the road a hundred yards back had anything to do with it. Said officer duly retrieved it and presented it to Martin in an official Police evidence bag. Well, he wouldn’t want to dirty his hands would he? A discussion followed on the merits of chains from different makers. There was talk also of MOT testing standards varying not only between garages, but also between testers. "You must go on Saturdays when R…… does the testing". Mention of a tester who overlooks even dangerous faults "for friends" was ill received. Attention turned to the New Trike. Charles Morgan being reported as saying it is “the fastest car the company has ever made.” One hopes none are pranged as a result. But is it a "car"

requiring seat-belts or a "motor tricycle" demanding crash helmets? Naturally we, “Raedwald,” must champion the latter. Apparently, Maurice Cook is bent on installing an intercom between helmets, whilst Martin said he would certainly switch off his! If rated as a car, it will attract higher road tax and be ineligible for "motor tricycle" discount on cross-channel ferries, perhaps of little concern to those affording such a special toy. Further rumours were of a new 4.6-litre Plus-8 on the Aero chassis, but retaining the classic Morgan sports-car lines. Do join us for the winter lunches, always the first Tuesday of the month. "Raedwald" Tue 6th December, The Bull, Woolpit 12 noon EAST MIDLANDS The season is coming to a close, with only the dark winter days ahead, but the month started with the Severn Valley Railway’s Vehicle day. Past club member Jim Powell came with me, for a first visit to this event, even if we did not take a Morgan, with two half-price tickets given to you, this is a great chance to have a good time, travelling behind a steam train, so put it in your diary for next year. The following weekend, it was the Midlands Model Engineering Show, where I met a lot of my fellow car club members. It was also good to see Maurice Cross, along with Pat, both looking good, and sourcing materials for making Morgan parts, just as I was. The group meeting was well attended, and I was passing on raffle prizes, from two car club events. A lot of talk was about the Club AGM, and the good news coming to light that the throttle pedal, that had been thought to have gone astray, had in fact been paid for! Paul Baker was continuing taking bookings for the Christmas Dinner, if you have not booked by the time you read this, it may be too late! We could have a record turn out this year! The month closed with the Restoration show, held at the NEC, many club members were there, and saw my 1930

31

Family Aero, it has not seen the light of day for a few years, and may be this show will be the incentive to complete it, although it created a lot of interest, more was shown for the other vehicle I had on show, and which I had many offers to purchase. I only bought a few items, but others found many parts to be tempted to help out restorations. Malcolm D Bull. Next meeting Wednesday 21st December the group Christmas Dinner, have you booked your place? FAR SOUTH WEST GROUP On Oct 9th, FSW enjoyed the final nosh of the season, at the Blacksmith's Arms, Lamerton. Fifteen devotees graced the do, including Ian and Maria Parkinson (lan exhibited his Mk1. propshaft - v. nasty!), I was one of the number only by the grace of Brian and Ruth Galbraith, who took enormous trouble to initiate complicated arrangements to provide me with transport on the day. I haven't enough suitable words to thank them both. My own tin-top is still. Hors de combat. It is patently the most despicable junk that was ever foisted on an innocent public. It is (was) a Daewoo (would I have been better off with a Chevrolet????) Eric Bayley is working hard to assist the far end of the Country and on 19/10 had a meeting at the "Fox and Hounds" at Scorrier, which is near to Redruth and will I hope, accommodate the farthest-flung members, was glad to hear that Pat Ward was on parade. Long time, no see, Pat. The next do there, is set for 23rd November, good luck to all, and probably 2lst.Dec. I trust that Eric's efforts will be supported ad infinitum. The routine meeting at Ivybridge had ten faithful on call. Life is just one round of endless jollity down here! Next Ivybridge meeting, 20th December. Regards, John T. NORTH WEST GROUP Our October lunch attracted a large (and

