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

1/2 Dec South Coast and Co Night Trial. From Rackham RH20 2EU 18.00hrs 4 Dec Brooklands Group meeting at New Inn Send. 4 Dec East Anglia Group meeting. The Bull, Woolpit. 12.00hrs 4 Dec East Anglia, Woolpit, as above. 5 Dec East Anglia Group meeting, soup kitchen, Reepham 12.00hrs 8 Dec South West Group meeting, lunchtime, Hare & Hounds, Sidbury EX10 0QQ. Please park in Ottery St Mary junct car park & not main frontage one. 11 Dec Far far South West, VSCC Christmas buffet, 19.00hrs 11 Dec Yorks Notts & Derby Group meeting, Carbrook. 12 Dec North West Group Christmas lunch, The Smoker, A556 Plumley, WA16 0TY 12 Dec West Midlands Group meeting, Fruiterers Arms, Ombersley, 20.00hrs 16 Dec West Midlands Holly Run. The Island Pool, 10.00hrs 18 Dec East Anglia Group meeting, Stow Bardulph 20.00hrs 18 Dec Far South West Group meeting. The Huntsman. 19 Dec East Midlands Christmas Dinner, Royal Oak, Brandon. Time tbc by Paul 19 Dec South Coast Scalextric GP, Six Bells Chiddingley. Early start 19.00hrs 28 Dec West Midlands Group meeting, Clent Club, 20.00hrs 28 Dec North West Group meeting, The Whipping Stocks Over Peover 20.00hrs 31 Dec Oxford Sub-Group New Years Eve lunch meet, Waggon & Horses Culham

Dates for your 2013 diary.

1913 is the 100th anniversary of the first ever Cyclecar Grand-Prix at Amien. Watch the Bulletin for further details. April 7th. Opening run at The National Arboretum, between Lichfield and Burton on Trent, Staffs. More information to follow.

Contents, page; 15 Competition notes 41 Christmas cards 3 From the Editor 17 A modern view on 42 Another 100 year old 4 The Chairman restoration Mog 5 Original Darmont 19 Dear John letters 45 Mog at Shelsley Walsh 6 Amiens Grand-Prix 23 More letters 99 years ago 7 From the Registry 25 Floggery 46 Draft MP letter 8 AGM Raffle results 30 Group reports 9 Recollections of a Mog 36 Technical tip on fuel 13 More from the and carb icing Registry 37 Brandon Hall picture 13 Carr car update 38 Ethical stainless steel 14 Notice Board 39 Regalia Cover picture; The Courage family’s festive F4 on the South Coast Group’s Holly Run.

2 VOL 67 December 2012 No 12 THE BULLETIN THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE MORGAN THREE-WHEELER CLUB Affiliated to the ACU and MSA: non-territorial CLUB WEBSITE www.mtwc.co.uk The festive season approaches From the Editor Both the EU and the DVLA and those surreptitious hints seem to think that all three- about those new tyres or perhaps a set of new wheelers have motorcycle forks and seats, so Mogspares heads and barrels will soon bear therefore are dangerous 100 mph fruit. Maybe! I hope the Bulletin is now motorcycles, which may be why the law has improved since my first offerings. Members been changed. I am trying hard to visualise are encouraged to send in their favourite Chris Booth in the prototype replica holding photos for possible use on the cover. on to his hat as he cruises at the ton! The fact Unusual, amusing or current ones are always that the ‘motorcycle trikes’ are all home- welcome. It looks as though we have a venue builds seems to have been totally ignored. I for the Opening Run. Bob Martin and am still upset at the FBHVC totally Dermot O’Brien have secured the National abandoning us in this matter. Seems we are Arboretum for us. This is an interesting place only important enough to pay subscriptions. to visit and has the full range of facilities to An interesting conundrum. As the 5 speeder make it worth the run. Think I’ll have to Morgan is heavy enough to incur the ‘car’ make a weekend of it. Might have to have a taxation cost, will it still be a three-wheeled few drinks with Bob. I still think California motorcycle under the new driving was a good idea though... regulations? If the rules can be manipulated I cannot get my head around the new age this way by the DVLA, then perhaps we can limit for tricycles and the fact that we EU take a leaf from the same rule-book. members are now motorcyclists. Seems to This new directive refers to ‘A motor tricycle me there are civil servants beavering away at with a power exceeding 15kw.’ Forgive me looking for yet more businesses to ruin. They for mentioning it, but were not most Mogs managed to put most of the Gun and Field listed with a Treasury rating of 10hp? Early Sports shops out of business with the ‘pistol F-types 8hp. Now then, 15kw = 20hp!? ban’ to no useful end and certainly did not Hmmm. Tongue firmly in cheek. stop gun crime. Now it’s the turn of the Thank you to those who responded to my motorcycle businesses. Even if we ignore request for ‘old Mog’ pictures and ‘more’ what happened to the miners farmers and letters. This is the sort of interaction that we fishermen, there’s a smell of rodents in the need to keep us all connected and one big air. We gave away our jet engines, we gave family. We need each other these days more away our car industry, and we sold all of our than ever before. The land of the free sounds oil and gas to others. Closed down the train more attractive than ever as we have yet makers, and now buy them from France. more regulations foisted upon us. Told you Closed down LDV and now we are to buy California sounded like a good place for Transits from Turkey. Scrapped brand new Morgans. Meanwhile congratulations to our Nimrods to buy second-hand Boeings. Just American members on their new/old who in England is actually benefitting from President. Hang on to your independence these bureaucratic decisions? guys. We didn’t!

3 Hon Chairman - on Safari

Brian Clutterbuck

The intrepid visitors to Italy and the Kursaal Ex club member Roger Moran’s letter in the Car Club accidentally forgot to hand over at November Bulletin regarding the proposed the AGM a gift from the President of that statue, recognising HFS Morgan’s club. This was a fine club Pennant but as the contribution to the automotive industry, MTWC has nowhere to display it I have needs some correction. The reason why the suggested that it be awarded each year to the Club could not make a donation to the fund member or members covering the longest was that it was not allowed under the single trip in their three-wheelers. Alessandro memorandum and articles of association Natali was pretty confident that his President which were in place in 2008. However the would be in favour. The cars created a huge Committee suggested that members should impression whilst over there and have donate, if they so wished. In addition there featured in their club magazine. Anyone who has never been any official discussion knows the Clements boys will tell you that regarding the design of the memorial, the they cause an even larger amount of current being at least a second one. Naturally attention! They will be worthy custodians of individuals might favour other designs. the pennant until there is a claim for a Importantly our members need to know that monumental trip in the next 12 months. the current estimated cost is £377,000 and Alessandro was reminded of John Sheally’s that pledges and donations currently stand at U.S. coast-to-coast trip in his Matchless £130,000. The shortfall we are informed barrel back three-speeder. No back up needs to be raised by the middle of next year. transport for him or the Italian job. (Who did One of the most important things to get right more miles than the coast to coasters). on the three-wheeler is the prop-shaft length. It’s always nice to see original non-restored On the three-speeder twins and the M and C cars in running order like the car belonging types, with the engine off, this is not too to the Duffin family. Recently Pat Bastock difficult to accomplish. (The model F means has reconditioned a Darmont “JAP” engine either the engine or the gearbox out and a for Bernard Regnier from Tremblay-en- deal of measuring). The B types pose a France near Paris. Bernard’s car is a 1926 different problem which generally mean Darmont reputed to be one used by the body off if the shaft is too short and the Darmont factory for racing and test purposes engine packing out if it’s too long. A recent and could even be the car that Douglas rebuild on a B type showed the shaft to be Hawkes used with a supercharged too short by about the thickness of the spigot Blackburne type engine. Its originality is bearing. Although it proved easier to say than beyond dispute. Original paintwork worn do, the prop-shaft was extended by through to the metal in places and lead seals mechanical means in the best Clarrie still attached to the crosshead from Coombes tradition. An extension was bolted scrutineering at race meetings in the 20’s and to the end of the in-situ shaft. 30’s. Pat has also supplied a new Blackburne Forgetting to reduce an over- long prop- and Bernard is now looking for a Cozette shaft can result in unacceptable and supercharger to put the car into the Hawkes damaging loading on the engine front main specification. Interestingly the front wheels bearing and crankcase. Made even worse if have 72 spokes, the inner ones set in pairs it's a plate clutch and an inability to engage and also an alternator for coil ignition that is gears. Enjoy the festive season. friction driven off the cone clutch flywheel.

4 For those who have forgotten. John Sheally’s USA coast to coast Matchless Morgan at the time of his epic trip. This and the Clements Parkinson Italian Mille Miglia trip can show the ‘Factory’ how proper Mogs do it!

Bernard Regniers wonderful Darmont as referred to by Brian. Isn’t it fantastic, we would all like this one! Just look at that lovely number.

5 Centenary of the first Grand Prix Cyclecar Race In 1913 this was heralded as the first great road test for “the new type of machine”. Lessons were learnt which most of the Morgan three-wheeler drivers today are entirely familiar with. Attention to small details particularly, so that machines touching speeds over 50 mph required fastenings to be wired, split pinned, or the use of shellac to prevent breakages and loss of components. Racing highlighted the need for designers to pay attention to the effects of vibration and the need for better suspension. Reliability was the key to the win and not speed as witnessed by the performance of the GN’s which owing to the excessive compression blew off their cylinder heads. (Not possible on the 90 bore JAP with its non- detachable heads!) Over the months leading up to next year’s anniversary I hope, using contemporary reports and pictures, to recreate the atmosphere and excitement of the event. Brian Clutterbuck.

Circuit as below – CIRCUIT DE PICARDIE 1913. -15 laps = 262 km

Taken at the Morgan centenary celebrations. Sadly I don't know the owner of this very nice barrel back Matchless Super-Sports driving past the factory front entrance with the Morgan sign above the portico. The passenger appears to be indicating "Oh no if we go any faster my cap's going to blow off!" Best wishes, Trevor White.

6 John Scruton, Hon Treasurer, trying hard to pretend that his new 5 speeder chassis is a Super Aero in drag. Well done John and we all wish you well. (In return for a test ride that is.) The end of the queue is behind the village hall, down the road a piece.

More from the Registry. Christopher Hudson contacted the Club via the website because he had found this lovely picture. It seems that the lady is Dot (his father’s first wife) and that the Super Aero was probably owned by his father. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear in the MTWC Registry. Does anyone recognise it? UF 6302 is a Brighton registration number from May or June 1930. Not many Morgans, and certainly very few rocker-box M-Type Super Aeros, were registered in the Brighton area so I thought it worth spending some time trying to find it in the Factory records. Some members may not be aware that the Factory records don’t show registration numbers. I started at the beginning of 1930 as Morgans were often registered a while after despatch and looked for any that went to Turpin’s Motor Depot – the Brighton agent. Turpin’s (29, Preston Road, Brighton) sold just 2 Super Aeros in the first six months of 1930. The first (M167) was fitted with a Dog-Ear JAP so not the one we are after. Therefore, I’m pretty sure that UF 6302 was M203: Despatched from Malvern on the 2nd June 1930 it was painted red and fitted with JAP – LTOWC/4/W 90151/SE. Happy sleuthing. Steve Lister.

7 From Rose Hoar regarding the AGM Raffle. Technical tip from Graham Phillips. Please note the Editor apologises for not An alternative method of removing a bush or including this in the November Bulletin. bearing from a blind hole. Pack said hole A very big thank-you to all who donated with thick grease (water pump if you can get such wonderful prizes. It never ceases to it), soap or sandwich spread may do, but amaze me at the generosity of those members make sure not to leave dirty finger marks in who donate year after year. Thank you also the fridge. Make a drift from steel, to all those who bought the tickets which aluminium or even wood, but make sure it is makes this raffle a success. All this only a snug/tight fit in the bush/bearing. A sharp confirms what a kind and generous group of blow should result in extracting the bush but people make up the membership of this fine may also lubricate the operator. You will Club. Finally I wish to thank all that helped need to re-pack the bearing after renewal or over the weekend who do such a sterling job. replacement.

