MTWC Group Events in Dec to check with GO’s
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Transcript of MTWC Group Events in Dec to check with GO’s
MTWC Group Events in Dec to check with GO’s see contact details p29
Dates for your 2014 diary
1st Jan. West Mids Group, VSCC Meeting at Royal Oak, Much Marcle.
11.00am.
1st Jan. South West Group lunchtime with MSCC & VSCC.
22nd Feb. Brooklands Group Christmas Dinner.
1st –3rd August. Viking Run. Vrådal, Norway.
Details from Lennart Nilson. See page 29.
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Contents. Page; 3 From the Editor 4 Chairman's Steering Column 5 Dutch Run poster 6 Fashion for Mogs 9 5 Speeder, Owners Perspective. 14 Notice Board 15 Competition report
16 Derick Forrest 18 Morgan Factory News 19 Dear John letters 22 Mogspares 24 Ford spares list 30 Group reports 38 Used Parts Exchange 39 Regalia
41 A Christmas Tale 42 Motion Picture Library report 43 Registry Rumblings 44 Floggery 46 Goodwood Sprint Pictures 48 Parting Shot
Cover picture. Jim Nichol’s 1928 Aero “Murphy” playing in the snow last year.
3 Dec East Anglia, Woolpit, Group meeting, The Bull, Woolpit. 8.00pm 5 Dec Brooklands Group meeting, New Inn, Send, Surrey. 7 Dec South East Group meeting, The Swan, Hornden on the Hill. 7 Dec South West Group meeting, lunchtime, Hare & Hounds, Sidbury, Honiton. 8 Dec South Coast Group Holly Run, start The Orchards, West Grinstead 9.00am. 11 Dec North West Group Christmas lunch, The Smoker, A556 Plumley. 12 Dec West Midlands Group meeting, The Fruiterers Arms, Ombersley 8.00pm. 15 Dec West Midlands Group Holly Run, Red Lion, Earlswood, 10.00am. 17 Dec Far South West Group meeting, The Huntsman. 18 Dec East Midlands Group Christmas Dinner. 18 Dec South Coast Group Scalextric GP, Six Bells Chiddingly, 7.30pm. 19 Dec Far Far South West Group meeting, Fox & Hounds, Scurrier. 27 Dec North West Group meeting, The Whipping Stocks, Over Peover, 7.00pm. 28 Dec Oxford Group New Year Do, Gate Inn, Upper Brailes, Banbury. 30 Dec Lancs and Lakes Group lunchtime meeting at Worston.
Did you renew your membership? If not do it now
VOL 68 Dec 2013 No 12
THE BULLETIN T H E M O N T H L Y M A G A Z I N E
O F T H E M O R G A N T H R E E - W H E E L E R C L U B Affiliated to the ACU: non-territorial
C L U B W E B S I T E w w w . m t w c . c o . u k
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This month concludes the articles by Derick Forrest about his early motoring experiences with a Morgan three-wheeler. Many of us will relate to these stories, and perhaps mourn the passing of such times that will never return. I too remember the trepidation that a lot of people had when 4 Star petrol became available. I smiled benevolently for my twin had then been running on 100 octane aviation spirit for some time then, thanks to the sodium cooled valves that our friendly Flight Sergeant had fitted. A similar cause for concern happened when the 10 year MoT test was introduced. I remember struggling with solder to fill rust pits on the chassis tubes under the clutch area, then carefully painting it to disguise. The examiner didn’t even go
there! My father’s Austin 10 Lichfield was
tested and the examiner explained that the footbrake was not powerful enough. ‘Show
me’ said Dad jumping in, clothed in his old
army greatcoat. Unbeknown to the mechanic these coats have a slit by the pocket. Down the lane they went and the lad said ‘hold
tight’ as he applied the brake. Dad
meanwhile was pulling on the handbrake under his coat. ‘Wow’ exclaimed the lad,
‘that’s better’. ‘They need to warm up’ said
Dad sagely as the test was passed. Of course in pre-war days, as shown by the Morgan set up, the handbrake was a service brake and not as today, merely a parking device. The Austin, like many of its contemporary's actually had a better hand brake than the footbrake due to the increased leverage of the longer lever. A couple of years ago I took the 1912 Cadillac for an MoT and in spite of my protestations the new young ‘fitter’ insisted
on testing the front brakes. On his signal I applied the brake,
to no avail of course. He spent many minutes trying to establish why the front brakes did not work before it dawned on him that there were none. On applying the rears with no front brakes, 2 tons of Caddy lurched out of the rollers much to his alarm. We can assume many Mogs will now be undergoing fettling after a busy season. Mick Underwood is approaching his total rebuild like a man possessed. I am amazed that he has got so many aspects of the job underway at the same time. He intends having the Mog on the road within the year, surely something of a record. I wish him well and look forward to seeing another one running about soon. We have a comprehensive article on the 5 speeder this month. Interestingly enough, it centres upon the very thing that many of ‘us’
have been puzzled by, the wishbone front suspension. One cannot help but wonder why, when there were ready made 4/4 sliding pillar assemblies on the shelf, they chose to use a system that many kit-car makers have struggled with in regard to its road-holding qualities in a three-wheeled format. The prospect of a 5 speeder with sliding pillars and an Alex Card JAP up front would certainly get me reaching for the calculator and bank account! I wish all of you the very best for the festive season and the New Year. I hope that we can put the problems of this year behind us and get on with doing what the Club exists for. The enjoyment of our quaint little cars. Or should that now be €urocycles? Oops, there I go again!!! John.
From the Editor.
Hon Chairman : Steering column Michael Joseph
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Seasonal Greetings. It is straight down to business and my work as your new Club Chairman is underway. There are a few loose ends to tidy up but ideally I would like to turn the page and make a fresh start. Inevitably there will be change, and a change of leadership style, but I am enthusiastic and optimistic about our future. The Club faces some real challenges both in the short and longer term. I see my role as setting the tone and being responsible for the big picture. I am neither “the boss”, a CEO, a political
animal with an ego, nor looking for control. I will chair the meetings, facilitate, support and encourage our hard working volunteer Officers and Group Organisers. To do this, I need people to be direct, open and honest. One of my tasks as the Chairman is to build an environment where we can have clear, healthy and unambiguous debate without personal animosity. Criticism needs to be constructive. The Club’s New Year has
already started; let us make it a good one. Every now and again, someone in the Club does something quite exceptional in a Morgan three-wheeler that can make us all feel very proud. Recently I attended the
Vintage Sports Car Club’s Autumn Sprint at
Goodwood. Close rivals and friends, Duncan Wood and Sue Darbyshire were out on this famous track against an impressive entry of cars and drivers. The changeable wet conditions were tricky for all the competitors. Duncan and Sue seemed undeterred by the conditions and were focused on beating each other, the difference between them being only 100ths of a second. On their final runs, when the rain was at its heaviest, Sue blew them all away with FTD – Fastest Time of the Day. Duncan finished a very creditable third overall. Drivers of ERAs, quick Rileys and the like, all came to offer congratulations and wondered how she had managed it. Sue really is an incredibly fast and skilful racing driver. Her performance is also a great tribute to husband George for his engineering expertise together with years of determination and support in preparing their cars. What a team! Congratulations to both of them.
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INVITATION for 7th DUTCH RUN: June 6 – 9, 2014: Dokkum
The runs will be held on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th (Whit Sunday) in Friesland and Groningen. One day we will drive into the province Groningen and the next day we’ll stay
in Friesland. We will travel mostly on small and quiet roads, have coffee and lunch now and then, and off again through rustic small towns and hamlets. Of course we will make stops to walk through a town, to visit a ‘borg’ (stately old house of country nobility), a
hamlet or a mound, see beautiful old waterworks and... We have started our work for the days, but the real programme still has to be made - time enough to make it a beautiful
event again! This part of the North of the Netherlands is flat, with amazing lots of water and not crowded at all. When you stay longer: the cities Leeuwarden or Groningen and
some isles are nearby and nice to visit.
Dokkumer Nieuwe Nieuwe. Hotel De Posthoorn, Dokkumer. The most important thing is arranged: we have found a small hotel within the centre of the small fortified city of Dokkum (14.000 inh.). The hotel has 34 rooms (of which several in
an annexe about 25 metres further down the road). A neighbour is offering us a small parking place, cosy for the three-wheelers, but full is full. Trailers and tow cars have to be parked outside town (distance 350mt - you have to pay; or 450mt – free, opposite an old
peoples home). We stay in Hotel De Posthoorn, Diepswal 21, 9101 LA Dokkum. We have arranged a fixed price for the days and they gave us 20 rooms in option UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2014. Later: ‘on availability’. Bookings must be made DIRECTLY to the
hotel, ONLY by email ([email protected]). Arranged prices for the weekend: €380 for 2 persons and €235 for 1 person. Included are: room, breakfast, dinner/buffet in
the evenings (Fr., Sat. and Sun.) and tax; there are no further charges. An extra night before/after is €85 (for 2 p.) and €65 (for 1 p.) for room and breakfast only.
When you mail the hotel for your reservation: use the code Morgan, give your name, full address and phone numbers (land line + mobile). Note: the hotel can charge for no show.
(see www.khn.nl/uvh-en). PLEASE inform us when you have booked (phone 0031-(0)35 6010797 or mail
[email protected]), so we know what we have to do for further arrangements. We are looking forward to meeting you!!
Janny Hoekstra and Marten Van der Boon
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Kate Moss presents fashion for Morgan Drivers.
I am sure that whenever you take your old Morgan out for a ride you stand in front of your wardrobe and ask yourself ‘what do I wear today?’ Ahem, you don’t? You just dress in your
usual jacket and jeans or wear the latest colourful Gore-Tex gear? Because this is oh so practical? What about the fashion statement you are making? C’mon, you really don’t care?
Shame on you! It’s time to take a look at today’s and yesterday’s fashion market to find
some stylish stuff that suits a three-wheeler driver and his Co.
Matchless fully recognized this market niche and today offers a full set of vintage-style jackets, cardigans, shirts and boots. Didn’t they sell motorbikes and V2-engines a while ago? Well, Kate Moss herself is now presenting the collection on the Internet, so it may be worth having a look at their actual website! Of course you will only search for the picture of the Morgan three-wheeler and the jackets there, not for Kate Moss in tight Matchless-branded leather shorts… Maybe a J.A.P. collection will follow one day?
From the very beginning of motoring it was important to be dressed correctly. When HFS and Ruth went for their honeymoon in all white clothes matching the colour of the car, the main focus was still to stay dry and warm as well as stylish. Burberry sold their ‘Weatherproof Motor Kit’ and you could buy the ‘Aquascutum Royal Motoring Coat’.
Functionality was definitely more important than style, but what could the more fashion-minded lady wear? How about a ‘Wrap Coat in Leopard Skin with a Collar of Wolverine’
from the ‘Specialists in Fur Coats for Motorists’? Ok, not sure that this was sold in
quantities, especially since it’s not very practical when entering a tight three-wheeler. In the ‘30s you could find nice selections of clothing in catalogues like the one from James
Grose of London offering all kinds of coats, breeches, boots and hats suited to every need for all-season motoring. How about the Stormgard coat? Guaranteed waterproof, super quality Gabardine, interlined Stormgard oilskin? A great coat for driving in the wet; in the Morgan you just don’t need to order the tummy pad for ‘wind and rain protection of the
lower part of the body’.
Ok, these days are long gone so let’s have a look at today’s market. Your first choice should
be the Club Regalia shop where you find nice MTWC-branded Jackets, Coats, Sweatshirts…
If this still does not satisfy your fashion needs or if you need some diversity you can still shop at Burberry’s and Barbour or dress yourself in an Irvin flying jacket. That should definitely help you through the coming winter. You do not drive in the cold? Well, maybe you then want to go back to the Matchless website, spend some time there and dream of summer… or Kate. Drive in style!
Martina Kocher. Fashion Adviser for MTWC Member.
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H F S and Ruth
off on their honeymoon.
In white?! motoring gear.
Left is James Grose Ltd’s
politically insensitive advert. The prices show how expensive
good clothing was back when wages were between
£4 & £6 a week.