boisterous crowd) and provided much entertainment including Guy’s demonstration of how to create a bikini top out of a serviette! Similarly the November lunch was well attended and graced by two Gill Morgans, both sounding just right.The Friday meet had most of the usual crowd despite some members deserting us in favour of Norwegian and Mediterranean cruises. Following a suggestion from Chas Reynolds, members were invited to bring along any badges of interest. Chas himself had some very rare motoring and sport examples and M.G. had a collection of club badges and plaques going back as far as the 1960 Keddleston Sports day. For something completely different, Audrey Haynes brought along school-time bronze, silver and gold badges for poetry but declined to recite. Several serious discussions ensued at which it was decided that we would retain the ‘last-Friday-in-the-month’ format except for occasions when it might be suitable for one-off changes. Mid-month lunches would continue on a second Wednesday basis except for this December when we will opt for the first Wednesday and the standard fare, not the Christmas menu (see below). Support was pledged for the Club’s 2012 Opening run to Prescott.The major discussion, however, centred around growing concerns as to the possible impact of New Morgan memberships on the traditional Club while seeking at the same time encouraging such members to feel that they belong. Very sincere opinions were expressed in various directions, exposing obvious worries. It was decided that these feelings should be conveyed to the committee whereupon a fall-guy was duly re-elected as G.O. Mike Guess 7th (yes 7th), December, Wednesday. Lunch at the Red Lion, Goostrey. 30th December, Friday, evening meet at The Whipping Stocks, Over Peover. OXFORD SUB GROUP The end of the year is always a busy time for

32

local motoring events, and this year is no exception. On Thursday 29th December, Robin Rew is organising another lunchtime meeting at the Gate Inn in Upper Brailes, on the B 4035 Banbury to Shipston road. This meeting is from mid-day onwards, and has been well attended in previous years. The Gate offers excellent fish and chips, as well as other pub fare and good ales, and has ample parking. Robin would appreciate a call or e-mail if you are thinking of going along (01295 788338 robinrew@tiscali.co.uk) so that he can give the landlord an idea of numbers. New Year's Eve is on a Saturday this year, so I hope to see a good turnout of Morgan’s for the lunchtime meeting at the Star in Stanton St John. The Oxfordshire VSCC New Year's Day lunchtime meeting is based at Hightone Restorations, which is located next to Hopcrofts Holt, service station, Steeple Aston, at the crossing of the A 4260 and B 4030, just across the road from Hopcrofts Holt Hotel. Wishing all our members a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Bob Cragg Forthcoming Events Saturday 31st December, Oxford sub group, The Star, Stanton St. John, noon. Scandinavia Mist, mist and mist. The autumn has come and it is nicer to sit inside and plan for the summer next year. One result is the invitation to our Viking Run in Elsinore, Danmark, see elsewhere in your Bulletin. If someone else like me did not know that Elsinore is Helsingør in Danish and then of course Helsingör in Swedish, you know that now. The meeting is very promising and Jens has certainly a lot to show as well as very interesting surroundings. Ingvor and I definitely want to come back to the North coast of Zealand (Själland in Swedish) which is outside of the normal route down in Denmark. From the west you can take ferries

from Aarhus or Ebeltoft and the Hundested. You can even stop-over at the island of Samsø. All very beautiful and more relaxed roads. We took this route after our meeting in Bramming a few years ago. Lars Hågeman and I have discussed our Opening Run in the spring, hopefully the end of April. He is still not so well and we hope that he can get some help from 3-W friends around there. As last year it is only as a simple one day event and more information will come later. His article about the J.A.P. outboard engine was interesting. I have since searched for some pictures of a racing outboard engine raced by my late friend Åke Jern in the 40's. He did win 3 Swedish championships with it and was also one of the initiators of the Automobile Historical Club in Sweden, the first vintage car club here started in 1950. His outboard engine was a Boxer design using the Husqvarna cylinder barrels and heads from their Grand Prix motorcycles, for a period, with Stanley Woods as a factory driver. Husqvarna used J.A.P. engines earlier and the racing design follows the same line, the difference being the twin configuration for a 500cc motor, very light and high-revving. I have seen and heard it go with a terrific sound from its long exhaust pipes. Ingvor and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and good Morganing next year. Lennart SOUTH COAST Lots of snippety bits of news at the Six Bells in October. Sam Savage was giving away Whitworth spanners collected from the scrapyard where he works. He now has a new stainless steel fuel/oil tank in his Aero to replace the aluminium one that leaked on the way to Malvern. Gordon Button still hasn’t got to the bottom of his Malvern maladies. (or any other ladies) I joined his conversation mid-sentence to hear something about a head case. Dave Pittuck brought along a valve