Thank you all, 5RVH+RDU Technical tip from R Gladstone. Unclaimed raffle prizes are as follows; T.D.C. indicator for all engines. Take an old Blue. #37, 208, 304, 310, 334, 342, 361, 421. spark plug and remove the core. Easiest way Green. # 304, 309, 310, 363. is on the lathe. Tidy up the edges and then at Gold. # 293, 308, 329, 377, 420, 426. the ‘top’ end, using a small cable tie wrap, tie Pink. # 240. on a finger end from a latex protective glove. White. # 164, 182. The ‘bubble’ inflates on compression stroke Yellow. # 30, 242, 249, 333. and deflates after TDC. A bit of to and fro- Kindly contact Rose to collect or otherwise, ing soon determines exactly where the piston your prizes on, 01442 260524 is. This works equally well on side-valves Or; [email protected] where the pistons are not easily seen.

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

8 Recollections of a Three Wheeler Morgan the then dry tap room and the beer cellar. RM 7657 The engine was a water cooled JAP 1100cc I purchased the car from a work colleague in LTOW with a total loss oil system. A BTH about 1957 whose name I am unable to magneto and Amal carburettor were fitted. A recall. He lived in Liverpool and I lived in leather cone clutch transmitted the drive to a Halkyn, North Wales. We worked at the de propeller shaft. The rocker gear was grease Havilland aircraft factory at Broughton near lubricated. The car was described as a Chester. I was an aircraft electrical Morgan Aero and always thought to be apprentice and he worked in the machine manufactured in 1929. (The DVLA say shop. I do not know what I paid for the car 1931) There were two forward gears but as I was only earning £7 a week I suspect controlled by dogs sliding on a cross shaft is was not much. I drove it home to Halkyn forward of the rear wheel. That shaft could one evening after work and through the also be engaged with a starting handle on the Mersey Tunnel. I think I only held a right hand side of the car behind the cockpit provisional driving licence for a motorcycle. with access to the steering wheel mounted On getting it home I found the front cross throttle and all important advance and retard tubes were cracked at the junction of the lever. I learnt some new words by not having length ways chassis tubes. that lever in the fully retarded position when It was clearly a rebuild job for an apprentice using that starting handle! The wheel had a coming up to his final year and with someone cut out in the bottom quarter. The final drive in the machine shop now owing a favour as was by two chains to the rear wheel. well as all the skills in an aircraft factory Work on the chassis involved two new cross available, the car and engine was stripped to tubes and new end pieces to take the king component parts. We lived in a rambling old pins. I spent many hours cutting the remnants house, once a miners’ pub called the Old of the old tubes out of the centre section Royal Oak and my workshop was between using an expanding reamer that had to be

9 checked out of the tool stores each morning those illustrated in more recent pictures. and booked in again by evening. The king They were cracked but as the original brass pin to chassis connections were made from mountings were OK, new triplex glass was solid section square material machined by fitted. The original pram hood was re-fitted my ‘new assistant’ in the machine shop. I and proved remarkably snug and dry in use. cannot recall if there was any toe-in The headlamps were by Marchal though not controlled by these parts. The bits were in keeping with the rest of the car, albeit finally assembled and pinned then taken providing good illumination. There was an down to a local garage for brazing. Re- old aircraft generator, belt driven from the construction now started to show some shaft that carried the dog gears progress. At about this time de Havilland In the closing months of my apprenticeship I were suffering the aftermath of the Comet was transferred to Hatfield and used to travel disasters. Some aircraft had been up to Wales at the weekend to finish the subcontracted for build by Shorts in Belfast Morgan. After a minimal local road test I set and now all the redundant stores were out south with a spare can of fuel, a box of returned to Broughton. The elevator tools, and the confidence of youth. We ran mechanism on the Comet was driven by out of fuel near Lichfield. As we got near chains which turned out to be the same size journeys end, the hand throttle and advance as the final drive on the Morgan! lever were exercised over their full range, When the engine was stripped very little had resulting in a water hose coming adrift at to be replaced. I found some new valves in a Hockliffe on the A5 near Woburn. Once local motor cycle shop and I believe new repaired we went on our way. valve guides came from my machine shop In about 1961 or 62 I sold the Morgan to a colleague. At some time in the past the con- fellow glider pilot Stan Easton, for the rod web in the crankcase had been broken princely sum of £25. Stan tragically died out, but as it hadn’t seemed to affect the later when air-towing a glider and I lost engines running it was re-assembled as contact with my first real motor car. found. John Bennett, October 2012 The body work was aluminium on an ash frame. Timber was replaced as necessary and I totally re-covered the frame with new aircraft-specification aluminium. Half round aluminium mouldings were bought to finish the joins in the body work. It was painted overall with red cellulose left over from a Tiger Moth rebuild project. The windscreens were More information about this car has been unearthed by the much bigger than Registrar, and will be included in next months Bulletin .

10

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 and 9 Howsell Industrial Estate, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1UJ

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01684 899084 Mob: 07815 119 447 Or visit or website www.cameronracingengines.com

11

George Darbyshire Work on any classic and vintage cars. From Maintenance and repair work, to full restoration, including fabrication and engine work. Pease call George on 01608 664996 or 07905168142 Or, e-mail [email protected]

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.

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!

Contact; Ross Herbert, Hareley Farm, Linley Green Road, Whitbourne, Worcestershire. WR6 5RF Email; [email protected] Tel: 01886 884362 For background information, see the articles on page 18, March 2004 and page 34, July 2006.

12

ian By the time you read this, DXL 651 should be ensconced in her new home in the workshop at Hareley Farm. Due to the ministrations of our Hon. Chairman and Richard Williams, it has a new exhaust system,N a ere-fettledws fr owingm andthe the C steeringustod overhauled. The cooling system has been refreshed with anti-freeze so winter motoring should be no problem. There are no future bookings reserved yet so if you haven’t ever availed yourself of this unique element of the MTWC membership now is a good time. There should now be an online booking form and a copy of the Ts & Cs on the Hareley Farm website www.hareleyfarm.co.uk (click on the Gerald Carr Morgan tab.) I’m aware that the T’s & C’s are a bit intimidating but I’m sure, as mostly existing owners, members understand the limitations of driving a 75 year old car. I am investigating the possibility of including a recovery service within the insurance cover and also making available trailer hire if required so longer trips can be undertaken. Ross Herbert

From the Registry. A magnificent photo of a Blackburne Aero. It came from Martin Shelley the VMCC Blackburne specialist. Sadly we have no record of it in the Registry.

From the registration number it’s late 1924 or early 1925. Isn’t it a wonderful shot? Seems to have front wheel brakes. Note the weather protection between the screens. What’s that cover plate just ahead of the driver’s screen? Lined coachwork. Disc wheels. That pipe and hairstyle! Why would anyone want a JAP Super Aero????? All the best, Steve. Photo courtesy of the Martichelli Archive. Ed...

13 CLUB NOTICE BOARD. ‘The Secretary wishes to apologise that the comment in the resume of the August CCM printed in the October Bulletin which greatly linked the recommended rise in 2013 subscriptions to the financial support provided to the Sporting Section was incorrect.’ Dennis Plater.

The following is printed courtesy of ‘Autocar’ magazine. "Morgan has introduced strengthened components for its 3 Wheeler following a suspension failure during an Autocar track test. In the incident, which took place during Autocar's annual Britain's Best Driver's Car test, the front wishbones were bent and a front wheel was detached. Morgan's engineers believe the lower wishbone failed because it had been weakened during previous track use. They said the wishbones' failure under braking preceded the top and bottom ball joints detaching, which left the right front wheel loose. That grounded the chassis, which seriously damaged the car and made steering impossible. Morgan says the wishbones are "suitably designed for their intended purpose", but that if "pushed beyond the limits of normal road/sport driving ie, track days, off-road driving and accidental high impacts the wishbones may get damaged". If they are not then replaced, a subsequent total failure similar to that of our test car's could occur. Morgan has since increased the strength of production wishbones by 20 per cent "to allow a larger safety margin to cover people using their cars for experiences beyond normal road driving conditions". Morgan has said it will supply new lower wishbones free to existing owners who want them. They will take an hour to fit, but Morgan insists it is not issuing a recall." Jim Baker. Heard from the North West. “Should’ve gone to HFS for IFS.” Boom boom.

ROBIN'S CHRISTMAS GATHERING - Saturday 29th December 2012 at The Gate Inn, Upper Brailes (B4035 between Shipston and Banbury) We usually gather from 12 noon for a noggin and natter and a full range of good value food is always available. Please come and join us, everyone is welcome. Any queries call Robin on 01295 788338 or Sue Darbyshire, on 01608 664996

Notice from DVLA after Steve Lister enquired about age related numbers. “Yes you are correct, From 18 November applicants for an age related registration number for pre 1960 vehicles will not need to provide an MOT certificate. For licensing purposes a V112 exemption certificate will be required.* The updated V112 form will be available for downloading from our website on 18 November”. *Post offices only, not on-line. Ed...

Don’t forget to buy your Christmas cards from John Barker.

The Editor wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and a DfT free New Year. Don’t forget, when all else is lost, we still have each other to moan to.

Longstone Tyres. Any MTWC member can receive a 5% discount if asked for.

14 Competition Report Pete Clews

We have reached the end of what has been a lengths to accommodate us. I am very very successful season for the club’s grateful to their officials who have stood in at competition fraternity with the MTWC our meetings and made them possible. present at all levels of ‘vintage’ racing. As The 2 events that can be said to be true Competition Secretary I set out to be MTWC events are the Curborough Sprint inclusive and to try and encourage anyone and the Cadwell Park circuit race at the who competes in their Morgan three -wheeler VSCC meeting. We are very grateful for the because we are few enough anyway. financial support from the club which goes Our events in conjunction with VMCC have towards the circuit cost of these 2 events and had strong grids with improved entries hope that the many members who attend compared with last season. Morgans have these events enjoy being part of them. been very successful in the B3 racing class Cadwell Park was excellent and we should with Bill Tuer, Greg Bibby and Tim Gray be back next season thanks to the Club’s maintaining their superiority against all the support. Curborough Sprint is a throwback to more modern competition. Sue Darbyshire, a more leisurely time and although it is a Duncan Wood and Gary Caroline have taken round of the MTWC Challenge it is there for on the best of the VSCC and beaten them in all Club members to take part using the the vintage class to take several VSCC facility of an ACU one-day licence, some did awards. this season and thoroughly enjoyed Internationally Morgan three-wheelers have themselves. I have a provisional date for June competed successfully at Assen, Etretat, 23rd 2013 and hope that many of you will Arosa, Schwanenstadt and Portimao where put it in your diary and come to take part. they give the MTWC a high profile against I have to apologise for an error in the final much more famous and certainly richer results of the Standard Class. I missed adding opposition. The spectacle of the Morgans is the extra point to the total of the side-valve always welcomed and it has been good to be cars of Steve Lister and John Minns. able to meet members from Europe and Consequently the final results were: further afield who have come to support 1st= Chris Harfield/ Ann Harfield 64 pts those members racing. 2nd=Tom Cowley/ Lily Quinn 14 pts 2nd=Steve Lister/ Ruth Ross 14pts The Morgan Three Wheeler Club 3rd=Trevor Gill/ Ann Harfield 12pts Challenge 3rd=John Minns/ Ballast 12pts The MTWC Challenge series has been well supported this season with some new faces Mallory Park Festival of Sidecars 28th on the circuit but that does not mean we October don’t want more next season, we do. I would Greg Bibby and Bill Tuer braved the cold love to be saying to race organisers I need grey Sunday to compete at this superb event more than the 20 slots you are offering. which attracts outfits from home and abroad. There were 6 Rounds of the Challenge with They had the legs on the opposition and both the 2 hill-climbs being very well supported came away from Mallory with wins. and the success of ‘La Vie en Bleu’ at Prescott leading to another invite for 2013. VSCC Goodwood Sprint 27th October The VMCC circuit races have had much Gary Caroline, Sue Darbyshire and Bob improved grids this season with the promise Towell also braved the cold weather to of a few more next season. The VMCC are uphold the Morgan Three Wheeler name. keen to have us with them and go to great Sue was the fastest in practice with a time of