Two of the names below have survived into the 21st century, which must prove something
about their quality.
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FAIRBOURNE CARRIAGES LTD Traditional coach builders, coach painters & trimmers
Restorers of Morgan Three Wheelers ‘V’ twin engine specialists
Visitors to our workshops in Kent are welcome Call Duncan or Francis Wood on 01622 859502
The Making of a Morgan. I was sent a DVD the other day by Richard Atherton. It is a 25th anniversary edition of a film he made in 1988. It appeared to be the story of how four-wheelers are made. Now those who know me are aware that I have no affinity with these models. I have driven many and owned a few, none of which satisfied my strange psyche in the same way that three-wheelers do. My four-wheelers included the eighth Plus Four +, an abomination that shares first place with my Singer Le-Mans in the cars I enjoyed the least. It was noisy, airless, and the body rattled in an alarming manner. Anyway, being prepared to be bored witless, (I think that’s the expression) I popped the
disc into the TV and got ready to fall asleep. What a surprise, I actually watched every minute of all four programmes on the disc, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. In a nutshell, it shows how they were built back in the eighties, then very cleverly moves into recent times and gives a wonderful insight
into how the factory has embraced modern technology whilst still retaining the essence of pre-war motoring. The new three-wheeler is not forgotten and although only a small amount of time is spent with them, it is at least an acknowledgement in regard to how important they are to the company. I am happy to recommend this DVD to all Morgan owners as a professionally made film that I’m sure will be re-visited on several occasions. Any Club member looking for a bit of discount can obtain a 50% reduction in the £19.99 list price by merely quoting MTWC with their order. A percentage of all profits will be donated to Cancer Research in deference to John Bishop, ‘Basher’ who against the odds
survived throat cancer and returned to work at the factory. This in itself is a story worth hearing. Contact member Richard Atherton on 07734 838722 or order via e-mail on [email protected] John Chatwin, Editor MTWC.
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The 5 speeder: an owner’s
perspective by Paul Jacobs. In 1966, I was in the habit of browsing the
second hand car section of Exchange and
Mart, always on the lookout for a new set of
wheels. I was earning £5 a week, living in a
bedsit in Bath, away from my Taunton home
for the first time. As my rent was £2-10-0d. I
could not afford an expensive car, but luckily
there were lots and lots of cheap ones around
in those days. I used to buy a car for around
£15 - £20 (a month’s salary), with a couple
of months of road tax left, run it for that time
then sell it again in the last week of the
month, before the tax was due, for a small
profit which would then fund my next
purchase. It was the only way I could afford
to run a car in those days.
One day I spotted an advert for a water
cooled Morgan 2 speed three-wheeler, not far
away, in Stroud, so, being between cars at
the time, on Thursday, an afternoon off from
my job selling carpets in the local department
store, Colmers, I hitch-hiked down to have a
look at it. Although it wasn’t exactly
roadworthy, it ran and as far as I could see,
only needed minor tidying, so a deal was
done and £13-2-6d changed hands, with the
promise that it would be delivered to Bath at
the weekend. Luckily, my landlady had a
driveway down the side of the house, where I
could keep it, but outside. However beggars
couldn’t be choosers; an old tarpaulin would
have to do. As we were well into autumn at
this stage, my plan was to work on it over the
winter, having it ready for the spring.
Well the best laid plans can go awry, and
mine was not a particularly good one to start
with, so by the time spring came around, the
three-wheeler was still in its original state
and not fit for the road. So, having run out of
enthusiasm, it was put back into the
Exchange & Mart, and sold for £15.
As time went on, I had many nice and sporty
cars. Having missed a 1936 Climax-engined
4/4 by a few hours, I then spotted an MG TA
Tickford, bought it and went down the MG
route of sports cars with many models,
several TDs, a TF 1500, MGB GT, Midget
etc, finally a lovely 1953 MG TD2, which I
owned from 1968 until I sold it a few years
ago, to a nice man from Bath, as chance
would have it. However, in 1985, I spotted
an advert for a Lotus 7, with a twin cam
engine; it was less than an hour’s drive away
and I’d fancied one since reading a glowing
road test in an early edition of Car magazine,
so I bought it and my life changed forever. I
discovered what driving a sports car was
really about, so much so that in spite of being
an experienced driver by that stage, I decided
I needed more training, and joined RoSPA
Advance Motorists’ Group.
This Lotus 7 started a desire for the
Caterham brand which has culminated in my
having built over 10 Sevens kits, and a 21,
and additionally having owned several
second-hand ones. I sprinted and speed hill-
climbed various models for 10 years, until I
felt my reactions were slowing down too
much, but continue to have one in my garage
to this day for road use.
But my hankering for a three-wheeler had
not gone away. I had perused the kit-car
market, and from time to time, done the sums
with various three-wheeler kits. Obviously
the Triking looked interesting, then there was
the Blackjack Avion, a modern take on the
idea, and a few others beside, but when
Morgan themselves announced that they
would be putting their own take on the
Liberty Ace into production as a drive away
car, that really got my attention. I rang a few
dealers, and found one that had some order
slots available but this would still mean
waiting for over 6 months, better than the 12
months and longer that most were quoting.
Although there wasn’t a demo model
available to drive, as the factory had yet to
make one, I duly placed my deposit, and
trusted good old Morgan to come up with a
car which worked properly, especially as
they were only adapting an existing and
successful design. I went through the colour
choosing process, settling on black paintwork
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and tan interior. Eventually my order slot
came to the top and only a few weeks late my
car was ready for collection from the factory.
Having spoken to the supplying dealer first, I
opted to collect it myself from the factory, on
a trailer, to enjoy the full new car experience.
It also saved me £350 delivery charge, less
my time and fuel of course.
I registered and taxed it locally, not a
difficult job although the lady in the
registration office seemed a bit miffed that I
was not a garage. On getting back home, I
went for my first drive and I can testify that it
was just as much fun as people say. Never
having driven my old 2 speeder, I could not
compare them but it seemed fun to me, with
a 2 litre air cooled V twin up front, a very
smooth shifting Mazda 5 speed box and of
course, rubber belt driven rear wheel drive.
Even after years of Sevens, I was not used to
the attention it got, with little old ladies
stopping to reminisce about their heyday
when they would be taken out by their
boyfriends in such a car, people getting their
camera phones out, even whilst driving,
generally always returning to a small crowd
when parking in the street. The best thing is
that it has always brought a smile to people’s
faces. In the two summers I have owned a 5
speeder, I have yet to suffer any aggression,
quite the opposite. Members who own an old
one or a new, will know exactly what I mean;
there is just something inherently friendly
about them. I still get a kick out of driving it
now and use it for journeys long and short
whenever I can. The poor old Caterham CSR
sitting alongside it in the garage, has not had
many miles under its wheels this year!
Sadly though, all is not rosy in the 5-speeder
camp. From the early days with my new car,
the steering seemed to suffer an inordinate
amount of kickback through the wheel and
one had to slow down when traversing
bumpy sections of road, a problem where I
live in Somerset, as some of my favourite
bits of B road, in the Blackdown Hills, are
bumpy. I could not believe that the car would
be put into production with massive amounts
of bump steer built into the front-end
geometry. Morgan had decided to go away
from the traditional sliding axle that we all
know and love, and come into the 21st
century and try double wishbone and coil-
overs, as per the original Liberty Ace. They
decided to move the steering rack from in
front, to behind the engine which meant that
in practice it was a bit high and the steering
tie rods sloped down to the steering arms on
the uprights. They must have been aware of
what this did to the geometry however,
because they commissioned a company
called Suplex, who had made a very
successful kit to improve the sliding axle 4
wheelers, to design and manufacture a
special shock absorber to mask the
deficiency in the geometry. This mitigated,
but did not completely do away with the
bump steer and kickback through the steering
wheel, also partly exacerbated by the
incorrect angle of the upright, which meant
that the offset also transmitted some
vibration and small movements back to the
steering wheel.
In spite of this, the 5 speeder proved so
successful that Morgan had to ramp up
production and sadly, Suplex were not able
to supply the number of the special shock
absorbers that Morgan would now require.
They then turned to Spax, who did not make
their dampers to the same specification and
the ride height was also lifted slightly,
thereby worsening the bump steer. Owners
started noticing. However some were happy
with the way things were, feeling that as it
was a ‘vintage’ looking car, they did not
mind a vintage ride; some peoples’ cars
appeared not to suffer at all. Whether they
only drove on smooth roads or there was
some other reason their cars really do not
suffer is not known. In the meantime, after
putting up with a marred driving experience,
even in my Suplex damped car, for a year, I
had decided to sell, and order another one in
the hope that the problem would have been
rectified in the year and a half of production.
Sadly my faith in Morgan was further eroded
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because when I took delivery in May this
year, the experience was just as bad and this
time with a noisy bevel box to contend with.
I understand that Morgan are asking owners
to do over a thousand miles before they will
consider changing these bevel boxes, made
by Quaife in fact, under warranty. Mine is
coming up for 1000 miles……..
This is where I decided to take things into
my own hands and approached a local racing
car manufacturer, Empire Racing Cars,
(www.empireracingcars.com), experts in
designing, manufacturing and setting up all
sorts of competition machinery, and asked
for their help. After removing the coil-overs,
and measuring the steering at all states of
deflection they identified two main problems
with the front suspension geometry.
Firstly, the steering rack ball joints were not
in line with the pick-up points of the front
wishbones, so in simple terms the steering tie
rod was describing a different arc to that of
the wishbones, resulting in the front wheels
moving in and out every time a front wheel
went over a bump or into a dip or pothole -
classic bump steer symptoms.
Secondly, they recognised that the kingpin
inclination did not bisect the centre of the
tyre; worse, it actually came down about 2”
away from the inside edge of the tyre, allied
to large 19” wheels, so this offset effectively
caused leverage when the wheel hit a bump,
which transmitted back through the steering
wheel.
They could do nothing easily about the KPI,
but with a bit of lateral thinking they devised
a fixed bracket for the upper wishbone,
fabricated a new shorter top wishbone, which
then aligned the pivot point of both
wishbones and the steering ball joints,
ensuring the arc of all three components was
the same. At the same time they fabricated a
small spacer to lift the tie rod to make it
parallel with the ground. After fitting these
parts, they again went through the deflection
measurements, and found that with normal
bump and rebound, there was zero change in
the toe angle, and only a minimal change on
full bump. As the new top wishbone uses
spherical bearings in place of the original
rubber bushes with another spherical bearing
at the tie rod end, the castor and camber is
now fully adjustable should an owner want to
experiment.
So, a result! When I tried the car, although
initially disappointed that there was still
some movement in the steering wheel,
caused by the KPI, I could not believe it was
the same car. Not only could I travel at speed
across those same bumpy roads for which
I’d previously slowed down but it became a
pleasure to drive over recessed manhole
covers and sunken tarmac as the wheel,
though still under-damped, did not transmit
the shock back through the steering wheel
nor try to launch me into oncoming traffic,
or, if in a corner, wrench the wheel out of my
hands.
At last I had the car I thought I was buying at
the beginning, and what a revelation it is. I
now find every opportunity to take it out,
going out only the other day, in the rain, for a
dozen eggs – it was just an excuse to drive it.
I admit to being vociferous on the forums
about this from very early in my ownership a
because I felt that it warranted the company
accepting the fact that there was a problem,
then doing something about it. Having
ignored an e-mail from me very early on, this
now appears to be happening, although to
date, only expensive adjustable shock
absorbers are available as an aftermarket
fitting. They say they are also working on a
‘fix’ whatever that may be, and time will tell
whether it will work, but it seems such a
shame that such a great concept has been
spoilt for a ha’porth of tar.
Now that my development work has been
done, Empire Racing Cars say that they
would be willing to manufacture a retro fit
kit of parts, but would only be prepared to
make them in batches of 10, and the price
would reflect the quality of the parts. But
then again if Morgan fix the geometry, it
won’t be needed, or will it?
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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.
E-mail: [email protected]
The Nurseries, Fleckney Road, Kibworth Beauchamp,
Leicestershire, LE8 0HJ
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 minimum.
