Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Morgan with Matchless MX2

Hi,

I'm considering buying a 1934 three wheeler with Matchless MX2 engine. Car needs extensive work to get on road but this would be a retirement project so I'll have plenty of time. I'd appreciate a contact name of someone I could talk to about the car as this model is new to me and there seems little information in the way of re-build manuals etc. I would also like to check engine, chassis numbers etc.

Thanks

Phil, join the Morgan Three Wheeler Club. Tons of information there and an excellent crowd.

Tim

As Tim says join the MTWC also there is a Yahoo group which caters for the older 3 wheelers and has a plethora of information.

I am in the process of restoring a 1934 MX4 engined Sports. Starting it was daunting but once started you soon work out where to find the information you require or who to talk to. The MTWC has a good supply of parts and there are also a number of specialists in the older cars who can supply the parts the club does not have. The only thing I find is sometimes parts are not off the shelf and you have to wait until a batch is made.

If you are in the UK there will be a local group of the MTWC near you, where are you based ?

Chassis number should start with the letter D then a four digit number. If you are lucky this should match the plaque on the dash board. Chassis number will be stamped on the gearbox flange.

Check that you have the correct D type gearbox and not an earlier (supposedly weaker) R type. On a D type there will be a screw in oil filler cap and a breather, the R type won't have these.

Check the chassis carefully - you are looking for accident damage and cracking. Previous repairs need to be treated with caution. If possible, get the chassis retubed

The MX2 is a nice motor, much more refined than the JAP engines in my opinion.Most parts available through the MTWC. Engine number should begin MX2/xxxxx. Beware an engine number beginning MX or X as this denote an ohv top end on modified Model X or Model MX crankcases. A downside of a MX2 engine is that they were also fitted to the later Brough Superior SS100 motorcycles in a slightly modified form (cylinder head finning). When spare MX2 motors come up they tend to be snapped quickly

Wheels should be the quickly detachable Magna type, check for cracking round the bolt holes.

Rear forks tend to crack or become misaligned, bracing is a good idea!

For the more practically minded, a good book about rebuilding Morgans is The Best of Clarrie, published by the MTWC in the mid 90's and possibly long out of print.

Hope this helps

Arwyn

Plentey

Hi Phil, as suggested you can join the MTWC here. Their website has recently been revamped to great effect.

As well as the spares section, membership entitles you to a well produced monthly magazine indicating the many branch meets, plus forthcoming events both social and racing. The technical, historical and racing articles plus readers letters and replies will likely answer all your questions.

Thread has lots of good advice already, but do post pictures.

As for the Yahoo group, PM me with your actual email address and I'll sort out an invitation for you.

Added - there are no rebuild manuals and the 'Salvage Squad' video which can be found on You Tube should only be watched for entertainment value as they did nearly everything wrongly!

But, it's not a complicated car, and you'll be surprised just how much help you'll get.

As Arwyn says The Best of Clarrie is an excellent source of info. It's still in print and available from the Three Wheeler Club.

Hello Phil

I have owned Matchless engine Morgans since 1968 and compete in MTWC hillclimbs, sprints etc with my MX2 Super Sports, so hope that the following observations are helpful.

From what I can see of the photos on the Car & Classic web site the engine is not an original MX2 in that the crankcases are from a 1933 sidevalve Model X or MX engine. They are similar but not as beefy. Crankcase conversions from sidevalve to ohv are common and totally satisfactory if the 1934 onwards crankcases are used, but I'd be wary as to whether the 1933 pattern are strong enough.

I think I may know more about the provenance of this engine and would be more than happy to provide advice/info over the phone so PM me for contact details.

Not saying it's a bad car but it's plenty of ££s for a project.

Incidentally the MTWC is a wonderful club with an excellent magazine, web site, spares scheme, technical advice, social and competition activity. End of advert for MTWC!

Tony Quinn

Any updates on these restorations ? Did the OP buy the project ?

A friend of mine knows of a Matchless MX2 -engined car that may be coming up for sale. A price of £35k has been mooted by the owner. Car is allegedly in excellent condition.

I appreciate there are several model variations but the price seems high to me. Anyone have any idea of a guide price ?

£35k is in the right ballpark, I have seen a couple advertised at £50K plus, not sure if they sold though.

My rebuild is still progressing pics below.