For my birthday my wife bought me the above course and I must say that it is one of the best presents I have ever been given.
The course is held at the Morgan factory and the course instructor, Steve, is an ex policeman and was very good and patient with me. I passed my test on a car 48 years ago and have held a motorcycle license for 12 years so I did not think that there was a awful amount I could learn...... but I was so wrong. Steve explained that the M3W is different from modern cars in that it is quite a bit narrower, the driver is placed well in from the front wheels and the engine is from a motorcycle and therefore has different characteristics from a car engine. The weather was not great but it did not make any difference and the techniques we practiced included:- 1. Positioning the car in the correct location on the road 2. Changing down whilst keeping the revs up 3. Keeping in the right gear according to the demands of the engine (previously I tended to be in too high a gear) 4. Driving along a 5 mile stretch of road without using the brakes 5. Looking at the approaching hedges to gauge weather the unseen road ahead was opening up 6. Driving a little faster than I normally do when it was safe to do so 7. Being aware of potential dangers by careful forward observation
The real joy of the morning was to experience the Morgan on the wonderful roads around Malvern which are empty and twisty, the views are spectacular especially when halfway we stopped for a cup of tea at a fabulous "The Kettle Sings" where you can see for miles.
It was good also driving a different M3W which felt much smoother with less non -engine noise than my own (it had done 4,800 miles compared to my 700). Throughout the ride I was wearing a full face helmet with a communication system so it was easy for him to give me instructions
After the ride my wife and I had lunch at the Cottage in the Wood which had even more incredible views.
Morgan 3 Wheeler New Sport Green & Chrome, First Morgan was a 4 seater 4/4 in 1968
I must get a go with these chaps if it has been so beneficial to Philip. What does the wife do while I am away enjoying myself, sorry learning? She might just take mine too far! I am delighted she enjoys driving it but had hoped that was just going to be back from a pub or restaurant!!
2022 Plus Four, 2023 Super Three, Range Rover Vogue SDV8 and Triking T3.
Very interesting and great that you enjoyed it. What they are teaching is very much in line with the general principals of 'Advanced Driving' as put forward by the Police driving manual - Roadcraft. Their driving method is applicable to all vehicles, and not only makes one a better driver, but, frankly, makes drivng more fun.
Can I suggest that you contact a local branch of RoSPA, or the IAM who can take you further down this road? I am sure you can find details of a local group of volunteers through their website. My choice would be RoSPA, but if they are not available close by, the IAM are nearly as good.
I did the half day 3 wheeler driving course last week when my car was at the factory for assesment. The course was offered for "free" when I took delivery of my M3W this June. We had a good run around the Malvern countryside, all very informative and enjoyable, I would recommend it. Although I have done over 2000 miles in my car I have not driven another recently so it was good to compare my car to another. Yes, my noisy bevel box really is bad and Morgan have now agreed to replace it in a few weeks time.
Gerry.