15 107.53 but an uncharacteristic spin in the News timed runs left her a couple of seconds adrift Along with our Chairman I attended the Non of Gary who took fastest vintage with a time -territorial Board Meeting at the ACU where of 109.81, only 5 seconds adrift of the fastest Eddie Bellars asked us to pass on the ERA. Bob in his 200 mile racer managed appreciation of the ACU to John Blower for 155.49. The sprint was a fitting end to a his Chairmanship of the Non-territorial good season for Morgans in the VSCC where Board. I would like to add to this the club’s they have taken fastest vintage awards at appreciation for all the work John has done several meetings and Sue Darbyshire has for us in the past. I would never have been won the Ladies Trophy by a huge margin yet involved with Morgans except for John’s again. influence and there would have been no MTWC Challenge Series without him. John Portimao 18/21st October is making progress in his recovery from his Portimao is on the sunny Algarve coast but illness and we hope to have him back in the the Motor Racing Legends meeting that Sue “fold” soon. Darbyshire entered was anything but holiday weather. Practice and one race were in the ACU online Licencing wet but Sue still won the race. The second The meeting at ACU House also introduced race was dry and up until the driver change ACU online licencing which is up and she was in the lead. As she had no second running for the 2013 season. It seems a fairly driver she had to be stationary in the pits to straightforward process as long as you are a mimic a change of driver and on the way member of the Club and have a unique back down the pit straight she was penalised number from me. I have sent numbers to 20 seconds for pit lane speeding and those who competed during the 2012 season consequently finished third. The press release and those who have asked for a number from the meeting says it all: “The Aston took because they intend to compete in 2013. If the chequered flag, with the Morley/ you do want to obtain an ACU competition Wiltshire (Bentley) in second place, and the licence for Trials or Road Race and I have heroic three-wheeler Morgan of Sue not sent you a number please email me and I Darbyshire just 3.5 seconds behind, in third.” will include you.

We bid a hearty welcome to the following new members. John Booth. Gwynfe, Carmarthenshire. SA19 9RH. Brian Boyle. Edenthorpe, Doncaster. DN3 2LB Stephan Cronholm. Malmoc, Sweden. S-21774 Claus Lund. Kolbotn, Germany. N-1410 Brian O'Donoghue, Victoria, Australia. 3185 Carl Edwell. Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 2DJ Neil Levings. Stratford Upon Avon. CV37 9LU

And welcome back to; Bert Varady. St Clair, MI, USA. 48079 Alessandro Natali PesciaPT, Italy. 51017

16 A MODERN VIEW ON REBUILD & the restorer of an original Moggie. Well RESTORATION rusted slotted woodscrews that are almost By Nev Lear. Part I impossible to remove, steel panels well rusted owing to poor paint protection, with This article was compiled during the latest the original tin tacks or screws holding them rebuild of my F4 which has been constantly to the wooden frame similarly rusted and not used over the last 48 years, when it has very secure, what do you do? covered in excess of 200,000 miles. I haven’t talked about mechanical issues yet, Subject to two or three major rebuilds, it is but as restorer do you adopt the principle of now on its third chassis, and is running with replacing like with like, and build in the short very little of the original 1936 car still in use. service life of the original or do you make **************************** use of the readily available modern Over the years many authors, including me techniques and materials and build a car to be have expressed their current views and ideas enjoyed for the rest of its extended life? on Morgan rebuilding, usually based on their My view would be to adopt the latter experience in the home workshop, and have approach, consistent with maintaining the passed on tips to improve your Morgan. car’s appearance when viewed from the kerb, Cast your mind back to the state of the as similar to that as seen in its year of original three-wheeler, built from around manufacture. 1910 to 1952. It was always produced as a Here then are some ideas used by me and cheap effective car where light weight gave it gleaned from others for a long life Morgan. excellent performance and value for money. In normal service they would last about ten Mechanical years and 50,000 miles (assuming some Without being specific follow the tips engine reconditioning was carried out), by published in the ‘Bulletin’, use modern which time they would fall apart and end up sealed bearings and oil seals where either being scrapped or cannibalised to keep appropriate. Better grade materials in areas other cars on the road. of weakness, such as worm wheel bolts, Think about the materials that were crankshafts or flywheels for example. available, or actually used in the Morgan Modern pistons with a modern ring pack are works during that time. a big improvement, and modern lubricants, All the normal fastenings, nails, screws nuts graphite grease on suspension components and bolts would be untreated mild are all similarly proven. steel. Stainless steel was not readily It goes without saying that electrical wiring available, and plated screws in cadmium or should be PVC insulated, rather than the zinc were not around. original rubber. Wiring looms can be made to Timber would be untreated, and where look ‘period’, if it bothers you and it shows. plywood was used for lightness, in was held Another worthwhile option is to use shrink together with very poor quality glue, which fit sheathing on some of the untidy bits, heat readily delaminated when damp. it up with a hot-air blower or hairdryer for a No glue was used on body joints, so when really neat job! water penetrated the wood frame it readily You’ll never cure the vibration of a three- rotted. wheeler with its rigid mounted engine, but Any sealants available were probably suffice to say that “Nyloc” nuts are Gods gift bitumen based, whereas any paint would be to Morgan owners that stop items falling oil based initially, although some cellulose apart in service! was latterly used on body panels. In the vintage years, split pins, wiring or All this added up to a chamber of horrors for dipping the bolts in shellac were the best

17 options available. The ‘works’ had also the required torque for this operation without rather crude practice of peening over bolts, breaking. studs and even shafts in some applications to If your Morgan has doors, then learn from prevent them unscrewing at the wrong time! the four-wheeler world. As original strips of The latter option is best avoided, although steel were screwed to the edges of the door the other remaining methods still have an frame, and it was around these strips that the application with a modern thread lock such door panels, either in steel or aluminium, as ‘Loctite’ replacing the shellac. were folded to produce the weather edge that Modern gasket cements very much have an overlapped the surrounding door frame, and application keeping the various liquids in the stopped most of the draughts, and wet rain right place, with PTFE tape a sensible (note the choice of words!), blowing in addition to seal joints on both old and even around the door and into the passenger with new pipe-work. compartment. It is much better to replace these strips with a one-piece steel inner Bodywork, diaphragm, (see sketch?) fixed to the door The woodwork should be glued together with that braces the corner joints of the door a decent modern waterproof marine glue. frame, and stiffens the panel at the corners. Bolts rather than woodscrews should be used Screw this one-piece diaphragm to the where possible, and these days stainless wooden door frame with countersunk cross fixings are readily available and are point self cutting woodscrews as above. obviously much better Also as above use modern woodscrews or if My current body-frame was built 40 years possible bolts to secure the door hinges into ago on these lines (with steel screws) the frame. and has stayed well together, protected by Usually four-wheelers also had doors edged layers of bitumen paint under the tail, with by the separate strips, but these are replaced good quality paint elsewhere. Modern pattern by many restorers with the one piece wood screws, with a cross point head, in component, as described, which is a big either stainless, or a plated finish are improvement. infinitely superior, are easy to get in or out, The factory used very little in the way of and just hold the job together more firmly. sealants to exclude water when they were Where the heads don’t show their modern building three wheelers, a lick of paint here lineage, I would use them every time. and there would suffice, and early rebuilds I have always screwed my panels on to the had little other than simple bitumen, and wood frame for improved security, rather semi-plastic sealers like ‘Dum Dum’. These than tacks as original. My first 1970 rebuild days a whole range of materials is available, and subsequent re-panel jobs using steel silicone sealers dispensed from a ‘gun’ are slotted countersunk screws were a real pain, common but not perfect. drilling pilot holes in the wood, clearance When it comes to sealing floors into the F- holes in the steel panel that were type chassis for example, it is best to keep to subsequently countersunk to accept the screw the flexible style bitumen roof sealers owing head, was a very time consuming exercise! to the constant chassis flexing. Silicone A modern high quality, cross point, self sealers will crack away from the floor edges tapping screw is much easier to install. Drill and lead to leaks. A bead of silicone applied an adequate clearance hole on the panel, inside, after floor has been sealed in with countersink it with a blow from a centre bitumen, to keep the inside area clean from punch, and the screw will pull itself into the sticky bitumen which spreads over the place and firmly secure the panel. The slotted floor can be a good ploy. To be continued... pattern steel screw would not accept the

18 Dear John, Dear John Letters I do know about insurance and spent my working life dealing with insurance claims. I Dear John, had 85 staff and a personal authority of I read in the resume from the AGM that there £200,000. was concern over the relaxation of MOT I never cheated anybody, but I did defend our testing requirements for vehicles registered policyholders from the hordes of dishonest pre 1960. I must admit a degree of people trying to fiddle a claim. amazement in this matter as the consultation Why do people not know that when the MOT procedure included the MTWC along with all test was introduced it was declared NOT to member groups of Historic vehicle users, be taken as evidence of condition? It only returning a high percentage in favour of the shows that on a certain date and time the motion. vehicle met the requirements of the test. The I suppose my main concern is that many next day the vehicle may not be roadworthy. thousands of users of historic vehicles The absence of a MOT certificate does not consider this a step forward and that by affect an insurance contract. Northern Ireland regular usage and maintenance of their had a strike by MOT Test Stations that went vehicles the necessity for an MOT was a on for many weeks. paper exercise only. It has long been It seems to surprise many that an insurance recognised that the MOT is really only useful policy is a legal contract between the insurer for the day, if not the hour, that it was issued and the insured. In that contract you accept and that if a minority of Morgan owners "You shall maintain your car in a consider this testing to be necessary, then I roadworthy condition." I only remember wonder what condition the cars are in the rest repudiating one claim on condition before of the year? As I understand the DVLA did and after the MOT test was introduced and not change it’s mind as to a voluntary test, as that was a very powerful Porsche with bald the “mind” had not been made up, but was tyres that left the road at speed on a road awaiting the replies from the consultation awash in a rainstorm. process for the choice of the options on offer. The Law Courts decided back in 1938 that a The proposed roadworthiness test due around bald tyre/s was proof of violation of the 2015 looks as though it may become a clause directive, which would require a much higher I have been Technical Adviser for twins degree of inspection, but also contains a during my 57 years with Morgans. As an recommendation as to all historic vehicles OAP I enjoy not having to waste money on more than 30 years old to be exempted from an MOT test every few thousand miles. If the process. Owners of vehicles less than this someone wants to get their Morgan will have major problems to actually comply examined, they can do it immediately and not with current emission standards imposed on wait for the test date. Do not burden me and these older vehicles, so please whether you other knowledgeable owners with some agree or not, do not shout too loud. On a final compulsory test we can well do without. If note, all Insurers are issuing a blanket you think you have a problem go to the withdrawal to the section of the insurance internet Forum or ask for expert advice at a documents referring to the requirement of Club meeting. Much more useful. historic vehicles pre 1960 requiring MOT Brian Watts. I read today in Practical testing, there will not be any relaxation for Classics, that if a car that is required to test, the insured vehicle to be roadworthy! takes and fails an MoT before the expiry date of a current one, insurers are refusing to pay Kim Allen. out in a claim during this period?! Ed…