33

lifter assembly off a Zenith JAP belonging to Arnold Marshall. Honorary group member Luc Ryckhaert’s Morgan is now with George Darbyshire for work and Chris Booth decorated the bar with interesting photos. There is always much to be gleaned so do please come along when you can. The December meeting is of course our Scalextric Grand Prix. As you read this, the miniature Morgans are being prepared and the competitors will be getting into fine fettle. Sebastian Fettle will not be there and my MX Sports is more Crimson Cow than Red Bull but do join in the fun. It was nice to see Dolly, the MX Family belonging to John and June Macara in a prime position in the Goodwood paddock for the VSCC Sprint. Grahame Joseph was also there with his Super Aero. I came on three wheels but they were attached to the fuselage of my very super aero 1946 Piper Cub. It was a beautiful day and Goodwood was truly glorious as we watched Ben Enticknap, Sue Darbyshire and Gary Caroline out on track. Our annual Holly Run will be on in a few days. As we have some more elderly members who find it hard to get to meetings, it was suggested we take the meeting to them. We start at 10.30 at The Countryman Inn at Shipley RH13 8PZ where we can enjoy tea or coffee by the log fire. We shall aim to leave at 11.30 on a picturesque run to the South Downs Heritage Centre near Hassocks BN6 9LY. If you turn left and walk right through the garden centre shop, you will find me with the garden gnomes at the Olive Tree Restaurant. I am the bald one without the fishing rod. Next to this is the Tate Collection and displays of Sussex Rural Crafts. I have had a ’reccie’ and it is well worth seeing without me spoiling the surprises by telling you what is there. One final thought. To brighten up your Christmas, set fire to the decorations. Michael Joseph Sun 4th Dec Holly Run. Shipley to Hassocks. Leaving the pub at 1130am.

Wed 21st Dec Scalextric GP. Six Bells Chiddingly from 7.30pm.. See photos on pages 45 & 46 Ed.... SOUTH EAST Numbers were down at Club night as John and Rose Hoar were hosting a family firework party for their grandson and Chris and Marion Booth as usual in November were preparing for the Brighton run the next day. We hope that Marion who slipped on a grape in a supermarket is making a good recovery from her accident. Our evening was enlivened by Keith Murray who brought along his latest Stirling Engine. This time a single cylinder that is powered by the heat of the sun, but on a winter evening required the heat of a night-light candle to set it in motion. The machine is beautifully constructed and runs silently with the large cylinder made from a piece of plastic sewage pipe. A message from Rose was broadcast to the throng by Colin Wilson to remind us of the need for Raffle prizes for the Christmas party at the December meeting. Anon Saturday 3rd December The Swan Horndon on the Hill, Christmas celebrations 8pm SOUTH WEST It seems that there may be some merit in writing castigating letters to the Bulletin. The October meeting was probably the best attended meeting for some time, 18 Members and five Morgan Trikes. It was good that the Williams clan, Dennis came in his trike, and Dave and Elisa came to give me some stick, the regular Clements clan of Pete, Ron, Bob and Wendy drove up as usual in their trikes the cold not bothering them one bit. Tony Quinn was the other hardy soul on three wheels. Great to see Brian and Christine Betts again and Brian Foot who recounted his recent experience of driving a new three-wheeler, he has one on order. I won't print his comments, suffice to say it

34

35

needs much work before it is acceptable to be used. Brian plans to use it for continental touring which he currently does on one of his Harleys. The former Phantom GO put in a short appearance before he once again like a mist disappeared into the night. Oily Pete spent the night describing his paint experience with the enamel he was brush-painting his trike with. It should be nice when finished, in time for the Opening Run I hope. There is a Bristol meet in November, so there will not be a meeting during December. The next meet being on New Years Day at the Strode Arms, Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet. Lunchtime of course as this is joint with the MSCC and VSCC. Always a good turnout of cars at this event. There will be a Group Meeting in January, see The Bulletin or Web Site for details. Seasons Greetings, Ian Parkinson. Jan 1st Strode Arms, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet. Lunch meeting joint with MSCC and VSCC. USA Well, welcome aboard John our new editor! He will soon have to learn American English vs Proper Queens English as did Sandy as did Nick but we will be fine. I seem to note that a portion of last months USA report found itself lost on page 50. My apologize (apologies) tsk, colonials! Ed… as I wanted to mention the coming of the NEW Morgan trike unveiling at the LA Auto Show in California during November last month. It did occur and hopefully many friends from our left coast made an effort to stop by. I am curious for reaction but we will save this for next month’s report. The USA Morgan dealers were also invited to a meeting to discuss the future of the company in the US as well. Regardless of loyalty to 3 or 4 wheels we are all interested. Now for my usual annual or anal lecture, going on... say a dozen years bored to tears... YOU HAVE RECEIVED A RENEWAL FORM! It was in last months November issue / Trust me. Fill it out mail it in and you

