Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 3 Wheel Choices

So I hired a Super 3 earlier this year and absolutely loved it, I took it on a 1200 mile trip, beautiful weather, the NC500, what a blast and it has surprising luggage space for my camping gear. It had a few niggles, was very wide for B roads and had a couple of minor niggles.

Shortly after I test drove a M3W, a very sorted one, but it was a little pricey from the dealer and had a little corrosion.

I have a modern 4/4 which I love, but I am seriously looking at a M3W or Super 3 as a second Morgan.

I prefer to tinker and am quite happy (having spent hundreds of hours on my 59 4/4) working on cars. This is why the M3W appeals. However, I read that parts are maybe not so available for the engine, but for me the character and noise are the appeal. I have motorbikes so I do like the Super 3, which is more car like, but the width is a concern and there are a lot less out there.

My plan is day drives, and longer trips, something I can fix on the road if I need to like my old Series 2 4/4.

I'd prefer a 2015 on car, lower mileage as the motorcycle engine, but what is the real ownership experience? Can I look after and maintain myself or do I need to reply on dealers?
Thanks in advance!

I suspect the front axle width is perhaps chosen to reduce the chance of roll over, I think in earlier times racers perhaps widened the front axle to, and for the same reason..?

Nice pic Steve, thanks for posting..

With no dealers within hundreds of miles, I've had no choice but to maintain my M3W myself. My early car (Dec 2012) has been remarkably trouble free thus far. The lack of parts support for the X Wedge engine is worrying though.

The M3W is definitely something you can look after yourself and pretty much all of the issues are well known and have proven fixes.

Most are covered in this forum and once sorted out they are very usable and relatively reliable cars. Many owners do look after the cars themselves and there is a very useful Alternative Parts List curated by Planenut. The basics are engine and bevel box oil changes every 3,000 miles and replacing the cambelt every 10,000. Otherwise it's mainly keeping an eye on the nuts, bolts and suspension/steering joints.

Specifically with regards to the engine, whilst the S&S factory support has stopped there are still parts and some full engines around. MMC are beginning to get parts remanufactured, for example they now have full gasket sets. It's a pretty straightforward and unstressed engine and fundamental to the character of the car.

If you do need support then Craig at M3WServices is the goto guru and he can provide anything from an MOT and service to a full chassis off rebuild with new paint and interior. He can also provide an upgrade to the Centa drive unit to allow the rollers to be changed if required without having to take the engine out (This used to be known as a "Phil Bleazey conversion" but Phil has now retired).

If you haven't already, then subscribe to the MTWC Touring Group Facebook page for an overview of the sort of trips and things we get up to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/511022087505443

I think the wider wheelbase on the S3 is just packaging, here in Scotland it makes the roads a little more challenging, although it was a great drive.

I've requested to join the FB group and yes M3W Services seem good.

The X wedge - that's the only thing, but the S3 would also be a concern for non engine issues, as they made so few. A new engine I believe can be had for those for 3k, but they rarely go wrong.

I just like tinkering - the S3 presents less options but it was very good at camping. The chain drive was a little noisy when pulling off - suspect needed more oil, and the new price I feel is just too much for them.

I was surprised how it handled (when confronted with 3 campers coming up the hill) the Pass of the Cattle (in reverse!)....

My thoughts in addition to Chris':See also

• Andrew Warren's M3W5speed buying guide and other resources on the MTWC website
• Peter Dron's book is also a good read for prospective owners
• Phil B's trials at reengineering parts of the M3W - a good read. For example the bevel box mount is something else to consider on M3Ws...
• Worth chatting to Craig at M3WServices (nr Swindon) as he may know of cars for sale outside the Morgan dealer network...

I agree with the sentiment that the Super 3 is just too wide - it won't fit in my 1930s garage for example. It also makes me sit too high and my preference of a full windshield is missing in action. Plus the idea of special tyres? It's almost a case study of how NOT to design a niche car! But as a 2nd or 3rd car in a rural setting it must be great fun...

While the M3W5speed doesn't have anything as archaic as a sliding pillar suspension and there are plenty of self service opportunities (check Phil's site above), it remains a better choice for me. Good luck with your selection!

Thank you, I have a 30's garage too, but will be building another over winter for the growing collection :-)