19 Dear John, same problem. In my case, it usually arose in I noticed in the resume of the AGM (as reported in the early Autumn before the weather had the November Bulletin) that no mention was made become really cold, so the primary cause was of my proposal to make a charge for the processing not the colder air of September chilling the cost of credit card transactions on subscriptions. carburettor to freezing point. The low This proposal would have ensured fairness and temperature that leads to icing is generated given the Club income which otherwise is given to within the carburettor by the evaporation of the bankers. Acceptance of the proposal would the fuel, and it is therefore best if the air that have reduced the need for, or amount of any is drawn into it, is above ambient subscription increase. Although this proposal was temperature. My solution was to make some spoken for by two other members, Hon. Chairman ducting, so that the intake air is drawn from deemed the charging for card transactions as too the space behind the radiator. It seems to complicated due to different levels of subscription me, that Dick’s baffle works by reducing the and did not wish to put the proposal to a vote. airflow through the radiator, thereby creating I had hoped for some mention of the discussion in a relatively warm environment from which the resume or from concerned officers, especially the carburettor can draw its air. Of itself, cold as this is renewal month and most of the Club air blowing on the carburettor, needs to be at income will be arriving in a short period. zero or below, if it is to cause icing. Air that Mogspares handles processing charges as a simple is above freezing, as we typically experience 1.5% surcharge on debit and 5.5% charge on credit in Autumn, should not be a problem, cards on a stock list of many hundreds of items although it may not contain sufficient heat to without any problem, so it does not have to make a thaw the ice that is already forming in the carburettor. Insulation round the inlet general increase in prices. Credit Card issuers manifold, which I have seen, is surely make so much money from processing fees counterproductive, unless the car is running charged to their merchants i.e. the Club in this in continuous freezing weather. case, that they offer a swathe of cash-back cards to George Dobson. tempt us. At £32 a cash-back credit card holder could see a rebate of anywhere from 16p to £1.92 Dear John, on their Club subscription as a pay-back from their Although I understand that both the Bulletin card issuer. Members might ask their GO to re- and website have reported on the wonderful visit this at the CCM. Chris Harfield. exploits of the Morganeers in Italy I wish to Secretarial note. There was no proposal to make add a bit more about the involvement of the a charge for subscription payment by credit card. Kursaal Car Club. It was a suggestion from Chris which formed part As soon as I informed the Club that 3 of the discussion about subscriptions increase. Morgan three-wheelers wanted to join the Moreover, it was Dave Anscombe, ‘not’ the meeting, the club realized the rare Chairman, who pointed out that it would be very opportunity they had. The club has no onerous for the new Membership Secretary, saying magazine, only a web page and face-book. that the matter had been discussed by the CCM However they put the Parkinsons and and the decision taken that there would be no Clements Morgans on the opening page, surcharge for subscriptions paid for by credit card informing all the members of the epic trip. etc. Small font used to include this note. Ed... The official photographer took nice pictures, highlighting these cars. After the meeting the Dear John, club published the full itinerary. Having been troubled by carburettor icing on The MTWC ambassadors (can I say that?) my MX4 in the past, I was interested to read were presented to all, and the secretary was Dick Fripp’s letter about his cure for the almost floating in the air when he said the

20 Bulletin had mentioned the name of their Dear John. Club, he touched the sky with a finger. I told MOT Exemption, the facts! him the MTWC was established in 1945 and As from 18th November, most vehicles had nearly a thousand members worldwide. st manufactured before 1 January 1960 will On Sunday they were introduced to the Mayor of Montecarlo/Lucca and a small have become exempt from the requirements reception was arranged by the town council. to have a mandatory MOT test. This means Wherever they went and met people, that you no longer have to produce a valid everybody was positively impressed and it MOT pass certificate when applying for a tax left a deep mark with everyone. LA CLASSE disc. Any application to tax via the Post NON E' ACQUA FRESCA, ‘class is not Office or Local Office will require a fresh water.’ I’m sure we can print a picture of the completed V112 (Declaration of exemption pennant. I have to ask Cesare the secretary. from MOT testing) where the customer But I am 110% sure it is ok. He has a full- declares that their vehicle is exempt. In time job and on the 18th Nov there is another addition, the DVLA electronic vehicle meeting. licensing system will enable you to tax your Please do not envy our weather, it has been pre-1960 motor vehicle without an MOT. raining solid for the past week. This exemption will also apply to motor I look forward for the December issue. PS can you mention the TOURING CLUB vehicles where a date of manufacture is not ITALIANO, they sponsor the KCC, and gave on the DVLA system, but the date of each driver a set of books about places to registration is recorded as being on or before visit in Italy. If the magazine EPOCAUTO 7th January 1960. This policy will be applied will publish an article about these Morgans, I to the qualification criteria for the pre-1973 will send you a copy. The editor is an vehicle excise duty exemption. The transfer honorary member. or retention of registration marks will I hope I have not been too boring. All the best, Alessandro. continue to be allowed provided a voluntary MOT has been passed. This is to ensure that motor vehicles are still in existence and to prevent potential fraudulent claims for attractive marks. Where keepers believe that their current motor vehicle should be exempt due to the law change but their V5C does not reflect this, they will need to write to DVLA to request a change. A request will only be considered if it is accompanied with either an extract from the manufacturer/factory record or an extract from “Glass’s Guide”. The DVLA will not accept general dating certificates as evidence to amend or to update the date of manufacture. Kim Allen/David Davies.

Letters continued on page 23. Ed...

21 Grahame Joseph Mogspares coordinator 01798 831340 The spares scheme of The Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Ltd. [email protected] New items in stock Buying Mogspares items JAP: Cylinder Barrel Water Connections, Ordering. You order spares from the brass * Water Union Nipples * Inlet appropriate Sales Officers, (see below), who keep Manifold Nuts, rocker box engines * Valve stocks of spares, as listed in most issues of The Bulletin. (In general, items that are not JAP, Caps, OHV engines * Lucas Contact Matchless or Ford are dealt with by the Breakers and Capacitors to fit Mogspares Transmission Sales Officer.) units * Payment When a Sales Officer sends your Matchless : Lucas Contact Breakers and order, he includes an invoice and remittance Capacitors as above * Push Rod Cup Ends * advice. Payment is sent, on receipt of items, with Rocker Box Cover Screws, stainless steel * the remittance advice, or copy of invoice to the Rocker Arm Spindle Bushes * Acralite Mogspares Financial Administrator - not to the Domed Pistons 86. 5 mm , complete with Sales Officer. rings, pins and clips. Payment can be made by: Transmission: Gearbox Spectacle Washers, 1. Cheque payable to "Mogspares" F-Type * F-Type Reverse Gear Pinions * 2. BACS electronic transfer (internet or telephone Rear Sprocket / Brake Drums (Pre 1935). banking) directly into the account stated on the remittance form. Please state your name and the

invoice number so that we can identify Mating of JAP Cylinder Heads and payment. Barrels. Over the years JAP cylinder head 3. Bank Card, by contacting the Administrator by castings have varied in external shape, telephone, email or letter giving card details and particularly around the water transfer ports. the invoice to be paid. Due to bank charges there is In order to cater a 1.5% surcharge should payment be made by UK for the variation debit card, and 5.5% if made by other cards plus and to maximise VAT where applicable. the gasket sealing Administration The Mogspares Co-ordinator area, which in manages the Mogspares system and arranges the many cases is ordering of new spares and ‘may’ be contacted about problems and queries. He does not deal with minimal, sales, or stock spares himself, nor do the Mogspares Mogspares JAP Financial Administrator or Technical Advisors. barrels are deliberately cast Lists of Club spares are shown in previous with a small copies of The Bulletin. Sales Officers will amount of excess advise of availability and any price changes. material around JAP Nov 12, Matchless Sept 12, the ports. See photograph. To achieve a Transmission July 12, Misc May 12, Ford smooth match any excess can easily be May 12. ground or filed away.

JAP sales Andrew Morison, Dolphin House, 01730 890 188 Fax 01730 890 189 and 01730 890199 Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants GU31 5AW [email protected] Matchless sales Roger Orford (T), Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS (Mobile 07969 950015) [email protected] Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017 South Staffordshire WV4 4XX [email protected] Ford sales Dave Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01580 766637 Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6JL [email protected]

22 Letters continued... The FBHVC have many wealthy members Dear John, with big expensive cars like Bentleys who Can someone direct me to the section of the will ensure this legislation will be diluted. proposed change to legislation which would We on the other hand have silly three- make any modification to a historic vehicle wheelers and who will miss them when they illegal? I think the appropriate proposal is:- start to disappear off the roads without new http://ec.europa.eu/transport/doc/ drivers to take over? A thought: a 17 year old roadworthiness-package/com%282012% with a car licence will be able to drive a 29380.pdf This makes vehicles of “Historic Berkeley four-wheeler but not their three- interest” exempt from periodic testing and wheeler! defines these as (Article 3, section7) “vehicle The FBHVC have told me they do not intend of historic interest means any vehicle which to do anything; we are on our own. I would fulfils all the following conditions : (a) It was encourage members to write to anybody they manufactured at least 30 years ago, (b) It is think may have some authority or influence maintained by use of replacement parts to address this issue and try and get the which reproduce the historic components of distinction between a three-wheel car and a the vehicle; (c) It has not sustained any three-wheel motorcycle reinstated - and keep change in the technical characteristics of its writing, or see all we cherish become main components such as engine, brakes, worthless without new enthusiasts coming steering or suspension and (d) It has not been along. changed in its appearance;” It has been shown that a demonstration with This implies to me that, at worst, a modified speeches and banners will have less effect on vehicle may not be considered “Historic” and an MP than letters. A letter is considered to therefore lose its exemption from reflect the point of view of x number of testing. Since I propose to continue to take voters who did not write. The more letters my Mog for a test each year, this would not the more attention they will pay to an issue concern me. The basic directive covering and will think about his/her votes. testing:- http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/ Worried of Woking! LexUriServ.do? Trevor Seymour uri=CONSLEG:2009L0040:20100728:EN:P DF Editors note. includes numerous references prohibiting There is a draft letter on page (45) to your “Inappropriate repair or modification” to local Member of Parliament, the Prime various systems of vehicles to be tested but Minister, and Sec of State for Transport, nothing specific to Historic vehicles. The Patrick McLoughlin. Please feel free to use it definition of “inappropriate” is:- to prepare your own version and write to “Inappropriate repair or modification means these people and try to get common-sense to a repair or modification that adversely affects prevail. A hard old station with the EU I the road safety of the vehicle or has a agree, but we cannot just sit back and do negative effect on the environment.” So, nothing, and it will only cost three stamps. even if this were applied to our vehicles, Members in the EU can use it to prepare a sensible safety modifications would not be letter to their own representatives. precluded. Members in France can say Non. Dave Anscombe. Members in the USA can thank George Washington. Dear John. Members in the rest of the world can remain I am more concerned about the licence smug. changes than the bit about modified parts.

23 Dear John Very interesting cover photo and article re, an early Morgan with a Cornish registration AF 2622 in Novembers Bulletin. I came across a photo in the Cornish Studies Library in Redruth of an even earlier example No. AF 1424, which in the light of November’s Bulletin may be of in- terest to members. The Library has no information regarding this photo. Perhaps there was an early Far Far SW group! Regards David Blight. Love the HFS hat. Ed...

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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 die-castings £52 pair; lamps to suit £34. Dash parts red and black sockets £21.50. Our replica horn-push for Super Sports etc £32.Small chrome horn-push £8. Big black Lucas horn-push 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; lock-tabs 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 back-plates and 3-speed with dished back-plates, £ 50.00 pair. Stainless bonnet knobs and escutcheons for F-type, circle type with screws and nuts £55.00 set.

All prices plus post and VAT.