will be re-enlisted in our favorite MTWC for another year of rewarding bliss. There are newer options as we reinvent ourselves so you can renew on line or PayPal or get forms off the internet. I even have extra copies I can mail you. So how modern is this?! Next thing you know the Morgan Motor Company will start building new three wheelers!!! Hope all of 2011 was a success one for you AND your trike! your fastest GO in the east... Chris Towner. Thanks for the welcome Chris. Ed... WEST MIDLANDS Another short report. As announced last month, the Holly Run will be held on Sunday, 11th December. Meet at the Cookley Arms on the A449 north of Kidderminster (O.S. Sheet 139 854804) for a 10 a.m. start. If you want lunch, please ring the pub on 01562 850311 and book for about 12:00. Please mention the Morgan Three-wheeler Club. Although booking is not essential, it is appreciated by the landlady so that she has some idea how many tables to reserve for us. The MG Car Club have again invited us to join them for their Christmas walk on Wednesday, 28th December. Details have yet to be finalised but it is likely to be either on the Lickey Hills or Clent and will follow the usual format of a morning meeting followed by a ramble and lunch. Contact me for more information if you are interested. Don’t forget the VSCC New Year’s Day meeting at the Royal Oak, Much Marcle. Wednesday, 30th November monthly meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 Sunday, 11th December. Holly Run. Cookley arms 10:00 Wednesday 14th December mid-month meeting. Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00 Wednesday 28th December monthly meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 Sunday, 1st January. VSCC New Year meeting. The Royal Oak, Much Marcle. Dave Anscombe

36

American cycle-cars, the truth! The Hon Chairman's downplaying of America's contribution to cycle-car history ("they were practically unknown in the States") in the October Bulletin deserves some clarification. Cycle-cars weren't exactly a roaring success in Europe, despite all the hype of the times. The Cycle-car Club was formed in 1912 but soon became the Junior Car Club. Meanwhile, in December 1913 the 'Light Car and Cycle-car' reported no less than 57 American cycle-car manufacturing companies, with one anticipating production of 50,000 vehicles a year and another predicting an assault on Europe in 1915. The Cycle-car Association of America was formed, contest rules were written, and, for example, races were held at the one mile dirt track at the Michigan State Fairground on July 4 and 5, 1914. The American Automobile Assoc which claimed to control motorsport, blacklisted the state fair for usurping their authority whose management said “go jump” to the AAA. Reportedly there were 15 junior cycle-car

races in California that year, 14 of them won by Harry Hartz who later became a famous name in track racing. Engines were air cooled in single and twin classes. It was so big in Ca that the boys and their cars were enticed across the Pacific to put on a show for the Emperor of Japan. What happened next remains conjecture but probably Americas entry into WWI had a lot to do

with the whole business just vanishing, to reappear in part, as midget car speedway racing. It could be said that Henry Ford had some influence, as in August 1914 he offered a cash back scheme to return $40-$60 per car to customers, provided he sold 300,000 cars that year. The New York Tribune said the

announcement “places this (Ford) car directly in competition with the many light cars on price alone.” The top photo is of the Junior Vanderbilt cycle-car race in May or June 1915 on a track laid out at the San Francisco Pan Pacific exposition , whilst the second is Tacoma 1914. Terry Wright. Comment and or pictures from America are invited. Ed...