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
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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
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
14
Merry Christmas! Members are reminded that John Barker, Hon Regalia Secretary has a selection of Christmas cards with a Morgan theme for sale at very reasonable rates. John’s details are on page 39. Situations Vacant. Regalia Secretary John Barker is standing down at the next AGM. In order to achieve a smooth transition we are looking to introduce a new member to the job. Please would interested applicants contact the Secretary. Michael Joseph. Hon Chairman. Apologies for SW Group meeting. Very sorry but the South West Group meeting at Bookbarn was 30th Oct and not as printed in last months events as 30 Nov. Ed... January Bulletin. Please do not forget that all contributions including Group reports are requested to be in by 8th of Dec at the latest. As you must all be aware the printers, in common with many businesses these days, enjoy an extended festive season holiday. This means that we have even less time to spare if we are to ensure that the January edition reaches you all in good time. Your co-operation in this matter will be appreciated. Editor… Bulletin cover pictures. Many thanks to Jim Nicholls for the picture of Murphy on this issue’s cover. Members are still invited to send in pictures of their, or others, Morgans for consideration for cover pictures. Should anyone feel inclined, photographs showing the owner, as well as the car are always welcome. And please note, they do not have to be front three-quarter shots to qualify. Any interesting pictures are welcome and do not worry if there are non Morgan inclusions in sight. Ed... Bulletin contributions. Please can I appeal once again to contributors to please try to use Times New Roman font, normal spacing, as well as refraining from leaving an extra space between sentences. This all adds to the workload in fitting such items into the limited space available each month. Likewise, the leaving of a space between paragraphs is not necessary. Your co-operation in these matters will be really appreciated by the Editor. Thank you. The Viking Run. Lennart reminds everyone that next years Viking Run will be held on 1st to 3rd August 2014 in Norway at Vrådal. All are welcome and for more details contact Lennart Nilson, full details on page 29. A Ride with Bill Tuer. Go to the Club website and sit in the camera just behind Bills ear as he does a fast run up the Klausenrennen Hill-climb. A fabulous piece of film that is well worth the time. Thank you Mike Guess. A naked woman gets into a Jewish drivers taxi. He turns and stares at her. ‘What’s the matter old man’ she says, ‘do you like staring at my body’. ‘Oh no’, he replies, ‘in my culture it is considered most unseemly to do such a thing’. ‘So’ she replies. ‘So’ says the old man. ‘I’m staring and staring, and thinking to myself, where does she keep her taxi fare?’
CLUB NOTICE BOARD. Merry Christmas! Members are reminded that John Barker, Hon Regalia Secretary has a selection of Christmas cards with a Morgan theme for sale at very reasonable rates.John’s details are on page 39.
Situations Vacant. Regalia Secretary John Barker is standing down at the next AGM. In order to achieve a smooth transition we are looking to introduce a new member to the job. Please would interested applicants contact the Secretary.
Apologies for SW Group meeting. Very sorry but the South West Group meeting at Book-barn was 30th Oct and not as printed in last months events as 30 Nov. Ed...
January Bulletin. Please do not forget that all contributions including Group reports are requested to be in by 8th of Dec at the latest. As you must all be aware the printers, in common with many businesses these days, enjoy an extended festive season holiday. This means that we have even less time to spare if we are to ensure that the January edition reaches you all in good time. Your co-operation in this matter will be appreciated. Ed…
Bulletin cover pictures. Many thanks to Jim Nicholls for the picture of Murphy on this issue’s cover. Members are still invited to send in pictures of their, or others, Morgans for consideration for cover pictures. Should anyone feel inclined, photographs showing the owner, as well as the car are always welcome. And please note, they do not have to be front three-quarter shots to qualify. Any interesting pictures are welcome and do not worry if there are non Morgan inclusions in sight. Ed...
Bulletin contributions. Please can the Editor appeal once again to contributors to please try to use Times New Roman font, normal spacing, as well as refraining from leaving an extra space between sentences. This all adds to the workload in fitting such items into the limited space available each month. Likewise, the leaving of a space between paragraphs is not nec-essary. Your co-operation in these matters will be really appreciated. Thank you, Ed....
The Viking Run. Lennart reminds everyone that next years Viking Run will be held on 1st to 3rd August 2014 in Norway at Vrådal. All are welcome and for more details contact Lennart Nilson, full details on page 29.
A Ride with Bill Tuer. Go to the Club website and sit in the camera just behind Bills ear as he does a fast run up the Klausenrennen Hill-climb. A fabulous piece of film that is well worth the time. Thank you Mike Guess.
Pseudonyms! The Hon Chairman reminds GO’s that such aliases are not encouraged. Will all Group Organisers therefore use their full names at the end of their reports. Also GO’s are requested to kindly keep their reports succinct.
15
Competition Report Pete Clews
The 2013 season has finished and the
Sporting AGM will be taking place as the
Bulletin drops through your letterbox. The
trophies will be polished and passed to their
new recipients, the decisions about next
season’s events will be taken and we will
have a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Stone
thanks to the work of Lesley Reynolds.
Although our grids have been slightly down
we have survived another season financially
thanks in part to the support of our Club. We
are proud to represent the MTWC and to do
our best to keep the Morgan three-wheeler at
the forefront of vintage competition.
VSCC Goodwood Sprint 26th October
The was the last event for the 2 speeders and
a glorious finale for them. It was extremely
wet for Duncan Wood and Sue Darbyshire
and they were very much at home
underwater as the superb picture of Duncan
on the VSCC website testifies! Duncan
seemed to have the edge on Sue until the last
run when she pulled out all the stops with a
blistering 121.45 which not only surpassed
Duncan’s 124.64 but also beat all the VSCC
racers to take FTD. Following her win at
Arosa and 3rd place overall at The
Klausenrennen it was a fitting end to her
season.
ACU
The meeting of The Non-Territorial Board at
the ACU in Rugby took place on the 24th
October and following the item in the ACU
Sport Moto magazine regarding the need to
take a motorcycle circuit test to obtain a
‘first’ Road Race Licence, Dr Paul King
assured me that there would be a
dispensation for The Morgan three-wheeler
drivers. He also said that the ACU would be
happy for the MTWC to organise a race for
Morgans only and that this can include the 5
Speeders as a separate class. The ACU have
also taken some of their insurance risk ‘in
house’ so there should be no increase in
insurance costs for next season, which is
good news for our finances.
ACU Licences
All the competitors from last year and those
who asked for a ‘unique number’ to obtain a
Licence last season should have had an email
or phone call from me to give them the 2014
‘unique number’. If you have not had this
and wish to apply for your licence can you
send me an email or phone me to request
your number as you will need it to apply.
You do not need to send your licence
application to me to be verified, the number
is your verification. The licence fee has risen
by £2 to £45.
Next year The Challenge Series will run a similar
calendar to 2013 although as yet I do not
have dates for all the events; I have booked
Curborough Sprint Course for Sunday June
22nd and of course it is “The Club Sprint”
for all Club members. Last year I had hoped
that some 5 Speeder owners would take part
as ACU one event licences are available for
£10 and it would be good to see a class of 5
speeders in 2014. Let me know if you are
interested 5 speeder owners.
It is very sad and a great loss to motorsport
that Mallory Park Circuit, which has been the
home of many of our MTWC races for many
years, has closed to racing with little chance
of it reopening unless a new leaseholder can
be found who is willing to take on the
considerable financial and environmental
problems that led to its closure.
Finally it seems rather premature to be
wishing everyone a Happy Christmas but this
is the last Bulletin before the celebration
unless our Editor manages a pre-Christmas
January edition.
16
Derick Forrest in Sunderland . Part 3
Theo Plews MX4 JU8993
Theo was a student at the local college in
Sunderland. He was studying geology and on
a number of occasions on club runs I saw
him with his hammer, chipping away at
rocks. He lived at home with his parents in a
very nice area, and he came on club runs
with his equally nice girlfriend. In the short
time I knew him, he rebuilt the engine after it
had seized on the way to college one
morning. Then, with his Dad’s help, he
replaced the bodywork using aluminium. It
was very nice too. After college and
graduating he got married, moved to the
Bristol area and became a GO there.
Unfortunately I lost touch with them and
Jean and I always hoped everything worked
out for them – a very nice couple.
Dave Cummings MX4 Sports
Dave was about the same age and build as
me. He had a nice MX4 Sports which was
used daily to travel to and from work,
college, etc. He was an apprentice plumber
and, for pocket money, worked part-time at
the local garage filling station in Seaham,
which I had to pass every day to go to my
workplace, so I often filled up there and had
a chat. Now, in the early days up to the late
50s, petrol was only rated at about 60 – 70
octane – anything higher was considered to
be ‘aircraft’ fuel.
I knew the garage had taken delivery of the
new four star fuel and that I would have to
use it sometime. One night, I called in to fill
up and Dave was there. He was limping and
his arm was in a sling!
“What happened?” I asked. Well, it appears
that after delivery of the new fuel, Dave had
filled up and gone home. The next day, when
starting the Morgan, it had backfired. The
handle had caught his hand and leg and
thrown him over the garden fence into the
cornfield – a good 15 feet!
He said if I laughed he would do something
to me, so I tried not to and quickly checked
my retard lever again before starting mine.
A few days later I asked him how he had
broken his headlamp glass. He said he had
thrown a yard brush at a cat, but it had
missed and hit the glass instead – I tried not
to laugh again.
His dynamo drive was slipping, so I
suggested pushing it harder into mesh to cut
deeper teeth. I had done this previously and it
had worked. It did, very well, and he re-
adjusted it slightly a few days later, so all
was forgiven!
Dave and I did not fit into his Morgan very
well. He also said that, on a club run, he and
his girlfriend were a ‘comfortable’ fit into his
Morgan, with problems with handbrake
levers and skirts – Jean looked at me; I
thought I would not try to explain!
One late Saturday afternoon, Dave, I and a
mechanic did have a competition on the
garage forecourt, involving bodily functions,
and then seeing how long it takes to inflate a
certain item when it is placed over a Morgan
exhaust pipe – but Jean says I must not go
into details about this, as it is a family
magazine! Yes, we were young and vulgar
then, but we did grow up, passed our exams,
gained employment and, we hope, became
respectable subjects!
The Heatheringtons MX4 Sports
This couple lived in Whitburn, Sunderland,
not too far from Percy Budd. Fred and his
wife seemed to be in their late 30s or early
40s, with no family. They were a very quiet,
private couple but quite nice. Fred was an
engineer at a prestige factory that made parts
for aircraft engines. He kept his Morgan in
very good condition, as you might expect –
he even had the cylinder barrels stove
enamelled and everything looked very nice
indeed. There was one thing that did defeat
him for a while, though, which was steering
wobble, particularly when braking at times.
You have probably guessed the problem; the
taper cones were too far down on the pins
and so were not providing any damping. It
was actually too simple – Fred was more
used to ‘intricate’ technology.
17
The pictures on this page are all to do with Derick Forrests articles, Apologies for the quality but they are all 50+ years old.
Dericks first run 1956, age 17 Percy and Doris, Middleton hill climb 58
Alf Inghams Special Dericks Family Twin Theo Plews Matchless bodied JAP Sports. BVK 495 Super Sports with special CLUB RUN ABOUT 1958 Windscreen.
CLUB RUN IN THE EARLY 60’S
18
G.E.E LTD Workshop: Gigg Mill, Old Bristol Rd, Nailsworth, Glos GL6 0JP
Visitors by appointment, please. Tel/Fax: 01453 832 113
F-type chassis from £520 4-wheeler chassis to your spec: 4/4,+4,+8. Crossheads for all models. 3 & 4-wheeler.