24 Floggery For Sale: :Sad sale by family of Watts, 12 Fraser Close, Chelmsford, Essex uncompleted project due to bereavement. CM2 0TD. Last year at £5 post free UK. 1933/35(?) Morgan Sports Family. Much Abroad £7 or €9 No cards. work done, to a high standard including powder coating where appropriate. Chassis re -tubed. Wheels rebuilt with tyres and tubes. For Sale: Anzani big ends. New, Complete. Almost at the rolling chassis stage. New Successfully run in several Morgans for 4 timber body frame, needs panelling. Engine years. Buyers report a high standard of is a JAP KTW, in pieces, needs some work. materials and machining. A very limited Many spares are included all refurbished. number available owing to cost of materials Only for sale due to the death of the owner, and production. £125 plus postage or can be Club member Kenneth Metcalfe. We would collected. Brian Lofty Member F4295 Tel: like to keep in contact with the purchaser and 01530 416536 email to have a view of the completed project. [email protected] Please contact Glen McQuire on +44(0) 1253 308966 or email Wanted: AOX 418, our 1935 MX4 Super [email protected] full details Sports, is on the road again after a 12 year and pictures will be forwarded to you. We hibernation, but we could really do with a understand that an age-related number could single 18" Magna wheel or hub, a pair of possibly be had with assistance from the cycle wings, a pair of appropriate headlights Club? Assuming this, then if the engine were and a steering wheel. Everything considered! to be replaced with a Matchless a quite a nice Steve F10686 01404 815616 three-wheeler could be completed. [email protected] Alternatively at a modest price the car could be put back on the road albeit with a KTW Wanted: F Super or Super sports. I intend to engine. The car is available for viewing in build a competition car which will require a Lancashire, near Blackpool by arrangement. special chassis and body. I would therefore Price guide £15,000 or nearest offer. like to purchase a car where the body and chassis are not serviceable or missing. If you have anything along these lines please For Sale: Industrial Pfaff Treadle 240 volt contact me. David Poplar F10205 sewing machine available for FREE for [email protected] or collection. Sturdy table base with different 01275855143. foot attachments, needles, bobbin and spools, manual, info. Plus any surplus thread, For Sale: 1934 F4 (F109) PRICE wadding etc. Has made several hoods, REDUCTION! Good running condition replaced seats etc. on our 3 wheelers. Tel. with new sliders, brakes and tyres. Trunnions Liz Bamber 01590 670023 Hampshire re-bushed. 12v electrics and 100E engine. Owned by one family for first 74 years, original invoice, weight ticket and history For Sale: "Hints & Tips with 200 tips for file. Full weather equipment. Not immaculate Morgan three wheeler owners” Is the coil but a genuine and unmolested car. about to fail? Check fuel mixture for free. £14,000 Dave Young Tel 01580 766637 Quick test for flywheel cracks. Much [email protected] improved rear brake might get you killed. Remove rust with your battery charger Joyce Continued overleaf...

25 For Sale: F-type Crosshead Pressing, brand new, never used, undrilled, ex-Morgan Below; Works 1970. De-rusted and hot red oxide MORGAN 3 WHEELER 1909-1952 primed at that time £10.00 plus carriage. A history of all 23 production models and Apply Nev Lear Tel. 01460 240978 e-mail:- engines from the ‘Prototype’ to the last ‘F [email protected] Super’. It is intended as a reference book for the newcomer or expert and includes over 50 Wanted: “Morgan 3 Wheeler – the illustrations. Complete Story” Peter Miller. “Completely Price £8.50 + pp £1. 00 UK, £3.00 EU, £4. Morgan – 3 wheelers 1910 – 1952” Ken 50 RoW (cheque or PayPal Contact: Eric Hill, Good E93A have 100E for exchange or Eadon, 8 Ridgeway Road, Brinsworth, will buy. Norton 16 H engine 1939 – 1946 or Rotherham, S60 5HL. Tel; 01709 379037 w.h.y? Plus: Garage clearance of Triumph or E-mail; [email protected] or Vitesse running gear with V5 – any takers? [email protected] R. Gladstone 01772 315683 Preston

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26 Contacts

Bulletin distribution Advertisements The Bulletin is distributed for the Club by One-off Morgan-related small advertisements Lavenham Press. For queries regarding non in The Floggery are free for members. -arrival of your copy of the magazine, Details should be received by the 5th of the please contact the previous month. Continuous free ads at the discretion of the editor. Membership Secretary, To submit an advert please contact: Details below. Doug Forbes 2 Woods Batch Or Street, Somerset BA16 OBH Tel: 01458 841418 John Chatwin. email [email protected] Editor, details below Requests for commercial advertisements or Bulletin enclosures should be discussed with the Editor. Subscriptions and membership records New membership forms, subscription renewals, and notification of changes of address should be sent to the Membership Secretary Eric Bayley, 8 Manewas Way, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3AH. Tel: 01637 872618 E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial material Group Reports Material submitted for publication Group officers should submit their reports should reach the Editor before the 10th and dates of events and meetings, BEFORE day of the month preceding the date of the 10th day of the month preceding the issue, except when earlier delivery has date of issue, to the Assistant Editor with been stipulated in a notice or by contact. a copy to the Editor John Chatwin Doug Forbes Oakwood Lodge, Youngwoods Way, 2 Woods Batch Alverstone Garden Village, Street, SOMERSET BA16 OBH Sandown I.O.W. PO36 0HE Tel: 01458 841418 T: 01983 400681 or 07702604120 email: email: [email protected] [email protected]

Website Officer Back issues and the Index Website enquiries Steve Uprichard Back issues of the Bulletin up to the year 2010 5 Hall Drive can be read on the CDs advertised in Regalia. Nev Lear‘s Index of Mottram-in-Longendale, Hyde Bulletin articles is also included . Cheshire, SK14 6LH Back copies of individual issues can be +44 (0)1457 762682 purchased from the Membership Secretary, [email protected] plus postage at cost. 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. 27 Officers of the Club

President Alan Lazenbury Vice-Presidents John and 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] Membership Secretary Eric Bayley ) Bulletin Editor John Chatwin ) See page 27 for details. Website Officer Steve Uprichard ) Eligibility Scrutineer Charles Reynolds, Ridgehill Foot, Judy Lane, Sutton, SK11 0LT 01260 252780

Competition Sec Pete Clews, 141 Stallington Road, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent 01782 396762 Staffs ST11 9PB 07759 983993 [email protected] Registrar Steve Lister, West End farm, West End, Elton, Matlock, 01629 650 933 Derbys, DE4 2BZ e-mail; [email protected] Librarian Peter Thompson, Snapdragons, Gold Hill North, 01895 236 246 Chalfont St Peter, Bucks SL9 9DS [email protected] Regalia Secretary John Barker, 83 County Park Avenue, Halesowen, 0121 501 2042 West Midlands B62 8SX [email protected] 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 [email protected] Mogspares Financial Len Critchlow, Grange Wharf, Grange Lane, Alvechurch 0121 445 3199 Administrator Birmingham, West Midlands, B48 7DQ [email protected] JAP sales Andrew Morison, Dolphin House, 01730 890188 & 890199 Fax 01730 890 189 Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants GU31 5AW [email protected] Matchless sales Roger Orford (T), Nethergreen Farm, Ridgeway Cross, Tel/fax 01886 880 387 Malvern, Worcs WR13 5JS (Mobile 07969 950015) [email protected] Transmission sales Bob Derricott, The Laurels, Langley Road, Lower Penn, 01902 762 017 South Staffordshire WV4 4XX [email protected] Ford sales Dave Young, The Garden Cottage, West Cross, 01580 766637 Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JL [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] ACU Representative John Blower, 195 Star and Garter Road, Stoke on Trent, 01782 311 201 Staffs ST3 7HJ Overseas Liason; Bruce Campbell, 7 Bishops Close, Seaford, E Sussex, 01323 895512 BN25 2NW. [email protected]

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.

28 Group Organisers

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: [email protected] E Midlands Malcolm Bull (T), 53 MacDonald Road, Wyken, 02476 444 282 Coventry CV2 5FE email: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Scandinavia Lennart Nilsson, Baldersvagen 1,SE-392 47 Kalmar,+46 (0) 480 492933 Sweden mob +46 (0)708 937603 email: [email protected]. South Coast Michael Joseph, Woodlands Farm Cottage, Adversane, 01403 783485 Billingshurst, W Sussex RH14 9JG email: [email protected] South East Dennis Plater, 5 Wakelin Chase, Ingatestone, Essex, 01277 352 867 (contact) CM4 9HH South West Tony Quinn, 3 Chard Close, Nailsea, Bristol BS48 4QA 01275 854789 e-mail: [email protected] USA Duncan Charlton. 1121 Lower Elgin Rd, Elgin, Texas. 512 965 7583 USA 78621 e-mail: [email protected] W Midlands Dave Anscombe, 80 High Park Avenue, Wollaston, 01384 372 307 Stourbridge DY8 3NA email: [email protected]

YND Dave Hodgson, 74 Union Road, Low Moor, Bradford 01274 674381 West Yorkshire, BD12 0DF email: [email protected]

Sub-Groups

Lancs Deryck Wright, Hawthorns Caravan Park, Nether Kellet, and 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 Eric Bayley, 8 Manewas Way, Newquay, Cornwall, Tel. 01637 872618 TR7 3AH e-mail; [email protected] Scotland Dan Smith, 26a Quality Street, Edinburgh, 0131 312 8330 EH4 5BS 07713099010

29 Group Reports New Years Day Brooklands Museum vintage BROOKLANDS day Only my Sports Family graced the car park this February Group Christmas dinner - date to be month. We had a fun meeting despite the lack of fixed three-wheelers. Jean Walpole and son Laurence came to the meeting. Laurence has decided to take EAST ANGLIA over his late Dad Eric’s F type. Although Laurence If you read no further – make a note of the wheel Morgans I’m not sure that forthcoming Soup Kitchen at our house – 12 has driven four- th he has driven the F type. It has not been on the midday on the 5 December. To those I haven’t road for a few years and Laurence is slowly getting already spoken to, give me a call (or email) and let to grips with re-commissioning it. me know if you are coming. There will be a free More news on Project Cars: Robert Carter has raffle for the chance to be EA GO over the coming officially acquired his Matchless MX powered year – what a prize! That’s the sensible Morgan Sports two seater. It has also been off the information written up now for the rest of it. road for some time and partly dismantled. A close Still here in the UK and back in harness (last look at the photographs reveals it to be a complete year’s gift idea), trying to ignore the fact that car and in fair condition. Robert is checking it over Christmas is just around the corner with it’s usual one corner at a time. He brought along the Morris festive embargo on dirty overalls, shed and garage Eight front brake back plates already painted. With visits plus endless present lists for grandchildren all the help and advice available within the Group I and so on. Although on a less grumpy and more think the assembly and any remedial work will be positive note, the internet has largely obviated the straightforward. need for me to be hauled around the shops for Peter Elgar’s new project car is well underway presents looking utterly miserable and moaning with all the engine and transmission nearing about crowds, price of car parks and self-service completion. Gary Caroline is making progress with coffee. his project and is in the middle of an interesting Returning to grumpiness for a further minute or engine build. two – did I ever leave it. I’ve just successfully December is the Club Night Trial. It appears to demolished my horribly expensive French car’s be well organised and I look forward to competing Made-in-Australia, electrically powered, in my first Night Trial. Are you allowed to use a temperature sensor, super advanced plastic heated Sat-Nav? door mirror on a silly post in the Asda car park. The Brooklands Group Christmas dinner will be However, even this has had a positive slant. After during February but the date is yet to be fixed, totally dismantling it with a view to effecting a however by popular insistence it will be at the brick s…t-house repair I ultimately resorted to a North London Rifle Club at Bisley. There is trip down Memory Lane, ie a local greasy breakers overnight accommodation and it is OK to park yard, complete with grubby office, equally grubby Morgans overnight, plus a jolly good breakfast owner and a vicious looking Staffordshire bull meet for all those who do stay. More information terrier (very friendly) and “cash is it mate, don’t next month. work for IR or VAT? Let’s call it £30, OK”. All New Years day – there are a number of vintage done and dusted, some things never change. car meetings at various pubs. But I think the best With cold weather and dark evenings upon us is New Years Day at Brooklands Museum. It is with a vengeance, thoughts are needed on how to popular with Morgan types and there are always maximise MTW use during daylight hours. To this lots of vintage vehicles to add to the Museum end a Sunday lunch meet was arranged a few miles attractions. You can get warm, get a drink and west of Norwich at the Royal Oak at Bintree. good lunch without the struggle at the Pubs. See Although open to all, it was a late idea and only you there. publicised by word-of-mouth and over the ‘phone. Have a good Christmas and New Year. My New However, I am sure everyone from the local area Years resolution – No more Space Travel. and further away near Lynn who came, would Trevor Seymour agree it was a success. To name names - Tim & Future events: Sue, Malc & Beryl, Pete & Chris (2 speeder Next meeting December 4th at the New Inn Aeros), Maurice & Eileen (5 speeder), Colin & Send, Surrey Ann (‘proper’ multispeed Aero) and our MX4 all turned up at the trough.