37

Graham Chivral reminisces about his early indoctrination into the world of Morgan Three Wheelers. "I expect I was frightened by a Morgan as a baby, because I remember making a Meccano three-wheeler and I must have been about seven then, but I blame Colin Brooks. Colin was in my form at school and in those days we had “games” (avoiding getting muddy on the rugger field) on Wednesday afternoons. We first formers had to go by bus and trudge up Whitefoot Lane (Lewisham, SE London) from the bus stop to the sports ground. One day during the miserable climb Colin described a remarkable car which used the chassis tubes for the exhaust and only had three wheels. I was eleven and I suppose I started to want one then. It must have been 1958 or thereabouts then, and I can recall three early sightings. The first must have been a Super Sports Aero or something like it parked by the “wooden bridge” over the railway just south of Forest Hill Station, (SE London) which on reflection may have been when I was quite young. Another sighting was a red F-Super for sale for at £125 on a pitch next to Crofton Park railway station (still SE London). I started saving but at five bob a week pocket money it would have taken too long and I wanted an Airfix Sunderland flying boat construction kit too, 10/6d, (52p) Ed and I never saved enough for that. Probably 1960. The third sighting was another Super Sports twin, on Honor Oak Park, when I was riding home from school on my moped having failed English “O” level for the third or fourth time. By then I had forsaken the Trojan Mini-Motor cum Royal Enfield bicycle for a Zundapp Combinette moped, super two speed thing, high quality and did 40mph, shame the new paint (special deal from the Bargain Arcade, Forest Hill) never dried. Perhaps 1963. I eventually passed English “O” level (after getting “A” level Use of English!) and ended up at London University. In the summer of the second year, in 1967 I had found out about the MTWC (I’m still waiting for response from my first membership application) and met up with Dave Harman and Dick Fripp who jointly owned a 1948 F4. They were studying at the SE London Tech. on Kangley Bridge Road, Lower Sydenham, and I passed the F4 parked up on my way to my holiday job wiring fluorescent lights. I posted a note in the car and soon they turned up at my house with it. I was then determined to buy a Morgan. I clearly needed money and transport so the 1962 250cc

Royal Enfield Crusader Sports (which had succeeded the Zundapp) had to go. The RE was bought with National Savings certificates provided by mum & dad. About £125 was gathered up. A cheap horrible BSA Bantam 150 replaced the Crusader and the plan was to use it to chase about every Thursday after the Exchange and Mart came out, looking for Morgans. I very nearly got a dog-ear Aero for fifty five quid from a man in East London. The Aero had been got at, it had a horrible but well built body, a bonnet covering the motor and original radiator. I rushed off to raise the fifty five pounds but by the time I got back the Morgan had been TRADED IN for a new Anglia or some such horror. I later saw it again on a used car lot in Leytonstone and got some photos. I spotted it from the railway going to see Coles Cranes at Ipswich to talk about my university design project. There was also the possibility of another Aero, in a shed in the front garden of a house in Norwood. I think it was pretty reasonable except for the rear body, I only saw the front. The man wanted an Austin Nippy to persuade him to part with it so without any bartering goods that was not on. The chap I found out later had been the original owner of the 1922 Grand Prix Morgan, which Chris Booth (who now runs a Morgan museum at Rolvenden, Kent) had recently finished and put on the road. I understand the bits had been stored under the bed before being sold to Chris. The Morgan hunting by motorcycle soon had to stop. There is probably still a dent in a lamp post on Ladywell Road, which wrote the Bantam off. With no bike and gravel rash, Morgan hunting was postponed, so I capitulated and bought the green F4, JOC 964 from Dave and Dick for £125. They went off and bought an MX2 barrel back and an R-type JAP SS with the proceeds - £125 was top money for a Morgan in those days. Dick still has the R-Type SS. That was in July 1967. JOC 964 resting in the garage downstairs as I write having been rebuilt by me twice between 1967 and 2010. I had to change the registration for France, it’s now 983 GS 09. Couldn’t get 64 JC 09. Up until recently all Ariege registrations ended with the Departement number 09 but they stopped letting you choose a number for Véhicules de Collection years ago." Regards Graham. The pointed mountain in the background of the picture is Mont Valier. See photograph on page 41. Ed...

38

JAP ohv & common sv Pr. JAP ohv flywheels; drivers side dog-ear barrel, parent bore std; oil pump drive gears; new 1” rear main; new +60’ piston, flat top; pr new +030” pistons, flat top; 50’ ohv camshafts-mag side; pr 60’ connecting-rods. Driver s side rocker box barrel 86mm parent bore; new 60’ 5 spline timing pinions; new KT crank-pin; JAP sv KTW bottom end large port 1925; KT flywheel assy; 60’ timing cover – industrial type without starting handle tunnel; rear crankcase half for 6/8 hp KT engine 1928, and a mass of KT & KTW spares; pair LTWZ barrels & heads. Matchless Outside flywheel; set S/S con-rods; timing chest internals; pair MX barrels & heads; Model X cam-wheel; pair 3-keyway flywheels; flywheel assy with S/S rods. New Torrington 3 key rear main-shaft; Transmission Mix 3 speed gears and shafts; new twin input gear; Coventry gear set with shafts, selectors and forks; Relined clutch disc for F-Type; two speeder clutch fork; outer flywheel for cone clutch; for re-claim! Rear sprockets-wide B. Ford 10hp starter; 8hp head; hoses; coil; flywheel. Instruments & Electrical Range of Lucas V-twin magneto’s; 6v Double ended coil; Lucas c/b base and cap – new; O’Shea assemblies; tubular vacuum