Hubcaps: polished alloy as original £29 pair, Stainless £35 pair. Mayflower rear lamp die-castings £58 pair, lamps red or amber £36 pair
Dash parts, red & black sockets £21.50 pair. Our replica horn push Super Sports etc. £34,
Small chrome Horn push £9, Late F-type Bakelite horn push £20 Steering columns re-built, parts supplied. Morgan rear brake cam. £32.00
Cast polished rad cap mascots, Morgan flying ‘M’ flat or domed cap versions. £19 Paired wing Family type £30, Polished alloy Stork mascots £42 Bronze Storks £50
Radiator badges, German silver, for Super Sports, Aero, F-type & Grand Prix Stub axle inner nuts £4, lock tabs £2.50 F-type and 3-speeder stub axles £65 pair. Stainless steel bonnet knob sets of 4, suit F-type Series 1 and early +4 & 4/4 £55,
escutcheons to match £15 set. Brake shoes relined, clutches rebuilt, any make Morgan to Rolls Royce.
Many other new and used parts also in stock, yes we also have a range of bits for
Bentley and Rolls Royce, mainly MKVI All prices plus VAT at current UK rate
The following report is now in the public
domain on the internet. Members may be
interested in what is going on at MMC.
Charles Morgan was dismissed from Morgan
Motor Company on four counts of
misconduct, according to a document seen by
Autocar.
The document alleges that a disciplinary
meeting concluded that he had posed as
chairman despite being demoted to strategy
director in February, supported Oak Racing
and the Nissan-engined Morgan 2012 LMP2
car at Le Mans and in the LMP series
without approval, announced to a small
group of Morgan owners that an improved
version of the Morgan 3 Wheeler was to be
launched and that he took two payments for
talks about his time with ITN in Afghanistan
and Iran without seeking board approval.
According to the document, the decision was
made by the membership of the board of
Morgan Technologies: Steven Morris
(Morgan's managing Director), Timothy
Whitworth (Morgan's finance director),
Gillian Price (Charles's sister), David Price
(Charles's brother-in-law), Laurence Price
(Charles's nephew), Craig Hamilton Smith
(Charles's nephew), Jackie Pertwee
(Charles's niece) and Andrew Duncan (the
Morgan family solicitor).
However, the veracity of the document has
been called in to question, with 'several
inaccuracies, including a misspelt name'
being cited as evidence that it is not an
official Morgan statement, consequently
suggesting that it does not reveal the full
reasons behind the dismissal of Charles
Morgan.
Charles Morgan has already signalled his
intent to appeal his dismissal, denying the
accusations of misconduct.
His hearing is expected to be heard in front
of Morgan family members Price, Pertwee
and Hamilton Smith.
A Morgan Motor Company spokesman
declined to comment.
19
Dear John Letters
Dear John
As a relatively new member of the MTWC
may I express my delight at the welcome I
have received from existing members whom
I have found to be super friendly and
knowledgeable. After 5000 miles in my 5
Speeder and in response to our Editor's
comment I would be most interested in
members input concerning the following
points, 1. Is there a solution to the screaming
bevel-box? 2. Bump steering is exciting (!)
but can it be corrected? 3. Strange noises
come from the spacer between engine and
clutch. What's going on?
I am sure 2/3 speed owners will recognise the
"growing pains" we 5 speeders are going
through. Your experiences could provide
guidance.
Finally may I thank the MTWC for
inscribing my name on the new 5 speeder
Concours Trophy. What an honour it is to be
part of the new 5 Speeders history. My
thanks to Steve Lister for his memorable
presentation.
The 5 speeder plays very different music
when compared to the 2 and 3 speeders I
have owned in the past and I still have to
learn what the new notes mean.
Many thanks Geoff Clark Monks
Dear John.
First Impressions of a 5 speeder.
After many years of Morgan ownership, both
2 and 3 speed twins, as well as F Types, and
a Triking (and even a Gordon in the distant
past) up to a Plus 8, I was attracted to the
new 5 speeder. The car that I ordered in
September 2012 finally arrived via Brands
Hatch Morgan 12 months later. I ordered a
pretty standard car but in a non standard
colour of Rolls Royce claret - I declined all
the options except a tonneau cover. I
collected the car on October 1, and it looked
fantastic. I could sum it up as, ‘rough as a
bear's backside’ in the manner of its going,
but brilliant to drive, the performance is
really good, even with the managed de-tune
that lasts for the first 20 hours of driving. The
car is easy to get in and out of (if you are
used to a Super Sports from the early 30s),
and comfortable. The bevel-box is quiet so
far, although at low speeds on a floating
throttle you can make the bevels 'rattle'.
My one reservation so far is the windscreen
that I consider to be inadequate giving little
or no protection. I wonder if other owners
feel the same? I am considering increasing
the size to something more like a Super
Sports!
For me the car continues all the V twin 3
speeder characteristics but with good brakes,
suspension, and on the button starting.
I recommend it to all! Regards Dave Young.
Dear John,
Imagine my delighted surprise when this
week I picked the November Bulletin up off
the doormat to see my M3W on the front
cover – wow am I pleased! I bought my car
in October 2102 – so. One year on ….how
was it for me??!! I took delivery of my M3W
on October 12th 2012 – a great moment and
a wonderful drive home only superseded by
very many more great runs/drives over the
past twelve months.
My M3W journey actually started 55 years
ago when I was 9! My brothers and I used to
cycle to a Motorcycle Scrambles meeting at
Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire to watch all
the meetings held there. It was fantastic- the
sight and sounds live on in my mind today
and at every meeting, parked in a farm
gateway near the track, was a Morgan 3
Wheeler. It was an Aero with an air cooled
JAP engine. We would wait at the end of the
Scrambles just to see the owner return and
roar off – we loved the open valve gear and
the sight and sound of this old car! I have had
lots of cars – Spitfires, Capri’s, Jaguar,
Mercedes, BMWs by the dozen and a lot of
bikes too – Veteran Vintage and Modern, but
I always wanted a Mog. I reckoned that I
could not afford a ‘30s car – or have the
workshop/skills to keep one fettled and on
20
the road. So imagine my amazement when
walking up by the start line at Prescott in
Spring 2010 at seeing the new prototype
M3W on display – love at first sight!
Someone from Morgan fired the job up – and
I was hooked! BUT way over my budget –
until in the Summer of 2012 I had a couple of
unexpected financial windfalls. I worked out
if I sold my 3 bikes plus the £windfalls I
could buy an M3W.So I did!
What fun I have had. I have joined in/entered
eight motoring Events including two MTWC
events (and been made very welcome -
thanks). I have been on numerous local runs
all round the Cotswolds – covering over
3000 miles now. I have become a
“Morganeister” as I call it – oh and well
hooked on the Talk Morgan Forum !:))
Ok I’ve had to have new uprated wishbones,
new rear drive sprocket, new rectifier and
numerous other small mods/upgrades. BUT
looking back on all this work I would say the
Factory ( my local Dealer) have been
brilliant. They have fixed everything
promptly and with good spirit – and added
lots of work/upgrades which I did not ask for
– or even knew needed doing. There have
been times when I was in despair at the
Transmission noises – but I decided to
persevere and am glad I did. The M3W is
sorted – very quiet transmission – miles from
what it was a year ago. And I have not
stopped smiling. My Fiancee loves the
Mogster as she calls it – and has joined me
on all our adventures – even when its been
freezing cold! So here’s to the next twelve
months – I cannot wait! Retirement beckons
in 2014 so the Mog will see even more
adventures next year! Neil Levings F10765
Dear John,
I am writing in response to points made in
the letters from Ron Holloway, Dennis Plater
and Brian Clutterbuck in the November
Bulletin. Firstly, please remember that all
Club Officers, including the Chairman, stand
down each year at the Annual General
Meeting and then seek re-election if they so
wish. The advent of an alternative candidate
for a post, although unusual, is not irregular.
Brian is correct in saying that there were 190
plus proxy votes that might have been cast in
favour of Michael Joseph. Similarly, Dennis
had gathered some 15 proxy votes in Brian’s
favour.
However, I do not believe that, as Brian
suggests, we are in danger of ending up with
a “virtual” AGM based upon the evidence of
the proceedings this year.
There was a good attendance with 115 Full
Members signed in at the meeting; the
highest number since 2006 and 30 more than
last year. When the vote was taken to elect
Michael Joseph as Chairman there were 62 in
favour and 37 abstentions with none against.
It is reasonable to assume that those
abstaining would have voted for Brian if he
had decided to stand. The important point is
that the 62 was not only significantly greater
than 37, but was also the majority of those
able to vote at the meeting. It is therefore
reasonable to assume that Michael Joseph
would have been elected as Chairman even if
there had been a straight contest between two
candidates and crucially without the need to
resort to proxy votes.
The election was a clear and open democratic
process in line with Club rules; it is therefore
rather sad that Dennis, of all people, should
be somewhat ungracious with his remarks.
I was also surprised and concerned to read
his comment about vested interests. As far as
I am aware, all Club Officers work hard in
the interests of the Club and its members and
not in any way for personal gain. However, I
now understand that Dennis has reflected on
those words and intends to write an
explanation and apology.
May I sign off by saying that I hope we can
all now move forward into 2014 and focus
entirely on our hobby of owning, maintaining
and driving Morgan three-wheelers.
Steve Lister
21
Dear John.
On reflection I wish to retract completely the
first paragraph of the letter printed on p.3 of
the November Bulletin. It was not helpful to
our new Chairman or to members of the Club
Committee who may have thought that it was
aimed at them personally. My use of the
words ‘vested interests’ should have been
‘varied interests’ as it was intended to refer
to the responsibilities of those Officers
directly responsible for the Club’s various
activities, which they would, quite rightly, be
duty bound to promote to the best of their
ability.” Dennis Plater. FSE7089
Dear John.
It might have been puzzling for some
members to witness Brian Clutterbuck’s
relinquishing of the Chairmanship of the
MTWC at the AGM. Because, after all, Brian
decided not, after all, to stand for re-election,
few members had the chance to learn why
there was strong support for a new candidate.
Brian served the club well for 14 years and
was a very popular and active representative.
There were, however, some problems with a
number of Club officials which eventually
led to them withdrawing support. He was
made aware of their complaints, which, had
he stood for re-election, would have been
detailed at the AGM. That would have been
unhelpful.
None of these complaints reflected upon
Brian’s integrity. I personally have no issues
with Brian who has been most affable and
approachable. I wish him well. Robin Rew.
Dear John
By a strange coincidence, two Morgans
which I used to own were featured on
adjacent pages (6&7) of the November
Bulletin. Charlie Jenner's Aero, PR 8401 was
my first roadworthy Morgan, purchased from
a fellow apprentice in 1962 for £15.
(I already had another Aero at the time, RO
9501 which had a barrel back, wooden wings
and came with a spare engine, all for £8! I
sold this when I acquired PR8401). In May
1963 I took the "new" Aero on the Inaugural
run of Maurice Northeast's newly formed
South Coast section, shortly after which it
was consumed by fire and I sold the remains
to Charlie for £10. I don't know how much of
the original car Charlie managed to re-
commission when he rebuilt it.
The F-type shown on the sales receipt from
1959 was a 1949 F-Super JOM 967 which I
bought from Maurice Northeast in the mid
sixties for £75. It was canary yellow and I
remember it had a Colmore Depot plaque on
the dash, which would tie in with the
Birmingham registration. I used it to
commute from Horsham to East Croydon
where I was at Technical college, and later
repainted it maroon with cream wheels. I
sold it in about 1971 for £175, and I think it
went to Belgium. Bob Cragg
Dear John.
Please may I thank our new Chairman for his
autobiography in last month's Bulletin.
Could he follow this with his thoughts on the
direction that the Club will take under his
guidance and how he intends his
chairmanship to differ from the previous one.
Yours sincerely, Sheila Dickson. 2F7463
Dear John
All will be revealed in ‘Steering Column’,
Sheila needs to be patient. I am not acting
alone and it is up to the Club Committee how
we move forward. We have not even had our
first meeting yet! I do not wish to compare
myself with Brian and only time will tell in
that regard. Michael Joseph.
Dear John,
I was most pleased to see the Bill Boddy
article in the bulletin sent in by Alessandro.