30 Cautionary tale for new 5 speeder owners – if Woolpit welcomed just two three-wheelers in Colin had to push-start his ‘old ex works’ Aero to chilly November, Brian’s trusty F4 joined by a 5- get it going, think what problems you may have Speeder called FD 11 MOG. Brian erected his lurking over the horizon in a few years time with hood against the rain, having lent his tonneau no starting handle to fall back on (essential extra). cover to this 2012 machine which has NO weather Thankfully after the meal the big Aero fired up ok, gear! Yes, Frank David had brought his handsome otherwise not being an approved MTWC mode of new dark blue trike to show us. Although all new, transport we would have felt duty bound to and of modern technology, who could fail to abandon him or risk being reported for recognise it as belonging to the same genus of inappropriate behaviour. You’d better get your 3 machines that we all love and cherish. So lets set speed Aero running soon Colin as your modern aside differences about what’s eligible and what Aero dispensation maybe withdrawn. In isn’t in our Club. We all enjoy the same fun, that mitigation, the purchase of a new body is a big of driving a Morgan three-wheeler, be it an F-Type step forward, but we really need to see it. or a Two - or Three - or Five -Speeder. The only major embarrassment on the day was Eight of us enjoyed lunch, winter fodder back the question of which couple hadn’t put their on the menu including French onion soup with money in the pot to pay the bill. Looking round the toast slices thickly spread with melted cheese. assembled mass, hopefully not too accusingly, I Scrumptious! John Foster reminded us about found the culprit sitting next to me. Needless to visiting Woolpit Museum, and general opinion say she was sent to bed hungry that night. He-who- favoured warmer weather, the afternoon following does-no-wrong hadn’t any cash left and obviously lunch on Tuesday 2 May being suggested. John ate relied on back-up - on this occasion failing early and, with a twinkle in his eye, hastened away dismally. Nonetheless I think we all agreed that the to the dentist who "is a girl in Ipswich, and as she Sunday lunch worked and all the Morgans came treats me I have to look into her eyes". Simon and out. Therefore I would like to repeat it at different Sylvia Rayfield invited us all to their "Soup locations around the region to give everyone the Kitchen" on Wednesday 5 December, the day chance to get their MTW out during daylight following our Christmas meeting. A tip from hours. Simon – Paravani at Attleborough skilfully sculpts So… suggestions please for dates and good pub exhaust pipework. As we left we sent via Brian our lunch venues in the West and South of our region. good wishes to Daphne, who is suffering more ill In addition, another plan to increase Morgan usage effects from the arm she broke at Prescott. during GMT is to change the Stow Bardolph Our December meeting will be on Tuesday 4th evening meet in the New Year to a midday one. as normal, but the New Year meeting will be on Primarily as most of us are now retarded/retired I Tuesday 8th January, as no food will be available think it would encourage more daytime MTW use, on New Year’s Day. and combined with the option for the occasional "Raedwald" Sunday outing workers would also be Tue 4th December, then Tue 8th January, The accommodated. Bull, Woolpit 12 noon Finally, we both managed a trip to Woolpit in November to enjoy a pensioner’s lunch with the EAST MIDLANDS regulars. On arrival there appeared to be quite a Last month saw a photo of me, with my Sports full turnout of three-wheelers unfortunately mostly family, at the start of the Coventry Motoring of the Zimmer frame variety. However, both Brian Festival run in several magazines. I find this most Finch and Martin Brown arrived in three-wheelers interesting, as the photographer said he was from a - F4 and a friend’s 5 speeder respectively to magazine that it was not used in, but it appeared in maintain Club credibility. I’ll leave Raedwald to several others! The wonders of the press, fill in the details – I am not even sure if he or she our wonderful editors excepted was there – in fact, who the hell is it? The Group meeting was well attended; later I Simon (the recently returned one) found out why. Martyn Baylis had told Paul Baker 04/12 The Bull, Woolpit 12 noon that the meeting was the 20th anniversary of my 05/12 Soup Kitchen, Reepham, 12 noon taking over as GO from Geoff Higgleton, so he 18/12 Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph 8 pm arranged a cake, made to look like my van. Many thanks to all who were involved in this, as it was a EAST ANGLIA – WOOLPIT great surprise that was very much appreciated.

31 After the sweet cake, the beer did not taste the along (still looking for a Morgan) together with same!! John Layte, John reported he had set up a new People that knew Geoff, will know how he website for Cornish members, worked, doing a lot by delegation, and I started www.mtwc.farfarsouthwest.co.uk containing doing the group reports some time before taking details of our Morgan's with photographs etc over as GO!! together with other interesting topics to come. One Paul had the menus for the Christmas dinner, item of interest from John was the Stirling Moss and more orders were taken, if you have Morgan John had owned many years ago, he sold not booked, and paid by now, please do so in the it back in1963 to Steve Hobb in the USA still the next few days, we have more none members present owner. asking to join us, so we must be getting some thing Now I have taken over the job of membership right. sec I had a couple of visits from Brian Clutterbuck Several group member attended the Restoration and Liz, they delivered to rest of the membership Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, I had one of my records and paperwork etc, while Liz gave none Morgan projects there, which was found in computer tuition for membership lists etc, certainly a Welsh pond, this created a bit of amusement, and a lot more complicated than the old days, hope I’m interest. Charles Smith was back from his work up to the job If there are any errors on my part trip to Canada, and was looking for detail parts for please bear with me until I come up to speed. his Morgan, while Andrew Ball and Ted Williams Membership renewals are starting to arrive, many found things for their other projects. thanks for the kind messages of support . Next Meeting THE Christmas Dinner Wed Eric Bayley. 19th December, time to be confirmed by Paul. 11Dec VSCC Christmas Buffet 7.00pm All MALCOLM BULL Morgan owners welcome

FAR FAR SOUTH WEST FSW Only one October event this month, the VSCC In October, the good news for FSW was that the drive it run from the London Inn to St Brewards roll-call again revealed a bakers' dozen of the for lunch. Dick Sainbury and myself in Morgans, brave and Brian Galbraith in his J2 MG and John Layte in his beautiful for our mutual delight. Bob and Ron Aero Minx, the rest in a variety of classic cars. Clements were brandishing some deranged JAP Weather was a mixture of rain and sun, driving cam-wheels, sans a full set of teeth, plus rapidly down those narrow farm roads with lots of wet wearing cam profiles. How tiresome! By chance, stuff in the centre made is difficult for the that very afternoon, I had been excavating in the Morgans, slipping and sliding as we progressed. workshop for some tools, when I discovered a pair All went well until we came to to the narrow of reclaimable Matchless s/s con. rods. I passed Hustyn Hill ( part of the Lands End trial section ), them on to Bob C. for the benefit of Ted French with Dick at the head with rest of us following we who has suffered some expensive nastiness on his attempted the climb, but, his Morgan began to engine. I hope that they will be usable after overheat half way up, with such a narrow road we refurbishment. The Supreme Soviet had all had to reverse down the hill to try again. At the preliminary thoughts for next year's Sunday jollies. bottom my F2 refused to start, ( failed coil) There were also suggestions for a lunch meeting in and had to be abandoned, to be collected after the Jan/Feb. to christen the New Year, after the run. I hitched a ride in the back of an Alvis taking traditional "Christmas" no longer attracts Xmas the easier route by-passing the hill. We all finally prices: Why did we never think of that before? No arrived at the Old Inn, St Brewards, the food was doubt, more discussions are required. excellent, a very popular pub for many Cornish John T." residence, we shall come again. Finally, many Next huntsmans meeting November 20th, AND, thanks to Brian G for collecting my " dead" Dec.18th. Morgan, then to tow me all the way back to Newquay, a good friend to have when you have as NORTH WEST spot of trouble. It does seem that a combination of the E.U. and Our monthly meeting at the Fox and Hounds our Ministry of Transport have truly cocked up the was a bit thin on the ground, (Ken Burton forgot rules about driving a three-wheeler. Our tricycles the date again) however, Lloyd Watson came seem to be trapped in a category created for those

32 three-wheeled motorcycle type things. The (Unfortunately it was too late to include the change wording of INF45/3 (download it from of venue in the November Bulletin). www.direct.gov.uk/newlicencerules) even seems For safety's sake, I suggest we have our New to imply that one cannot take a test in a three- Year's Eve meeting (lunchtime, Monday 31st wheeler unless one is physically disabled! December) at the Waggon and Horses, until it is Furthermore there seems to be a move by the E.U. clear what is happening to the Star. The pub does to “outlaw modifications and the use of non- good food, has a large car park and is on the A415 original parts in historic vehicles”. So it’s back to 6 about two miles to the east of Abingdon. volts and string brakes, chaps. You, yes you, must There is no official New Year's Day meeting of write to your M.P. Now. the Oxfordshire branch of the VSCC this year, but Those of us who are over 24 and have a Morgan if anyone knows of any other local events taking must wonder why we are preserving them let alone place on New Year's day, please let me know and I going to the trouble of restoration. Talking of will spread the word. which, Ken Dovaston brought his own highly Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year engineered version of a 2-speeder silencer to our Bob Cragg last meeting. A true work of engineering art Future Events although we wonder if he will have to upgrade Monday 31st December, The Waggon and from his side-valve JAP if he is going to haul a Horses, Culham, noon. pair of those around. Trevor Gill has successfully steam bent a very robust ash hoop for the rear of SCANDANAVIAN the C-type he is restoring. Tim Green, having re- It is a dark and quiet up here and Penny is asleep housed his spark plug business now has the space in the workshop. One of the Swedish three- to tackle his Super-Sports and has an entire engine wheelers has changed owner though. It is the Aero in soak, while we hear that Bob Haynes has 1931, which our racing driver Picko Troberg has embarked on a restoration of his long stored Aero. become to old to drive. It stays in Sweden as a My own S-S job is progressing very slowly. classic car enthusiast in Sollebrunn has bought it. Interestingly, each of us also has a current fully He used to run a petrol station which he closed running S/S as well, lucky us. some years ago. He then made it into a nostalgic On the sporting side, it seems that the our Group petrol station and museum. He has a small will be having a Group meeting at Montlhery next selection of cars and is known to be using them April with no less than eight of us having been actively. It will surely be a nice place to visit. accepted for the event. Needless to say, it will be I have had little time to use mine as we have most of “the usual suspects”. been away a lot helping our daughter moving Last orders please. Time is running out to sign house and looking for one closer to them. I have up for the Christmas lunch on 12 December. We also been to the AGM of MHRF, our FBHVC. have been promised a private room and numbers There are some worrying signals, both domestic are building. and on the EU level, but fortunately the MHRF Please phone or e-mail me. people work very hard to make the rules Mike Guess reasonable. But there seems to be less 12 December, Christmas Lunch at The understanding of the technical history today, Smoker, A556, Plumley, WA16 0TY perhaps also culture in general. Money rules and 28 December, Friday, evening meet at The the environmental groups fight the small and easy Whipping Stocks, Over Peover targets even if our impact is negligible. So far the MHRF has managed well and I hope OXFORD SUB GROUP for the future. Perhaps we may even get some 3-W The day before our October meeting, I heard racing in Sweden next year. Lars Hågeman has from Tony Tebby that the Star Inn was closed invited some of our racing friends in England and pending a change of landlord, so had to ring round we hope for a positive answer. and tell members that we would meet at my local, The venue for our Viking Run is not finally the Waggon and Horses in Culham. I apologise if decided yet, but when you read this probably is. anybody had a wasted journey to the Star. We Please contact me if you want further information don't know yet how long it will be closed, so it was sooner than the next Bulletin. The Opening Run is mutually agreed that we would also meet at the not decided either. I hope someone else than Lars Waggon and Horses again at the end of November. H. can take care of it down in Skåne. Time is the