windscreen wiper; new pair side-lamps-ex WD; Lucas CF3 cut-out; twin dynamo; undrilled bottom half starter clamp; Jaeger speedometers, 0-80mph; RB106 regulator 6v; pair Butlers headlamps; Carbs & controls Mixture of various Amal carbs; Hubs, drums, brakes wheels Set of Standard front brakes and drums; brake links; pair 3-speed hub nuts; set of original 17” Magna wheel rims; o/s brake assy for M-type; brake lining sets for twins-fronts; 3 speed rear hub; new 14mm wheel nuts; mix 3 speed brake shoes, cams & arms; Steering & suspension Pr main coil springs; wide B chain adjuster nuts; 3 speed rear forks; 3 speed rear springs-flat type; F-Type steering arms; steering column pinion 10T; pr new late twin/F-Type track rod end assemblies Chassis & body Mix filler caps; Family fuel/oil tank 3 speed torque tube flange for gearbox; mix six 3 speed lugs; SS hood frame; new SS fuel/oil tank, Mike Crosher spec; new Aero radiator domes, spun in brass & nickel silver; Thanks to the donors of parts at the AGM weekend: Nev Lear, Jonathan Dunkin, Sam Savage, Dave Winbow & etc; Remember, “your rubbish may be someone else’s treasure.”

Used Parts Exchange Used Parts Exchange David Browne tel/fax 01507 534315

Please note; Before you contact me, please ensure that you have a clear idea of the ex-changes that you have available, this scheme is not a shop! Listed items may be reserved on request for ten days to finalise exchange offerings but will be returned to stock if no further contact is made. Original parts are always wanted to replenish stocks; with valuations. collection & settlement arranged to suit. David Browne.

FLOGGERY

39

For Sale essential tool for removal of split valve guides on Ford E 93 A side-valve engine. Ring Brian Jackson Tel 01545 50237 for further details.

Wanted: Headlights and tail light for 1923 Grand Prix. Bob Barclay, 1-613-737-3397, aero1929@rogers.com Thanks, Bob Barclay Wanted: JAP DTZ engine for cash or EXCHANGE for complete Matchless MX Number 685 D Wright (Mem No F2999) on 0114 2660376 (Sheffield) For sale. 1949 F Super 10,000 miles covered since completely restored 10 years ago. Concours winner at the MOG 2011 event. Car completely original only concession to modern motoring has been fitting of alternator. Must make way for new 3 wheeler! £25,000. Maurice Cook 01692 535399 (Norwich)or email m.cook@computekmail.co.uk For Sale:1927 water-cooled side valve JAP engine (Engine Number KTC/I 62563) No carburetor, magneto or external flywheel. Passenger side exhaust stub cracked but weldable. Engine will turn about 90° in each direction. Offers in the region of £1250. Mike Crees (Mem No F3256)(North Essex) 01787 461467 (answerphone on)

For Sale: Rear hub seal plates, (p128 of Clarrie's book ) , 22 GA stainless, 1/2 BSF and 14 mm sizes. Very nicely made, £15.00 or $25 plus shipping. James Perman, Member F 7704. brooklandsengr@mac.com For Sale: 272 misc past Bulletin issues from 1966 to 2006. £100.00 James Perman, Member # 7704. brooklandsengr@mac.com For Sale: Moto Guzzi Three Wheeler. 1979 Hill climb and sprint Special. Weight 320 KG. 850 cc engine. Blow your mind with this Pocket Rocket. T & T £8950. Call John Wood 01323893178

Wanted; A suspension slider, either a 1 deg or a 3 deg axle, to fit coco tin type brake mounting. Denis Ambler. tel; 01274 583526. Thank you Hints & Tips for Morgan three wheeler owners is a collection assembled over the past fifty five years of struggling with these unique mechanical marvels. A few historical items will amuse you and others may prove to be beyond your present capabilities, with a choice of over two hundred you are certain to be entertained reading them and will find many of enormous practical benefit. Price £5 each post free in UK. Rest of the world £7 or 8 Euro, P&P included. Payment to Joyce Watts, 12 Fraser Close, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0TD. Sorry, no cards.

