Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Hinged bonnet

Carbon fiber would have to be reinforced with something and a one of piece would probably be cost prohibitive. I would love to see a M3W with the entire paneling out of Carbon Fiber if only to see how the potential weight savings would help across the board.

There are not a lot of places where you could easily cut weight on this car, but I have a feeling the paneling would be the easiest start.

The idea using carbon fiber on the 3W just feels sacreligious.

If one had to have a handmade British sports car that delivered a visceral driving experience by use of carbon fiber parts, get a Lotus.

As much as the aesthetic design defines the 3W, the materials it which it was made, their call to heritage, and how they are fashioned are just as important to that definition.

Most of the M3W is built offsite and purchased as pieces to a puzzle that is assembled by Morgan on-site. Nearly every part to the car is contracted out. Much of which is assembled by machines.

If Morgan were still building their cars like the days of yesteryear they would have died and folded long ago. The main reason they have continued is due to modernization. Using modern materials would not diminish what it means to be Morgan anymore than changing their practices to keep up with the times has stopped them from being Morgan.

Adding lightness doesnt always pertain to the performance number, but also affects wear and tear and strain on equipment. If Morgan produced an ultralight (SS) version of their car, I dont think people would bat an eye.

It's already light.

The cost isn't terribly prohibitive if you have the skill to diy. Reinforcement would be minimal if any of you were just doing bonnet and cowl. My thought would be to mold the cowl and bonnet as one piece. The cowl shape would add strength up front, and adding a couple integral ribs and spine would address any floppiness the end near the wind screen would have.

Personally I hate the look of carbon fiber. I don't think it's sacrilege to use it though, especially since if I ever did it would be painted.

If anything though it would be fun to make. I love working with composites.

Agreed on painting the raw carbon fiber. I understand the look on certain cars, but feel that most would look better with a nice paint job. Also, I am sure you could create a kevlar blend which would add a lot of strength vs straight carbon fiber.

If you could get the name of the shop or put me in touch with the individual, I would greatly appreciate it! I'd much rather have folks with experience on the job doing it than attempting to wing it!