This dates from March 1987 and was no 73
in the "fragments on forgotten makes" series
by WB. He states he was sure one didn’t
compete at Brooklands but a photo from
1925 recently turned up of one on the start
line ready for the off, needless to say, the
D’Yrsan was the last on the grid!! Page 23→
22
JAP sales Andrew Morison, Dolphin House, 01730 890 199 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]
Buying Mogspares items
Ordering. You order spares from the
appropriate Sales Officers, (see below), who keep stocks of spares, as listed in most issues of The
Bulletin. (In general, items that are not JAP,
Matchless or Ford are dealt with by the Transmission Sales Officer.)
Payment When a Sales Officer sends your
order, he includes an invoice and remittance advice. Payment is sent, on receipt of items, with
the remittance advice, or copy of invoice to the
Mogspares Financial Administrator - not to the Sales Officer.
Payment can be made by:
1. Cheque payable to "Mogspares"
2. BACS electronic transfer (internet or telephone
banking) directly into the account stated on the remittance form. Please state your name and the
invoice number so that we can identify
payment. 3. Bank Card, by contacting the Administrator by
telephone, email or letter giving card details and
the invoice to be paid. Due to bank charges there is a 1.5% surcharge should payment be made by UK
debit card, and 5.5% if made by other cards plus
VAT where applicable.
Administration The Mogspares Co-ordinator
manages the Mogspares system and arranges the
ordering of new spares and ‘may’ be contacted
about problems and queries. He does not deal with
sales, or stock spares himself, nor do the Mogspares
Financial Administrator or Technical Advisors.
Dear John.
I was delighted that Ewan Cameron responded to my blethering. His experience is, after all,
far greater than mine. The difference between us is that he is a talented engineer and I am an
Cam Follower Rollers Pins and Bushes.
Now back in stock, Cam Lever Roller, Pin and Bush sets for both Matchless and JAP engines. If
your valve gear is noisy or you have ever
increasing tappet clearance then it might be due to a worn cam lever assembly. There are two types,
Matchless engines use a trapped steel bush and
for JAP engines Mogspares can supply either a similar trapped steel bush type or the floating
bronze bush type, as original, but these require
great care to assemble correctly. Sets are supplied for you to rivet into the Cam Lever.
Trapped Bush Type – These generally give a
longer service life. It is important that they are
riveted such that the inner steel bush is clenched
tightly between the legs of the clevis so that the
outer roller rotates on the bush, not the bush on
the rivet pin which has not been hardened. You
cannot do this by clenching in a vice, because you
would only be squeezing the rivet. Use a piece of
shim steel 1/32” thick with a 9/32” hole in it,
between the assembly and the anvil. With the
rivet pin passing through the shim hole onto the
anvil face, the rivet heads, on completion, will be
even either side of the clevis legs. Peen pin ends
into clevis countersink then dress flat.
Floating Bush Type – Great care is required
during assembly. A bronze bush is a running fit in the bore of the outer roller. Also the bronze bush
is free to rotate on a hardened steel pin which is
riveted into the lever clevis. This special pin is hardened on the middle bearing section but soft at
the ends. When riveting it is a good idea to slide a
piece of shim steel of appropriate thickness between the inside leg of the clevis and the side of
the roller, to prevent them becoming trapped. To
stop the bronze bush being trapped, it is made slightly narrower than the cam follower roller.
Care has to be taken not to narrow the clevis
causing rotational stiffness of the roller or bush.→
Peen pin ends into clevis countersink & dress flat. Detail drawing on page 26.
Lists of Club spares are shown on the website www.mtwc.co.uk and in previous copies of The
Bulletin. Sales Officers will advise of availability
and any price changes.
Ford Dec 13, JAP Oct 13, Matchless Aug 13,
Transmission June 13, Misc April 13.
23
The driver was Mr Wainwright and the
commentary tells that he did ok. A Mr
Metcalfe entered the 1925 Lands End trial in
one but had troubles on Beggars Roost and
retired, eight Morgans completed the trial.....
I'm presently rebuilding a 1928 D’Yrsan. My
car had been messed about with but slowly
I'm putting it back to how it should be. The
engine is a 1087cc ohv Ruby which drives an
in line 3 speed box . When I bought my
D’Yrsan the bevel box, rear forks and rear
wheel were missing. Sadly the owner had
taken these off to use on a project. The
D’Yrsan bevel box is very similar to a
narrow B type box. With a lot of help and
generosity within this Club I have sorted all
this out but the original bevel box, forks and
rear wheel were sold on eBay last year as a
kit of parts for a Morgan (along with a
chassis and KT JAP). I was hoping to get the
parts back with the car but was outbid!! So
somewhere out there someone's got a
D’Yrsan rear end? (swaps?) There are I think
5 D’Yrsan three-wheelers left and 2 four-
wheelers .
It is with some trepidation that I suggest
mine is the only one in this country but I
don't know of another?
The rebuild continues slowly but hopefully I
will be out soon with it. Tom Langham.
Dear John,
Those Dardalet bolts. On ordinary
engineering bolts the active flank of the
triangular section thread is at an angle of
about 60° to the bolt axis. On the Dardalet
self locking threads this angle is not far off
parallel to the shank of the bolt, and the
matching face in the nut is driven onto this
slow taper and seizes solid on the bolt at low
clamping pressures, preventing both further
tightening as well as the nut coming loose.
However, I agree with others that these
threads wear in service, until the bolts no
longer perform as intended. With the advent
of Nylock and slit type locking nuts there is
no sound reason to retain the old fashioned
Dardalets. Alan Goodwin.
We bid a hearty welcome to these new members.
Alan & Janet Rance. Stowe, Staffs, ST15 0DT.
Peter & Stef Wadsley. Matlock, Derbys, DE4 2JP
Tim & Patricia Penn. Burgess Hill, Sussex,
RH15 8BZ
Steven Finch. Preston, Lancs, PR4 4AQ
Ralf Suing. Walobrol, 51545, Germany
Roland Schaublin. Anwil, CH-4469, Switzerland
Mark & Kathy Dellplain. Belleville, WA 98004, USA
Welcome back to, Chris Hirsch. Kingston upon Thames, Surrey,
KT12 6LT
Malcolm McCoy. Northfield, Birmingham,
B31 2AU
Roger Gray. Trowell, Notts, NG9 3PT.
New Family Members. Elennor Edwards. Battle, Sussex,
TN33 9BU. Rachael Wilson. Leighton
Buzzard, Beds, LU7 0BP. Joan East. Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3LT.
Benjamin Scruton. Mapperley, Notts,
NY3 5JJ. Josephine May. Ibstock, Leicester, LE67 5J.
Angela Summerscales Warrington,
Cheshire, WA2 8NE. Janet Brooks. Wigston, Leicester, LE18 3SJ.
Dorothy Towzer. Dunstable, Beds, LV6 1EE. Barbara Beadman.
Stourbridge, Warks, DY8 1NR. Justin
Clements. Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6EZ. Nicole Vervloet. Lier, B-
2500, Belgium.
24
25
26
Morgan Insurance
Consultants William Curtis House,
Lenton Street,
Alton, Hants. GU34 1HH.
01420 594242. e-mail: [email protected]
Is your car
insurance due? Get a quote from the motor-insurance
specialists.
It will cost you nothing; it could save you a lot.
SPECIAL SCHEME RATES FOR MORGANS
AND OTHER CLASSIC CARS
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
Material submitted for publication should reach the Editor before the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, except when earlier delivery has been stipulated in a notice or by contact.
John Chatwin Oakwood Lodge, Youngwoods Way, Alverstone Garden Village, Sandown I.O.W. PO36 0HE T: 01983 400681 or 07702604120 email: [email protected]
Bulletin distribution
The Bulletin is distributed for the Club by Lavenham Press. For queries regarding non
-arrival of your copy of the magazine, please contact the
Membership Secretary, Details below.
Or John Chatwin.
Editor, details below
Contacts
Back issues and the Index
Back issues of the Bulletin up to the year 2010 can be read on the CDs advertised in Regalia.
Nev Lear‘s Index of Bulletin articles is also included .
Back copies of individual issues from 2011can be purchased from the Membership Secretary,
plus postage at cost.
Website Officer
Website enquiries
Steve Uprichard
5 Hall Drive
Mottram-in-Longdendale, Hyde
Cheshire, SK14 6LH
+44 (0)1457 762682
27
Group Reports
Group officers should submit their reports and dates of events and meetings, BEFORE the 10th day of the month preceding the date of issue, to the Assistant Editor with a copy to the Editor
Doug Forbes 2 Woods Batch Street, SOMERSET BA16 OBH
Tel: 01458 841418 email: [email protected]
Advertisements
One-off Morgan-related small advertisements in The Floggery are free for members. Details should be received by the 5th of the previous month. Continuous free ads at the discretion of the editor. To submit an advert please contact:
Doug Forbes 2 Woods Batch Street, Somerset BA16 OBH Tel: 01458 841418 email [email protected]
Requests for commercial advertisements or Bulletin enclosures should be discussed with the Editor.
Articles and advertisements in The Bulletin are the copyright of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, and must not be reproduced either 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.
President Alan Lazenbury
Vice-Presidents John and Rose Hoar, Laurie Weeks, Gary Caroline
Directors of the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club Ltd
Michael Joseph, Alan Lazenbury, John Scruton
Chairman Michael Joseph. Woodlands Farm Cottage, Adversane, 01403783485 Billingshurst, W Sussex, RH14 9JG e-mail [email protected] Secretary Chris Harfield. Little Edge Farm, Broadmead, Edgworth, 01204 853561 Bolton, Lancs, BL7 0JG e-mail [email protected] 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 Jonathan Garside, 174 Victoria St, Newton, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 4AS [email protected] 0161 366 5015 mob: 07979541223
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, Durford Wood, Petersfield, Hants. GU31 5AW Phone: 01730 890199 Fax: 01730 890189 [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.
Officers of the Club
28
Group Organisers
29
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 Pete Jones, Spring Cottage, Tucks Yard, Manea, 01354 680430
Cambs, PE15 0JE e-mail, [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, Tel 01579 346 202 Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5DN Far Far SW Eric Bayley, 8 Manewas Way, Newquay, Cornwall, Tel. 01637 872618 Cornwall.TR7 3AH email; [email protected] Germany Volunteer needed Lancs Steve Hughes, 5 Chelmsford Walk, Leyland, Tel. 01772 453054 and Lakes LANCS. PR26 7AA email; [email protected] North West Mike Guess, 189 Chester Road, Grappenhall, 01925 262 264 Warrington, Cheshire WA4 2QB email: [email protected] Oxford Bob Cragg, 1 Manor Farm, Culham, Abingdon, 01235 532 565 Oxon OX14 4NP 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]. Scotland Dan Smith, 26a Quality Street, Edinburgh, 0131 312 8330 EH4 5BS 07713099010 South Coast Stephen Clark, Lower Sandhill House, Bodle St , Tel. 01435 830161 Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4QU 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] In accordance with the Club principles, no officer, nor the Club, will enter into mediation between any member and a commercial organisation over any dispute or complaint, even if this organisation advertises in The Bulletin.
30
Group Reports
BROOKLANDS
Only my Sports Family Morgan graced the car
park of the New Inn, with one four-wheeler. We
thought we had walked into the wrong Pub. Since the last meeting the New Inn has had a complete
make over. Internal walls have gone opening up
the pub into a large space. Very nice and fresh, with plenty of room for us all. The down side is the
acoustics, the new solid floors make it more difficult to hold a conversation as all the other
noises sound just as loud. Despite missing a few of
the regulars there were still thirty eight members enjoying the new décor and new menu.
Pete Thompson showed the ribbed aluminium
radiator deck of his Aero which although not very old had corroded away into holes and paper thin in
other places. Pete put it down to leaking anti freeze
causing a reaction between the brass radiator and the Alloy deck. He is busy replacing the leaking
tubes.
While we were at the Morgan Day at Brooklands we got talking to a chap with an early
series one four-wheeler – I even had a little drive
in it. He and his friends had asked if they could come along to our meeting. The three of them
turned up and received the normal Brooklands
Group welcome but in spite of that we will soon have some new associate members in the three-
wheeler Club.
Robert Carter is making progress with his Sports rebuild. The MX crankcases required welding is
finished and the crank assembly is coming
together. He has acquired a pair of Matchless OHV crank cases and plans to complete that engine for
the future.