40 37 40

of wheels respoked Magna wheels at £55 with

Super stainless parts to complement your Morgan in 2010. New: Front hub protection plates, laser-cut for accuracy and flatness.

£12.00 per pair. Beetleback catches now back in stock. As original but with internal

spacers to prevent crushing; polished stainless steel. Drawings showing fitting details and clip positions

available if required. £100.00 per set of four. Morgan heat shields. ‘Morgan’ in script with or without

the wording ‘Super Sports’ in small print underneath, or just a set of holes like a cheese-grater.

Polished stainless ready to clamp to your exhaust pipes - no more burnt elbows. £80.00 per pair.

Front spring covers, in polished stainless; no more rubbed-off chrome or paint. £80.00 per car set.

All prices plus post & packing. Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 3BZ

Tel. 01244 532 714 bobangell@btinternet.com

COWLEY RESTORATIONS FOR

ALL ASPECTS OF RESTORATION WORK REPAIRS, SERVICING, MoT PREPARATION

4 Osmaston Lane End, Yeldersley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1LS, UK tom.cowley@hotmail.co.uk 01335 348718

Need your Morgan respraying? All types of painting carried out on chassis or body etc.

Call Guy Shotton on 01746 712817 or 01746 712812 email: guyshotton@hotmail.com

Botwood Farm, Ditton Priors Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV16 6SW

42 41

Graham Chivrals F-Type in the Pyrenees See page 37. Ed.

This and the following two photographs should have accompanied Alessandro’s article in the September issue regarding his niece Sofia’s Christening. Ed...

42

Alessandro’s Italian Mog and young Italian Mogster

43

…..empty

The New Three Wheeler gets its feet under the table

The Editor’s Super Sports at the N E C Classic Car Show

44

Above left: New exclusive design by Richard Wade, especially for the Morgan Threewheeler Club. Cards are 7"x5". Price is £1 each, or 6 for £5, (plus p&p) available from MTWC Regalia. Above right: The new DVDs of the Bulletin, brought up to date. Including all the old CDs information, (but now on a more stable platform) and the latest Bulletins (in HD) up to 2010. Also now includes the full subject index created by Nev Lear, plus some extra video clips from Richard Atherton of the centenary activities. Price £20 to members (plus p&p) Below right Also available from regalia are whisky rummers (tumblers) These are 7oz size cut crystal glasses, cut specially to leave one panel free for individual hand engraving of your own particular details. The one shown in the picture is mine and it is engraved with the MORGAN script, what the

car is (2Sp Family Deluxe) and the registration number. Almost any design can be created (by hand, so some subjective interpretation will be present) Price £28 to £34 (plus p&p) depending on how much engraving is required. Also delivery will not be next day as the glasses have to be procured and then cut so please allow 2 to 3 weeks at least. The design doesn't have to be Morgan, I have ones for Lancia, BSA etc., all that is needed is the design that you want engraving. Regalia: John Barker, 83 County Park Avenue, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8SX 0121 501 2042 john.barker63@gmail.com

New Items for Christmas from Regalia

45

VSSC Goodwood Sprint 22nd Oct 2011

Gary Caroline. “Honestly officer, I thought it was 29 mph!”

Benjamin Enticknap. Following the family tradition.

46

VSCC Goodwood Sprint 22nd Oct 2011

Gary Caroline, doing it with style. 2nd in class. Pre 1941 Racing cars.

Sue Darbyshire, doing it with verve. 1st in class. Pre 1941 Racing cars.

47

Electronic ignition (contactless optical)

For Matchless & J.A.P engines

Complete kit: £250.

12 volt only. For more info.,

Contact: Roger Orford,

tel. 01886 880387

Lars Hageman does not have the only JAP-engined outboard in captivity, even if his may be the most powerful. For some years, I have owned a “Seabee” outboard, which has a little 80cc 3HP 2-stroke air-cooled JAP engine. This was produced by a firm called Austin Burrell Ltd. in Leicester between 1961 and 1964. As can be seen, it has suffered some damage to the cowl and is currently missing its fuel tank (removed for safe storage. So safe, I can’t remember where I put it!). The company also produced smaller, 1½HP and larger, 5HP models, also with JAP engines. See http://www.hofmann.f9.co.uk/seabee.html for more details and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3MeGXxT8qY for film of one running. Incidentally, British Anzani also produced outboard motors amongst their other products (see http://www.britishanzani.co.uk/index.html ).

A Crazy Idea ? Part II Dave Anscombe

Parting Shot

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.