33 end of April. December is of course, our traditional Scalextric Next year there will also be a group of Swedes Grand Prix Meeting at the Six Bells. This event is to the German Opening Run. unique to the SCG and is your chance to race a Strange to think of now, but Ingvor and I want Morgan three-wheeler. The cars are all old and wish you all A Merry Christmas and a Happy being traditional, we do not allow any with five New Year. speed gearboxes. If you are in the area at the time, Lennart or come from a neighbouring Group, you will be most welcome to join in the fun. Feel free to bring SCOTLAND and NE family and friends. I have already invited the A short one this month, as there has not been world champion, Sir Bastian Metal. much going on and I have been away down south Michael Joseph in England. Please let me know of any Morgan activity in your Sat/Sun 1st/2nd Dec MTWC Night Trial, from area to include in the next report – even if it is just Rackham RH20 2EU 6pm shuffling to the workshop to see if it is still there. Wed 19th Dec Scalextric GP, The Six Bells, Thanks to Kim Allen for his Ford Distributor Chiddingly. (Early start) from 7pm article in the November Bulletin, by-the-way – a welcome break from the continuing angst over EU SOUTH EAST bureaucracy! Club night in November we were treated to a There will be a meeting of the local members in film show on, guess what, yes Morgans. It was Edinburgh this month, to do a bit of planning for something of a team effort with Chris Booth next season (admit it has been a bit haphazard so supplying the film, Chris's son in law, far) so if you have suggestions of your own, please Nick supplying and operating the projector and contact me. See also the Dear John section Dennis Plater brought the screen. The 22 people in regarding issues that could affect the use of your attendance were grateful for the show and we treasure. thank those who made the event possible. Dan John Head rang to say that his F type has been sold to a family in Australia and will be exported as soon as the paper-work is arranged. John's lathe SOUTH COAST (ex Clarrie Coombes) goes to Dave Fripp, and Here on the South Coast we have been busy John's first ever motor cycle, namely the 250cc devising navigation questions and tests for the Royal Enfield has been sold to Pete Jones. forthcoming Night Trial . . . e.g. Do you leave a On the 22nd October a group comprising of red buoy to port or starboard when leaving the harbour? … that sort of thing… Anyway, the John Lee, Eddie Carter, Dennis Plater and me were invited to the home of the late Terry Bishop to tides look favourable, the RNLI have been meet his sons Mark and Paul. Before Terry's informed and the closeness of the date is beginning untimely death he had been renovating a Matchless to sink in. Because of all the extra workload our -engined beetle-back three-wheeler. The boys have annual Holly Run has been incorporated into the decided it was time to finish off what dad had Night Trial. It is hoped that some Group members started and they were seeking advice from us to will bring their Morgans to the start. setting up cable brakes amongst other things. The South Coast Supporters Club was down at Names and telephone numbers were exchanged for Goodwood for the VSCC Sprint to watch the parts and services that were needed. Colin Morgan racers. Stuart Tallack, Bruce Campbell Wilson's name came up two or three times as a and Sam Savage all took their cars. local source, but they will have to be quick as Congratulations to Gary Caroline for winning his Colin tells me he is shortening his working week. class and taking fourth fastest time of day. Two Thanks to Mrs Bishop for the tea and fruit cake, as weeks earlier Sam was in the pits (Chalk Pits) at 'Arnie' would say 'we'll be back'. Amberley Working Museum with his Aero, our A word of advice to all members travelling sole three-wheeled representative. I must talk to through the tunnel or over the bridge at the the management to see if we can go back to the Thames crossing, known as the Dartford days when we could flood the entrance with at crossing. DO NOT PAY THE TOLL CHARGE. It least a dozen cars. is free for three-wheelers as we are classed as Christmas always comes early for our Group as motor cycle and sidecar. Tell the attendant firmly

34 of this. If you offer the £2.00 fee they will take members in the northeast USA (even though as I your money. I went across four times the other day write this there's a fresh 6" of snow in some areas and saved £8.00. that are still without power). I've heard from Marc My friend and contemporary Colin Tatlow Wunderman, Jim Nichol, Goby Gobalian, Ron complained that I have not mentioned him in any Garner, and Chris Towner and it sounds like they of my reports throughout the year; I do so now. did OK for the most part. I'm still waiting to hear Colin has two very nice concours standard three- from some who were in the path of the storm. The wheelers, a barrel-back and a Grand-Prix. I big storm has delayed part II of the Gunn Morgan believe Colin may be about to offer to sell me the story! Grand Prix for a very reasonable price - I hope I do Rick Frazee is hosting a gathering of three- not die first. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL wheelers in Winter Park, Florida as this is being MEMBERS EDDIE GIBBARD submitted for publication. Hopefully next month I Sat 1st Dec, Swan, Horndon on the Hill. can post a report and photos from the eleventh Christmas celebration. annual Winter Park Concours d' Elegance. More on the central north American Morgan SOUTH WEST three-wheeler gathering in 2013: the exact dates Our meeting on 13 October (gosh, that seems a cannot be set until airport authorities make a long time ago) at the Huntsman, Falfield was very decision (the racing will take place on airport well supported. We’ll be back there is January, grounds, necessitating shutting down all flights in possibly for a belated Festive Lunch? In December or out), but if recent history is a guide we can we’ll try a Saturday lunchtime meeting near expect the event to occur in the third week of Honiton, see below, to give an opportunity to September, with most of the event occurring on members living in the southern area of the group. weekdays. We know of 8 or 9 three-wheeler racers In the meantime Dick Fripp, with Pete who will attend, along with at least two coming Loveless’s help, has repaired a radiator tube where from the UK. I hope we can get at least ten other a carb control cable had rubbed a hole. A few of us owners to bring their cars, even if they don't wish recently visited Ray Loadman who is making to put it on the track. There will be a non-racing excellent progress with his M type Super Aero. session that allow those whose cars do not meet This is an interesting car that had been fitted with a racing safety requirements (or road registration 3-speed box prior to being acquired by Ray many requirements) to have a few laps around the race years ago. The quality of Ray’s work is superb and course together. As soon as I know more detail, I it will be great to see it running. will post an announcement in the Bulletin and send Tony Quinn out an official announcement to all members (and Saturday 8 December – lunchtime – The Hare also to all known Morgan three-wheeler owners in and Hounds, Putts Corner, Sidbury, Devon north America who are not Club members). EX10 0QQ, see http://www.hareandhounds- Duncan Charlton devon.co.uk/index.htm Please park in the Ottery St Mary junction car park, not the main WEST MIDLANDS frontage one. Our President and ex long-serving Chairman, Alan Tuesday 1 January 2013 – New Year’s Day Lazenbury, reached a milestone anniversary in lunchtime meeting at The Strode Arms, October. Along with family, friends and Worcester Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet, see http:// Caledonians, a number of MTWC members from www.wadworth.co.uk/shepton_mallet/ all over the country were privileged to join Alan strode_arms/ and Sheena in Droitwich to take part in the celebrations. After a very pleasant meal an USA appropriate birthday cake was admired (and Don't forget to renew your membership soon! If enjoyed) by all and the club presented Alan with a you would like to renew without mailing a hard suitable container from which to sample his copy to the UK, you'll have to fill out a hard copy favourite tipple. first (you can download it from the club website), Lol Weeks revealed some past experiences with then scan it and email it to the Membership Alan and an interesting use of the word Lazenbury Secretary. as an acronym for Alan’s characteristics. The Hurricane Sandy had widespread effects, but so weather was fine for those who arrived in far I've heard of no serious losses to any of our appropriate three-wheeled transport (two of which

35 were Alan’s own) and a significant sum was raised Meeting. Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00. in donations to a Worcester cancer charity. We all Sunday, 16th December, Holly Run The hope Alan enjoyed the experience as much as the Island Pool, 10:00 guests and has many more such birthdays in the Wednesday, 19th December, Monthly future. Meeting. The Clent Club 20:00 As announced last month, the Holly Run this year will be held on Sunday, 16th December (details in YND last month’s Bulletin). The start and finish will, as Not much going on at the moment; we had 10 at usual, be at the Cookley Arms (now reverting to its Carbrook Hall for the October meet so numbers previous name of The Island Pool). According to are better than at other venues, but bearing in mind my calculations, this will be the eleventh year we that nearly 30% of the YND membership live have used this venue and I hope the new owners within 15 miles of Carbrook, we should do much show the same hospitality as we have previously better. enjoyed. If we kept to our usual schedule, the I’ve had no other offers of a lunch time meet so December meeting at the Clent Club would fall on I’ll offer last Tuesday in January at my place (29th) Boxing Day so I suggest we meet a week earlier on please phone at least a couple of days before so we Wednesday, 19th December. can cater for the right numbers. Dave Anscombe Dave Wednesday 28th November, Monthly No Reindeer meeting in December as it falls Meeting The Clent Club 20:00 on Christmas Day. Wednesday 12th December, Mid-month Carbrook meeting on the 11th December

Technical tip from Glyn Chambers. corrosion.’ It is recommended for both Regarding Dick Fripp and his concerns about leaded and unleaded fuels and is supposed to carb icing. Not a new problem as it affects reduce engine ‘knock.’ The product contains most twin cylinder engines with long inlet Isopropanol!? I do not actually measure the tracts. This is especially true with modern amount but reckon I add about 50 ml per two fuels. My Morgan and Scott motorcycle gallons. I now use it all year round as I guess seem particularly prone now for at least six it helps with attendant problems associated months of the year. It used to be only when it with ethanol fuels. It certainly reduces the was cold ‘and’ damp. For the last ten years I water content of fuel, but when the 10% have used Fuchs Silkolene ‘Pro-fast’ as an ethanol arrives I can only live in hope and additive to preserve the systems during the likewise hope that it may help others. winter lay-ups. I use both vehicles for Ed’s note. Wynns make ‘Dry Fuel’ which Boxing and New Years Day runs, and icing also reduces water and condensation in fuel. seems not to be an issue now. The info on the I use it in the petrol fired heater in my containers state, ‘Fuel treatment for Berlingo Electrique, which stops the pump motorcycle engines. Guards against cold start shuttle sticking during frosty conditions. wear, carburettor icing and fuel system

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36 Brandon Hall, c 1960. Ted Yeend’s F4 in the background. I took this photo of this well used MX4 SS at Jim Baker Brandon Hall Hotel at the AGM circa 1960, All we have in the Registry on TPH 832 is It appeared at every AGM for many years that it was owned in 1956 by a D. Shaw in and I have no idea who owned it but I the South-West. I’ve checked Pete’s Library haven’t seen this Mog since we stopped listing and it refers to the Nov 1990 Bulletin going to Brandon. Does it still exist? page 4. There a letter from Stuart Tallack Obviously, as with most Mogs were at the asks on behalf of a prior owner (Charles time, it appeared to be in everyday use. Thomas) of the whereabouts of TPH 832. Painted, including the radiator a deep red/ Steve Lister. Hon Registrar. maroon. To my mind, a very proper Morgan. I remember this one! Ed...