When I put the Sports Family back in the garage that evening I spotted two small needle rollers on
the floor. Yes, they had fallen out of the rocker box
un-noticed whilst I changed the push rods on the JAP engine. I had driven around twenty miles so I
shall have to check for damage.
The Landlord of the New Inn is putting on a Christmas menu which will be available for our
next meeting providing people pre-book. Contact
the New Inn direct to place your order 01483 762736 or email: [email protected].
The date for the Brooklands Christmas Dinner at
Bisley will be 22nd of February. It is the earliest date available. I will send out booking forms but it
would help greatly if you could let me know if you
can or can’t come as soon as possible
([email protected]). There are around sixty
people who attend the meetings from time to time but I don’t have everyone’s addresses so don’t
miss out.
Trevor Seymour
Future events:
Next meeting 5th December at the New Inn
Send, Surrey
Brooklands Group Christmas Dinner 22
February 2014
EAST ANGLIA
It was with great sadness that we heard of the
passing of Tony Divey, a long standing MTWC
member and popular enthusiast from Norfolk. He often spoke of his early 3 wheel camping exploits,
both here and in France during the ‘50s and ‘60s,
later achieving great acclaim in the motor industry. I think I'm right in saying that it was he who first
introduced (Sir) Dennis Rushton to the club.
Important event, 17th December. Simon & Sylvia's seasonal sooper soop serving for
impoverished 3 wheeler members, to be held at their house in Reepham. Please confirm with them
your intentions 01603 870500 or
[email protected] as soon as possible because this is our normal date for Stow Bardolph
that will not now happen. Still trying to gather
ideas for the midwinter,Sunday lunch pub event, need location somewhere mid Norfolk/Cambs/
Suffolk, any thoughts?
Seasons greetings, hope you've all made your lists to Santa!
MrJosnes.
Next meeting-HARE ARMS Stow Bardolph,3rd
Tuesday Jan 2014..8 pm
EAST ANGLIA – WOOLPIT
Brian’s F4 with hood up was the sole Morgan
present in November, owing to heavy rain. Five members were joined by Mike’s friend Peter
Merrick, who offered his V12 Lagonda for sale,
but had no takers. He is chairman of the Mildenhall Museum, which houses many items of
interest including the famous silver treasure dug up
nearby and is a good venue for an “after lunch run” next summer. Peter’s life in the pig industry
prompted a remark about a factory where pigs and sawdust go in at one end and meat pies and
31
sausages emerge at the other. Pigs are 100 per-cent
efficient, nothing is wasted in processing, even the squeaks being sold to BMW.
On a more serious note, it emerged that several
of us and our friends, no longer youthful, have fallen off ladders and steps with varying degrees of
injury. We resolved never to climb a ladder again
without someone around to call for help! Mike drew attention to the Grand Prix Retro d’Yvois, an
event just like Le Puy. The 2014 edition takes
place May 31st – June 1st at Carignan, 190 miles SE of Calais. Our lunch concluded with baked
apple dessert, heralding the arrival of winter. Join
us next time. “Raedwald”
Next meeting: Tuesday 3rd December, The
Bull, Woolpit, 12 noon
EAST MIDLANDS
October started with my Canadian family returning
home. Later in the month the group meeting was
well attended, 18 signing the book, but with less
people eating, than last month with the family group than last month. It was good to see all the
Clutterbuck family come along, and join us, and I
hope that now the pressures of Chairmanship have gone, we will see more of them. Also it was good
to see Geoff Clark Monks join us again. I did not
get chance to speak to him, but hope the 5 speeder is still giving much pleasure. There was much talk
about the AGM weekend, and Morgan projects for
the winter, Victor from the BSA club once again joined us.
The next day I was at the Midlands Model
Exhibition, where I bought items for future Morgan projects, and met up with John Powell.
Later that day Charles Smith and Pat Jeal attended,
but we never met up. This is always a chance to get materials or tools for the workshop. Charles
got quite a few things for the new workshop he is
equipping. The month ended with the Restoration Show, at
Stoneleigh. I had my BSA project there, displayed
as an accident, with a Calthorpe car, while Bob Morley had his Triumph Dolomite on show and
won the car of the show award. Other Club
members were about and items were bought, but I managed to restrain myself as I have already
booked up for a trip next year, to spend time with my family on Vancouver Island. Paul has offered
to take charge while I am away.
Malcolm D Bull
Future events : December meeting Wednesday
18th The Christmas Dinner.
FFSW
October has been a quiet month down here in
Cornwall, show time over for another year, back to
the wind and rain together with dark nights, not the weather to be out in a Morgan! Time for some
TLC and maintenance for some of us, maybe even
a little restoration work for others in our small group. I hear Les Phelps of St Ives is about to
acquire his very own Morgan that needs work.
Well done Les, hopefully we should have another car on the road next year.
Our monthly meeting at the Fox and Hounds
went down well, Dick Fripp and wife joined us while visiting Cornwall and I think he had a good
time with all the usual banter and fun. Brian G
bought along some mystery rusty tools he had been given, could anyone guess what they were used
for, not a chance, we all failed.
Ken Burton was going on about broken mudguard stays and vibration. Interestingly, he had removed
both mudguards taking his Morgan "bare" down the bypass at speed. Ken reported an improvement
in handling of the car with additional speed at
reduced throttle. It’s those mudguards acting as an airbrake, similar to a jet airliner. Ken's thinking of
fitting cycle type mudguards for next year while
putting the original in storage. What else did we do in October? We went up
county to the South West group meeting, went on a
VMCC run (rained all day) attended the VSCC auto jumble at Five Mile Stones in Truro, any one
for a Christmas lunch, give me a call.
Eric Bayley
Next meeting:Fox and Hounds, Scurrier 19th
Dec
FSW
In October, FSW had a fullish complement of the bright young things who add lustre to this area.
Eric Bayley came over from his fiefdom to keep an
eye on our behaviour. Very nice to see him again. I raked through the pitiful remnants of the
remaining odds and sods and managed to sort out a
couple of amp meters for Mike Goldring to adapt for his current exercise, one of which he says is
usable. The photo (Page 8) in the Oct. "Bulletin" rang a cracked bell under the dross of the raddled noggin.
32
The Glasgow Reg. No. was noticeable in Essex. In
the middle ‘60s when I was trolling around North Essex in the trusty Jowett Bradford, I spotted a
JAP in a roadside barn. The youngster who was
"rebuilding" the car was badly out of his depth. A few weeks later he wrote, offering the car "as is". I
chased over and bought it for a princely sum; alas,
everything about the model was U/S (a logical Reg. No. at least).
To my shame, ‘Dear Reader’ I broke it up. If
Tom sold the car in N. Essex, could it be the same machine? The wrecked items on it when I started
the resurrection would need a full Bulletin to list.
Only the g/box was salvageable. A previous overhaul of the engine had sleeved the barrels with
thick, cast iron sleeves and would blow-off a
barrel, sooner or later. I do hope that we are not talking about the clean car in Tom's snap, or I owe
him a large apology, at once.
Perhaps Tom could 'phone me and put my mind at rest.
John T
Next meetings at the Huntsman – Nov 19 and
Dec 17
LANCS and LAKES
What a bumper turnout at our first October
meeting – 26 present (+ 4 apologies), with David
Browne (UPER) as guest, at least 6 visitors from NW group and 2 JAP twins in the car park. Great
to see you all and let’s hope that it portends well
for the future. There was some lively discussion about the elections at the AGM and hopefully all
will now have a better understanding of the
background issues and why the club now has a new chairman and secretary.
By the time you read this we will have had our
Christmas meal at the November meeting and some of us will also have attended the Sporting
Section AGM and social at Stone followed by a
first CCM (for Chris and me). Our December meeting will be a lunchtime gathering on Monday
30th at the Calf’s Head in Worston (just off the
A59 near Clitheroe). Please let me know in advance if you intend coming so that I can give
them approximate numbers. There is also the
informal New Year’s Day gathering of the VSCC at Brier’s Hall in Burscough (near Omskirk).
Our opening run next year will provisionally be
on either 27th April or the 11th May but as the club opening run is likely to be on 4th May at Telford
we will have to confirm early next year that there
is going to be support for events on consecutive
weekends. Best wishes to you all for Christmas and the New Year.
Steve Hughes
Future Events: 30th December – lunchtime
meeting at Worston (please note no Garstang
meeting on the 19th)
NORTH AMERICA
I want to thank Brian and Liz Clutterbuck for their service to the club and particularly for the
caring friendship they offered when I attended my
first AGM in 2003. Membership renewal time! Don't wait until
you've begun to wonder why your Bulletins quit
arriving. I had a great visit with California trike racers
who brought their Morgans to central Texas to
participate in the vintage races at Circuit of the Americas, which is only 30 minutes from my
home. Look for their report next month. I can
imagine the 3-wheeler pilots felt dwarfed by the F1 track since my 1952 Morgan Plus 4 felt tiny as I
circulated with them among the pre-war group -- those two probably had time to check their email
each time they drove down the 1-km back
straight. I rarely see pre-war cars racing in my region so participating in this was a real treat.
Reports from around the continent: Colin
Watson of Toronto, Canada says, "Below is a recent picture of my F2 with one of my sons and
granddaughters on board. I have had my 4/4 since
1969 when I bought it new, so am not new to Morgans, but bought F2 from Martin Beer 4 years
ago because I had always wanted one… My
interest in Trikes goes back to a trip I took to UK with my parents in 1954, when I saw one tearing
around a country lane in Cornwall, and the image
stuck. Notwithstanding the fact that I graduated as a mechanical engineer, I feel a true neophyte
whenever I read the Bulletin -- such attention to
detail, skill and dedication amongst the members. We have a winter home in Naples (Florida), and I
actually called the dealer in Palm Beach last year
to ask about the new trike -- if they ever start trading at a more reasonable price I could be
tempted to have one here. As you probably know
Martin raced the F2 actively so apart from being a beautiful piece of work, it has a good provenance,
as they say, and he (Martin) helps on problems
periodically. His brother Steve recently completed his JAP trike and showed it at an Ontario concours
this past summer.
33
Above is, I'm sure, more than you need to know,
but readers of Bulletin should know I place its monthly arrival right up there with the latest
episode of Downton Abbey or a good re-run of
Fawlty Towers. George Tollworthy of California: "As a club,
MSCC, we are invited to attend the Scottish
Highland Gathering and Games on an annual basis to display the Morgans which are always well
received by the public. Event is sponsored by The
Caledonian Club of San Francisco. We field maybe ten cars, mostly Fours and Eights of '60's
vintage and also my '34 S/S. Kids seem to like the
Trike. Surprise of the day was when Paul Marchant arrived in his 2013 five speed recently
purchased from Bill Fink of Isis Imports. So two
trikes 79 years apart displayed nose to nose. What a sight. I should mention the Games are held in
Pleasanton, California at the fairgrounds on
Labour Day weekend (first Monday Sep). The Union Jack was flying proudly that day."
Peter Wing of NY: AUS 405 is in the
background of a new Bollywood video shot at Wings Castle New York, performed by vocalist
Biba Singh. Also it will appear in a new Bollywood Rap video performed by Mr. Bolly
(search YouTube)."
Jim Taylor of California: "Until September I was recovering from shoulder surgery so my trike
experiences now date back to September 2012 and
Larry Ayres' run. I've been starting and driving Sport a little, every week, but haven't run with
others for anything like a substantial drive."
Bill Willoughby of Pennsylvania (John: he's doing his part to save space in the Bulletin!): "My
3-wheeler is still disassembled in my barn awaiting
my attention which I intend to get to as soon as I have time. This probably won't be until I can retire
which is not likely to be soon, unless someone
buys my plastic grinding company." Kermit Wilson of Illinois: "I purchased the car
in 2002 from Derick Whittle on the Isle of Man...
It was a certified mess. I flew it home with me and we completed the restoration in three months
including a engine build by Dave Brown. During
the restoration process I discovered that the car had been built by Dave Hodgson in Leeds England.
We became friends over the phone and in 2009 he
came to Watkins Glen to race it in The Peter Morgan Memorial race # 3. He has since been
back to race it at Road America. No question the
car is fast and he is faster in it than I am. Continual tweaking by both Dave and me just keeps the car
going faster. Engine is 1172cc with cross-flow
Willment IOE head."
John Ulver of Washington: "We were in England at the Factory the day Charles Morgan
was fired! Sounds like the workers aren't too
happy about it. I've been rebuilding our F4's engine with new rods and insert bearings. I made the
mistake of putting Mobil-1 in it and all the babbit
fell out! Here's an enlightening bit for you... http://www.animegame.com/cars/Oil%20Tests.pdf Brad
Penn Green from now onwards!"
Marc Wunderman of Connecticut: "In the north eastern U.S. the arrival of November often brings
big changes in the weather and signals the
approaching end of the driving season for old cars, and as a result October is a busy time for a variety
of late season events. The VSCCA Fall Finale is
that club’s final race meeting of the season. This year Jeff Jacobson’s J.A.P. powered Super Aero
was the only three-wheeler entered, and early
in Friday’s practice session Jeff was forced to retire with main shaft and flywheel problems.
While several MTW owners were present as
spectators that weekend, Jim Nichol was the only one to arrive on three wheels in the form of his
brand new dark green 5-speeder. Jim seems to be making a good transition to the new-fangled world
of push-button starting, reverse gear and brakes
that actually stop the car. Jim Perman and Marc Wunderman drove a pair of Super Sports to the fall
meeting of the Fairfield Connecticut Horseless
Carriage Club, which is a region of the largest antique car club in the U.S. This is a low key event
held in a member’s field. The participants spend
most of their time explaining their machines to one another and giving rides. A 1947 John Deere
tractor was in continuous use providing wagon
rides for the children (and more than a few adults) and a Stanley Steamer turned heads demonstrating
its ear-splitting steam whistle. Needless to say, the
Morgans fit right in and solemn promises were extracted from the owners to return next year."
Chris Towner of Mass: Our traditional Lime
Rock Historic racing venue in the North east of the USA featured the trusted twins: Me in the
Buckland F type and Jeff Jacobson in his faster 2
speeder twin, over Labour Day weekend. As in the Pre-war group things can go wrong, Jeff broke on
the first day, I finished the weekend, trustfully near
last. Not a bad place to be. We all enjoyed a real Indian Brunch hosted in Jeff and Gail's perfect
local barn setting, his trike already taken to bits. In
the same time frame we were able to entertain Mike and Jamie Sythes from the UK travelling and
enjoying the New England scenic foliage season.
34
Hope they enjoyed their stay! Next up was a quick
blast to Texas to witness the COTA/SVRA race venue in Vintage form. This is the same F1 track
that must have cost billions to build. It was great to
see several familiar faces from our small Morgan Group. Perhaps we will do it again next year!"
Duncan Charlton
NORTH WEST
The internet is a wonderful tool but can also
become a pain. I have been using it to
communicate with Group members about meetings etc; and generally it has been well received. If you
haven’t been included in the circulation and would
care so to be, please e-mail me. On the other hand, if I’m being a damned nuisance, then tell me that
and I shall stop.
The internet did enable me to give late notice of a run to Erddig Hall which tempted out six twins,
two four-wheelers and the Summerscales’ 1920’s
Vauxhall tourer and enabled us to meet up with ten of the DevaMog branch of the MSCC. All in all a
very enjoyable day in spite of some dodgy weather. The subsequent DevaMog news letter
contained three photos of our Morgans and only
one of theirs. Great support for recent meetings - we were
pleased to welcome newly-crowned G.O. Steve
Hughes from Lancs and Lakes, along with Val, and also Pete Newham who has at long last
decided that he really will get his Morgan back on
the road. I have no great wish to move from The Whipping Stocks, but if we keep getting these sort
of numbers I shall be asking you to suggest a
venue which can provide a larger room. For our Christmas lunch we shall be back in the
Pink Room at The Smoker Inn on 11th December.
We will need to have made our menu choices before then so, if I haven’t contacted you, please
contact me.
Our first Wednesday lunch in the New Year will be at The Crown at Goostrey, on 8th January
Mike Guess
Christmas Lunch, Wednesday 11 December,
The Smoker Inn, A556, Plumley,
meeting, 27 December 7.00pm, The Whipping
Stocks, A 50, Over Peover.
OXFORD
You may have noticed that there is no group
meeting mentioned in the list of forthcoming
events for December. We would normally meet on New Year's Eve at lunchtime, but this year we
have decided to join Robin Rew's lunchtime
gathering on Saturday 28th December at the Gate Inn, Upper Brailes, near Banbury. Several of our
members live to the west of Oxford, so this will be
just as easy as driving to Stanton St John or Worminghall.
Thanks to those who have contacted me asking
to be kept informed by e-mail of forthcoming meetings. Tony Tebby has also offered to put the
latest Oxford Group news on the MTWC website
on a regular basis.
Bob Cragg
SCANDINAVIAN
This report will be totally personal as I have had
no time for anything Morgan this month, but life
can be sad, stressed, exciting, troublesome and
fantastic also without Morgans. Sad with the death and funeral of my brother-in-law, stressed with the
need to do all GRP work on our yacht up in
Stockholm before it became to cold, exciting to see our grandson grow and being such a personality in
this short time, fantastic in the flow we have had in
selling our house and troublesome in making everything work until next summer.
When we came back from the funeral up in
Stockholm there was a paper in our post box from a family wanting to buy a house in our area. The
man was a former golf pro and they had five
children. I called them last Monday and after some visits, an evaluation and a survey we signed the
contract and they paid a deposit yesterday. Nine days and our total cost is £350!
Now we must find a new house and move all we
have including nine cars, five motorcycles and quite an amount of workshop equipment before
next summer. But we know what money we have
for a new house now. I have always been bad at timing so this makes me very excited (perhaps less
so if I stand there next summer with all my stuff
but no house!) We hope for a really good year and we wish you
all
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Lennart
35
SCOTLAND and NORTH EAST
Not much use of the Mog since my run to East
Fortune recently – mostly concentrating on the
starter motor installation – engine has fired up under the new regime, but find I have to use the de
-compressor and it still sounds more suited to
grinding coffee! Further fettling required… Rather tantalizingly, I hear from Bryan Gowans
in Dumfries that another Morgan has come to light
– from a farm in East Lothian no less! The new owner is not a club member, so I will try
to contact him and find out more.
Lee and Dani Dove visited us recently and Lee provided me with new gearbox internals (and
cornering hints), so the transmission re-build will
now have to happen over the winter – can’t avoid it any longer, but I will miss the self-changing
feature of the box…
In company with Jock McKinnon (Bentley person, poor mis-guided boy…) we visited the
Speedway collection in Loanhead – collected over
15 years, and all immaculately restored, so lots of shiny JAP 500s – but they seriously leak oil when
run – that oil valve again, perhaps. I should manage one more report before we
travel to NZ for the Christmas period, but I will try
to contact one or two NZ members whilst I am there…what’s that?...oh, there are only one or two
members…
The suggestion box for 2014 activities is now open by-the-way, so get suggesting! Drive-it Day,
the Perthshire run, the skittles night and Paul’s
barbeque all went well this year, but we need more, especially in the North, West and SW,
and what about you North East boys and girls?
Mogs on the Tyne is good, but mainly 4-wheelers. An AGM sortie would be great, but some
serious logistics to deal with there.
Derick Forrest’s reminiscences are now being published in the Bulletin, so catch up on tales of
the early days of the club – lack of pictures is my
fault, so we hope to have them with the last instalment, and I will also post them on the
website.
Dan The Almost Reliable
SOUTH COAST
After five years of fun, this is my last report as
G.O for the South Coast Group. I couldn’t wish to
be handing on to a better person than Stephen Clark of Wobbly Maud fame. He will be taking
over from the November meeting and I have every
confidence the popularity that the Group enjoys
will continue. Stephen will be able to get his own back on me when he writes his reports – a case of
‘even Stephens’. He will bring his own skills and
style to the Group and I wish him well. The support and help I have had has been very
rewarding and my thanks to you all.
Our Holly Run is back on again this year. We start from The Orchards Restaurant at West
Grinstead on the A272. This is a former train
station and the disused railway is today the Downs Link. The old clock has also gone because it is
now a neighbourhood watch area! To warm you up
they will be serving boiling hot porridge, a full English breakfast or just a cup of tea or coffee.
Please turn up when you like with cars leaving at
about 11:30 from the southbound platform. The destination is Grahame Joseph’s recently
purchased thatched barn in Amberley. More hot
food will greet you on arrival. The chequered flag will be unfurled for another
Scalextric Grand Prix at the Six Bells in
December. We are expecting some new three-wheelers from Steve Terry and Team Harley.
(that’s put the pressure on them) Tyre degredation seems to be an issue. Wheel changes take much
longer than three seconds but Grahame who has
retired has re-tyred. Bring your family and friends to join in the madness.
Grahame (again) took his Super Aero to
Goodwood for the VSCC Sprint. His passenger was John Houlihan who was seen sporting a beard.
He says it hides a multitude of chins. The real
reason is that he has been roughing it in Nepal with fellow Morganeer/Mountaineer, Brian Weeks.
Bob Thomas writes to say that he has bought a
1934 JAP engined barrel back Super Sports – that will fill up his bike shed. We look forward to
seeing it soon.
Have a good Christmas. Over to you Stephen
Michael Joseph
Sun 8th Dec. Holly Run. Start-The Orchards,
West Grinstead. RH13 8LU from 9am
Wed 18th Dec. Scalextric GP. Six Bells,
Chiddingly. 7.30pm
SOUTH EAST
A quiet month down here in the South East, with lunching very much in vogue. At least 5
SE Group members attended the lunch arranged by
Bob Towell up in London. Six members joined Jerry Rea’s group and were impressed with the
London-Brighton Veteran Car Run entrants in the
36
concours arranged by the RAC in Regent Street in
London on Saturday 2nd November and enjoyed lunching in the nearby Italian restaurant despite the
astronomical price charged for drinks. On the
Sunday two others followed the Run itself (but as passengers in double-decker buses) all the way to
Brighton. Plans are afoot for the 7th Christmas
lunch of the WI Group; it should be a welcome change from the sausage rolls and cake on offer
every other Wednesday.
Martin Brown continues his recovery from the accident at his home, now looks relatively elegant
with a lightweight plaster cast on his left arm, and
is grateful to the inventor of Velcro, without which he would have to go shoeless.
A partly restored Sports Morgan three-wheeler,
which had languished in the owner’s garage for over 20 years totally unknown to Group members,
has found a new home down in Cornwall, thanks
to the two strong members who helped the new owner to load it into the van he had hired specially
for the job. We cannot wait to see photographs of
this Morgan back on the road again . The Group’s Christmas celebration will take
place at the December meeting at The Swan Hotel. The traditional Boxing Day event will, as usual, be
held at Sarratt, Herts, while the New Year’s Day
Run will be to the Holiday Inn Hotel, Markyate, Herts, which is between St Albans and Dunstable
on the A5/A 5183. (For further details contact Bob
Towell on 01923 262507).
Duoika
Next meetings, both at The Swan, Horndon-on-
the-Hill :
Saturday 7th December 2013
Saturday 4th January 2014
Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – as above
SOUTH WEST
We enjoyed two good social events in the last
month. The first was an impromptu Old People’s Lunch at Farrington Gurney a few miles south of
Bristol which was preceded by an all too short
browse at The Bookbarn, a wonderful second hand book emporium. Not only that, but four three-
wheelers and one Plus 4 were present with their
owners. With less clement weather, we had one fewer
three-wheeler at the Group meeting at The
Huntsman. Well done to the Forest of Dean contingent consisting of Stan & Margaret Howitt
(F Super) and Terry Priddy (MX Sports Family).
Dennis Willams (MX2 SS) travelled 50 plus miles
from Taunton and therefore put some of us more local members to shame. The people count was
excellent; with about 25 attendees we overflowed
from the TV room out into the main bar area.