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 & brush; £10. each incl p&p anywhere. JAP D shaped bevel-gear covers £25. incl p&p anywhere JAP half-round bevel-gear covers for late KT series engines with mechanical oil pumps: £25. incl p&p anywhere. (must be finish-bored in timing cover ) 50°/60° JAP engine plate sets £40. plus p&p £8. UK, £32 Europe. If you are not entirely satisfied with goods supplied, please do not hesitate to return them for a refund. David Browne, Gorse farm, Fulletby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LA Tel/fax; 01507 534315

37 An Ethical Issue. Tim Lewis and the components out of stainless steel years ago it Lincolnshire Racer. seemed a difficult material to work with. It blunted tools easily and it was difficult to get a good ‘Well - it’s all bright and shiny but that’s not what surface finish. This has all changed as now there they were like when they were made’ said the are free cutting versions available. Have a look at: Lincolnshire F type Racer. ‘It’s all these stainless http://www.atlassteels.com.au/documents/ steel nuts and bolts.’ ‘Yes but what’s the point of Stainless%20Steel%20Grade%20Composition% nuts and bolts that go rusty.’ I said in defence. 20Chart.pdf ‘Getting rusty, chewed up nuts off bolts is a and you will find that grade 303 and 304. Both are nightmare – take a look at your knuckles for reasonable tensile strength materials and are easy evidence – scarred for life.’ ‘ That’s because to machine. Smiths Metal Centres have a high Morgan owners couldn’t afford spanners so they quality free cutting stainless steel – details are at: had one adjustable’ said the Racer confidently ‘an http://www.smithmetal.com/downloads/ old worn out rusty one no doubt!’ ‘Anyway I hope sigmachips3.pdf you’ve put some anti-seize compound on the Stainless steel is readily available in imperial threads.’ Yep - copper grease.’ Well should we use spanner sized hexagonal, rounds, square and flat stainless steel on our Morgans? There has been a stock from other internet sources such as: significant improvement in metallurgy and http://www.clickmetal.co.uk/Angle-Types/ manufacturing processes since our Morgans were Hexagonal-Bars/Stainless-Steel-Hexagon/p-16-7- made and I’m sure no one would argue that an 37/ engine component made of a high specification However, stocks are available at auto-jumbles. I modern steel is inappropriate. Similarly, many of usually get mine from The Metal Man, a regular at the recently manufactured spares benefit from Newark auto-jumble. He has a vast range of being drawn on a CAD system and machined using stainless steel and other materials and is always CNC equipment. So why not use stainless steel helpful. He supplies hexagon stock in correct nuts and bolts? Most web sites dealing in stainless imperial spanner sizes in 300mm lengths upwards, steel fastenings have two warnings. The first is so it is economical to buy what you need. For about not using stainless steel fasteners in safety those who want to buy ready-made stainless steel critical situations such as suspension parts and the threaded components Stainless Automotive second is the importance of applying anti-seize Fastenings have a vast range including BS Cycle compound to the thread before putting the nut in threads, ideal for your JAP engine. They can be place. This avoids what is referred to as thread found at: galling. Evidently the nuts seize onto the bolts so it http://www.stainlessautomotivefastenings.co.uk/ is back to square one of not being able to undo index.php? nuts, even if a significant investment has been main_page=index&cPath=342&zenid=51eabb92b made in the latest socket set! Evidently this 2b463ccd0437f61a07d757b ‘ disadvantage came to light many years ago when So have I convinced you that stainless steel is a construction workers used power tools to zip the must for the Morgan Three Wheeler owner?’ ‘Not nuts onto bolts. It seems that the chromium content really’ said the Lincolnshire racer.’ ‘Painted nuts of stainless steel forms large protective oxide and bolts is how they were made – and they look crystals on the surface and it is these that protect original – and just think of the cost!.’ ‘Well I the material from corrosion. When the stainless suppose we’d better put the kettle and discuss this steel threads are tightened fully or there is excess over tea’. ‘Is it a stainless steel pot?’ queried the heat in the tightening process these crystals shear Racer. off and lock the thread together. In extreme situations a welding action of the material can take place and undoing the nut and bolt becomes impossible. Hence the lubricating property of the anti-seize compound is used to prevent this happening. Stainless nuts and bolts are available as A2 or A4. A2 is for outside freshwater use and A4 for salt water, but take care as the tensile strength of these materials is not the same as a high tensile steel bolt. When I started making

38 Regalia John Barker

Regalia Literature OP2 – Lubrication Chart. A copy of the LP1 - Anzani Anthology. The illustrated original Castrol lubrication chart for the 2 story of the Anzani engine and its use in speeder. (Useful for 3 speeder owners as Morgan Three-wheelers well). Makes a great garage wall hanging LP2 – Story of the Three-wheeler. Brian OP3 – List of Parts. An A4 version of the Watt’s essential guide to the manufacturing List of parts, prepared by our librarian. details of the three-wheeler. A must have for OP7 – 1937 catalogue. An (unfolded if you dating your pride and joy. (Many want) reprint of the 1937 company catalogue, illustrations) showing all models available at that time. LP3 – Best of Clarrie.. What is there to say (B&W) about this publication. A collection of OP13 – Morgan Three-wheeler Handbook – articles written by the late Clarrie Coombes, Ford Engine Models. Tony Birks definitive describing his activities whilst owning and book of the F-type, full of helpful hints, driving a 3W. It doesn’t tell you exactly how photos, drawings and data. Includes a great to tackle each and every job on a 3W, (it is deal of useful information for 3 speeder not a workshop manual) but it gives you the owners especially on the disassembly and confidence to try. A ‘must’ for all 3W assembly of the gearbox. (soon to be owners. Wouldn’t be without mine! Ed... reprinted) LP4 – F-type Handbook - MMC. A O3 – The Bulletin DVD. Every edition of facsimile reprint of the Morgan Motor the Bulletin for 1944 to the end of 2010, with Company’s original handbook supplied with index, search facilities and some video clips. every F-type sold. Every serious three-wheeler owner should LP5 – Matchless Engine Handbook. A superb small reference book for all Matchless have one. A massive reference source. Below engine models at £20.00. + p&p. LP6 – MMC Three-wheeler Instruction Below left, whisky tumblers at £28-£34 + Book. A facsimile reprint of the Morgan p&p depending upon engraved text. Motor Company’s original handbook John supplied with all ‘twin’ engined three - Regalia; John Barker, 83 County Park Ave, wheelers sold. Halesowen, West Mids, B62 8SX 0121 501 LP7 – Book of The Morgan . A very useful illustrated general guide to owning and 2042 [email protected] driving a Morgan three-wheeler

39 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 and packing. Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 3BZ Tel. 01244 532 714 [email protected]

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: [email protected] Botwood Farm, Ditton Priors Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV16 6SW

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4241 HE 59 - Sporting Model - 100 years old Yorkshire, he was flagged down by a Mr in 2012 Michael Forlong who had missed bidding for This is believed to be the 2nd oldest the car at the auction. A deal was done at the surviving Morgan and the oldest “Sporting” roadside, and Mr Forlong became HE59’s 4th model; it is unique in retaining the gear- owner. change lever at the end of the gear-change Mike Forlong had the Morgan rod passing through the tube holding the rear sympathetically restored and repainted in forks to the bevel box.. what was believed to be its original shade of HE 59 is thought to have been built in late blue by Chris Booth who discovered that the 1912. It is of the specification shown at the warm dry environment at the blacksmith’s 1912 Motor Cycle Show and differs from premises had preserved the car very well. It cars shown at the 1913 Show by having the had all it’s original bodywork and mudguards smaller diameter chassis tubes, the rounded in an amazing state of preservation; even the scuttle, the shape of the bonnet front, the original interior had survived intact. outside gear change and the design of the In late 1981 Kelvin Lee bought the car, but steering arms. Other features which are disaster struck in the summer of 1982 while probably later than 1912 are the partially it was being trailered back from a Vintage enclosed rear wheel, and the twin tool boxes. show. The trailer broke away at The engine is a JAP side-valve air-cooled V- approximately 40 mph and hit the corner of a twin, # 38561, of 885cu. capacity. garden wall, causing what initially looked The car was registered in Barnsley, the HE like very serious damage. Amazingly all the prefix starting in April 1913, but the major parts were found to be salvageable. registration document shows only the date of Roger Orford and Laurie Weeks did all the registration in January 1921 under the Motor repairs needed or had replica parts made. The Car Act of the previous year. It was licensed repairs were completed by the summer of until 1926 when it is presumed to have been 1983 laid up. HE 59 then took part in the 75 Years of HE 59 was then found in a blacksmith’s Morgans celebrations in 1984, and was premises in the early 1960s somewhere in displayed in the Heritage Motor Museum at Yorkshire by a Mr Baxter. He was apparently Syon Park in West London. It was also a Model T Ford enthusiast and discovered present at the VSCC Diamond Jubilee the Morgan while on a mission to unearth a Quorum Cyclecar Gathering at Malvern in Model T whose extraction was being 1994 and at Peter Morgan’s 80th birthday hindered by a small clump of trees. Mr celebrations held at the Abbey Hotel. Great Baxter went to the nearby blacksmith to Malvern in 1999. borrow an axe to cut down the trees, and In 2001 the car was put up for auction but when he returned the axe he noticed the old failed to reach it’s reserve. Three years later Morgan at the back of the premises and the car was sold, without its registration persuaded the blacksmith to sell it to him. He number, to a Morgan enthusiast for his took it away with him on the back of his museum in Norway. The car is now in lorry together with the Model T Ford. Sweden. In the auction catalogue the chassis Before licensing it for the road on 4th July number is stated to be 615, but it has always 1963, Mr Baxter painted the car bright red. It been recorded in the Registry as 209! is thought that he did not use the car very (for more information on the car and its often and after his death in the late 1970s the owners see the article in the Bulletin for Morgan was put up for sale. It failed to sell at January 2011) Dennis Plater. a London auction in 1976, but while Mr Pictures overleaf. Ed... Baxter’s son John was trailing the car back to

42 100 years old this year! HE 59 as described on page 42 Note the gear change as referred to in the article.

43 A Morgan at Shelsley Walsh 99 Years ago; By Robin Rew. Dennis Rushton and Dr.Jake Alderson who together wrote Morgan Sweeps The Board have sent me a lot of information and pictures to help me to gather material for a book on the Morgan JAP Twin engines. Amongst the pictures there was one of a Morgan on the start line at Shelsley Walsh in 1913. This comes from Morgan Motor Co's archives and help from their archivist Martyn Webb and the Shelsley archivist David Moor informs us that this was Harry Morgan's own 90 Bore JAP racer driven on this occasion by regular Morgan competitor Mr. W. D. South. His best time was just over 90 seconds for his ascent of the hill. Of particular interest to me, is that a close look at the front of the engine reveals that there were small bore pipes from each cylinder head to just above the radiator cap, possibly an effort to relieve steam pockets in the water jackets. The 1000 yard hill-climb is extremely steep in places and a stiff pull for one of these machines.

Andy Brown has a similar motor and has sent me several photographs of it. He mentions some such efforts to vent the top of the cylinder head water jackets. Was this a generally used mod ‘or’ has Andy got this same actual engine? Was the modification done to alleviate a problem encountered during practice? A later picture shows Harry and Ruth sitting in the car but by then the pipes had been tidily re-routed into the header tank. This car raced in the Cyclecar GP at Amiens that year but retired after breaking a piston.

44 The Right Hon ……………………. MP. House of Commons, London, Draft letter to MPs as per page 23. SW1A 0AA. Date……………………… Dear sir/madam. I write and humbly request that you familiarise yourself with EU Directive number 200/126/EC. This directive now places three-wheeled cars in the motorcycle classes. Not only that, changes to the governing rules means that all new drivers have to be 24 years of age before they can apply for a licence to drive such ‘motorcycles’ with a motorcycle licence only.

As the owner of pre-war Morgan three-wheeled cars which have two wheels at the front and bear no resemblance whatsoever to ‘any’ type of motorcycle, I feel this directive is not only misplaced but ill-thought out. Our cars have no driving or handling characteristics in common with any motorcycle. Therefore the safety anomaly of passing a motorcycle test and then being entitled to take to the road in a car seems a dangerous precedent.

Not only this, it now means that our junior members, being the prospective custodians of our heritage, are denied the use of these modest performance cars, and yet at seventeen are potentially able to drive any four-wheeled car such as a 120 mph Morgan Aero 8 with impunity.

May I respectfully ask you to have this directive re-visited and perhaps inserting the words, “excluding three-wheeled cars, made by a recognised manufacturer.”

Although Mr Edward Foxell of the DVLA says that this directive was subject to a public consultation and is irreversible, as the foremost three-wheeled car club in the world, the Morgan Three Wheeler Club, we were never consulted nor informed! Why not? Yours sincerely

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45 Sidecar Festival Mallory Park October 28th

Above, Greg & Paula, below Bill & Maggie

46 Bill and Maggie won one race. Whilst Greg and Paula also won one.

Something odd? All will be revealed next month.

47

Parting shot. The festive Editorial members and Mog

Photo by Harriet Chatwin.