Tony Quinn
Saturday 7 December, lunchtime – The Hare &
Hounds, Sidbury, near Honiton. Please park in
the car park adjacent to the road to Ottery St
Mary.
Wednesday 1 January 2014, lunchtime – The
Strode Arms, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet. Joint
meeting with MSCC and VSCC.
Saturday 11 January, lunchtime – The
Huntsman, Falfield, Glos.
WEST MIDLANDS
This year’s Holly Run will follow the usual
format but, for a change, will be at a new venue.
The date, as mentioned last month, will be Sunday, 15th December and the start and finish will be the
car park opposite the Red Lion Pub, Lady Lane, Earlswood, B94 6AQ. This is just North of the
M42, close to J3 by Earlswood Lakes (Contact me
if you would like me to send you a map). v Start time will be 10:00 and, if you want lunch at the
pub, it is advisable to book in advance for 12:00 on
01564 702946. There is a craft centre just up the road with a tea room if you feel like visiting that
afterwards.
As the usual date for the December end-of-month meeting falls on Christmas Day, the week
before is just after the Holly Run and the week
after is New Year’s Day, we will not have a meeting at the Clent Club in December.
We have again been invited to join the MG Car
Club for their Christmas walk. I do not yet have details but this is usually just after Christmas day
and involves a gentle ramble somewhere finishing
at a suitable venue for a bite of lunch. If you are interested in taking part, please contact me.
Rounding off the Christmas and New Year
festivities, will be the customary VSCC meeting at the Royal Oak on the A449 in Much Marcle. This
will offer the usual chance to blow out the
cobwebs and see lots of interesting old machines and their owners. Don’t miss it.
Compliments of the season.
Dave Anscombe
Wednesday 27th November, monthly meeting.
37
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
The Clent Club 20:00
Wednesday, 11th December, mid-month
meeting. Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00
Sunday, 15th December, Holly Run, Red Lion,
Earlswood 10:00
Wednesday 25th December, NO MEETING at
the Clent Club (Happy Christmas!)
??? December, MG Car Club Christmas Walk,
date and venue TBA.
Wednesday, 1st January, The Royal Oak, Much
Marcle, 11:00
Wednesday, 8th January, mid-month meeting.
Fruiterer’s Arms, Ombersley 20:00
Y. N. D.
Thank you – the first meeting at the Bay Horse and 14 (including 3 ladies) attended. Attendees
came from Derbyshire, Leeds, Doncaster,
Chesterfield, Sheffield and the far south of the group, 3 sampled the food and gave it the thumbs
up and all agreed the venue was a big step forward.
We even had a 1926, 2 speed Aero, OHV Blackburn in the car park, which most impressed
the Landlord with its exposed engine and he was very happy to have us. A couple of months ago I
said 2 people whose names I didn’t know attended
in an F type, thank you Tony and Charlene Pierson
for attending again.
All sorts of topics were covered this month with conversations breaking out all over the place.
Some I caught related to Rolls Royce – Merlin
Valves (very classy and solid), recent scale model releases – the Spark 1/43 5 speeder appears very
good and there was much discussion re the merits
of the Ford 8 and 10 engines. Does anyone know where split valve guides and cam followers can be
obtained? Mogspares or Spares Exchange
perhaps? * The venue was unanimously agreed to be a
success, 14 is wonderful but there is still space to
accommodate more.
Eric Eadon
The next meeting is Tuesday 12th November,
The Bay Horse, Scholes, Rotherham - M1
junction 35, A629 to Rotherham, 3rd left to
Scholes (SAT NAV S61 2RQ).
* The Ford Side-valve Club (might be the Small
Ford Club) used to have these in stock together
with the special tool for removing the split guides. One assumes they would also have cam followers.
When I last enquired they did not insist upon membership. Ed...
As group organisers will see. Once again I have had to reduce the font size to fit
in the reports in their entirety. I apologise but due to the time constraints placed
upon me through proof reading and printers deadlines, I have to produce the
Bulletin before ‘ the reports come in’. Therefore this means that I have built the
magazine and used the available pages by the time I get to the report stage,
making it difficult to allocate more pages. Ed…
38
Used Parts Exchange Used Parts Exchange David Browne tel/fax 01507 534315
JAP ohv & common sv.
60° timing chest internals; New con-rod b/e
sleeves; pr new + 030” pistons, flat top;
Drivers side rocker-box barrel, New 60° 5
spline coarse timing pinions;
JAP sv.
A mass of KT & KTW spares; several KTW
barrels-automotive & industrial; DTZ inlet
manifold; pr new + 040” pistons, flat top,
1¾” comp height; KT engine on chassis
cross-head;
Matchless.
Pair new JP pistons for fork & blade rods,
bare, + 080”; Set S/S con-rods; timing chest
internals; MX barrels & heads; flywheel assy
with S/S rods; X conversion to MX c/w a/c
barrels; circular m/cycle timing covers; 2 pr
new + 060 pistons; MX inlet manifolds, cam
followers and new head gaskets; Rocker box
internal arms, new drivers inlet/passenger
exhaust;
Transmission.
Twin & F clutch cover assemblies; Outer
flywheel for plate clutch-requires insert; Mix
3 speed gears & shafts; new ‘twin’ input
gear; Coventry gear set with shafts, selectors
& forks; Relined clutch disc for F-Type; 16t
sprocket blanks; 2 speed clutch cone for
repair to square; Hubs drums etc; Morris 8
back-plates, drums and shoes for hydraulic
conversion;
Hubs, drums, brakes & wheels.
Many back plates, flat & dished; Set of
Standard front brakes & drums; set of
original 17” Magna wheel rims; o/s brake
assy for M-type; 3 speed rear hub; New 14
mm wheel nuts; Mix 3 speed brake shoes,
cams & arms; 6” front wheel brake set;
Steering & suspension.
Sliders, twin main & re-bound springs; 3
speed rear springs; pair new late twin/F-Type
track rod end assemblies; Pair new 3 speed
steering arms;
Instruments & Electrical.
Range of Lucas V-twin magnetos; 6v double-
ended coil; Lucas CF3 cut-out; twin dynamo;
manual & electric Klaxon horns; Lucas R510
headlamps; mix of side-lamps;
5 sided Lucas switch box for salvage of
parts; 3 spd dynamo brackets;
Carbs’ & controls.
Mixture of various Amal carburettors & float
chambers;
Chassis & body.
Family fuel/oil tank; R-type torque tube
flange for gearbox; lengths of CDS tubing
for 2 spd sliders ¾” x 12g; & for slim wing
stays, ½” x 16g, (donated by Colin Scott)
Wanted:
Original parts only please, thanks to all who
helped with the Feb wants list. Still needed
are; 3 spd forks, JAP rocker box heads;
narrow B, M, or C rear wheels or hubs; Pr
Dog-ear con-rods; JAP KT & KTW inlet
manifolds; JAP 50° ohv crankcases Lucas
ammeter, 20-0-20, black face, pendant onion
shaped needle; F-Super steering wheel;
Fresh stock always needed. Please download
and use the form on the Club website, to help
yourself and others with exchanges.
39
Regalia Literature
LP1 - Anzani Anthology. The illustrated story of
the Anzani engine and its use in Morgan Three-
wheelers LP2 – Story of the Three-wheeler. Brian Watt’s
essential guide to the manufacturing details of the
three-wheeler. A must have for dating your pride and joy. (Many illustrations)
LP3 – Best of Clarrie. What is there to say about
this publication. A collection of articles written by the late Clarrie Coombes, describing his activities
whilst owning and driving a 3W. It doesn’t tell
you exactly how to tackle each and every job on a 3W, (it is not a workshop manual) but it gives you
the confidence to try. A ‘must’ for all 3W owners.
Wouldn’t be without mine! Ed... LP4 – F-type Handbook - MMC. A facsimile
reprint of the Morgan Motor Company’s original
handbook supplied with every F-type sold. LP5 – Matchless Engine Handbook. A superb
small reference book for all Matchless engine
models LP6 – MMC Three-wheeler Instruction Book.
A facsimile reprint of the Morgan Motor Company’s original handbook supplied with all
‘twin’ engined three-wheelers sold.
LP7 – Book of The Morgan . A very useful illustrated general guide to owning and driving a
Morgan three-wheeler
OP2 – Lubrication Chart. A copy of the original Castrol lubrication chart for the 2 speeder. (Useful
for 3 speeder owners as well). Makes a great
garage wall hanging OP3 – List of Parts. An A4 version of the List of
parts, prepared by our librarian.
OP7 – 1937 catalogue. An (unfolded if you want) reprint of the 1937 company catalogue, showing
all models available at that time. (B&W)
OP13 – Morgan Three-wheeler Handbook – Ford Engine Models. Tony Birks definitive book
of the F-type, full of helpful hints, photos,
drawings and data. Includes a great deal of useful information for 3 speeder owners especially on the
disassembly and assembly of the gearbox. (soon to
be reprinted)
O3 – The Bulletin DVD. Every edition of the
Bulletin from 1944 to the end of 2010, with index,
search facilities and some video clips. Every
serious three-wheeler owner should have one. A
massive reference source. £20.00. + p&p.
Whisky tumblers at £28-£34 + p&p depending
upon engraved text.
Regalia;
John Barker, 83 County Park Ave,
Halesowen, West Mids, B62 8SX
0121 501 2042
Regalia John Barker
MERLIN ENGINEERING
01384 571936
Producers of the Press Fit Flywheel Assemblies
with Con Rods for 25 years.
Machinists of all castings for Morgan Vee Twin
Engines. Available shortly
Matchless MX2/4 Crankcases
40 37 40
of wheels respoked
Magna wheels at £55 with
Super stainless parts to complement your Morgan in 2013.
New: Front hub protection plates, laser-cut for accuracy and flatness.
£15.00 per pair.
Beetleback catches. As original but with internal spacers to prevent
crushing; polished stainless steel. Drawings showing fitting details and clip
positions available if required. £110.00 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. £100.00 per pair.
Front spring covers, in polished stainless;
£100.00 per car set.
Hi & low level exhaust systems for all twins in stainless steel, p.o.a.
All prices plus post and packing.
Castle Bank Cottage, Ewloe, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 3BZ
Tel. 01244 532 714 [email protected]
COWLEY RESTORATIONS
ALL ASPECTS OF RESTORATION WORK
REPAIRS, SERVICING, MoT PREPARATION
4 Osmaston Lane End, Yeldersley, Ashbourne,
Derbyshire DE6 1LS, UK
[email protected] 01335 348718
NEED HELP? To keep my mind and hands active I can overhaul F-type related
items for you. Engines, Gearboxes or Electrical Items for example.
Contact:- Nev.Lear, ‘Toad Hall’, 14, St. Michaels’ Gardens, South Petherton,
Somerset TA13 5BD Tel. 01460 240978 01460 240978 FREE e-mail:-
42 41
A Christmas Tale. In the tradition of the late great Clarrie Coombes.
You cannot go in that thing! His wife’s words were still ringing in his ear as Jim pulled out
of the drive on Christmas eve with the Morgan loaded with presents. The modern tin top had suffered an electronic failure and grandchildren’s presents just had to be there on Christmas
morning. It was only seventy miles and, as he’d explained, he had often been on Club runs
of many more than this. OK, not at night and not in the winter, but he was sure things would be alright. As he approached the Welsh borders the rain started. As the hills got higher the rain turned to damp fog. Then the misfire began. Slight at first which lulled him into believing it was carburettor inlet freezing. A short stop to allow the heat to travel failed to improve matters. Now as the houses and villages had fallen behind, the engine was definitely faltering. Soon it was difficult to maintain much above twenty miles an hour. Stopping to use the mobile phone to call for assistance was a failure, no signal! Starting off again with lots of spitting and backfires was a trial but eventually he was on his slow way again. At last salvation in the shape of two headlights appeared behind. The vehicle came alongside and amazingly it was another Morgan. A JAP engined Sports model with small doors on the side. The driver indicated to follow him and eventually turned into a lane from which a well defined track led to a neat cottage with a lean-to garage. The driver now asked for help to get him out of his car. To Jim’s surprise as he came free
from his car it was revealed that he had only one leg. He reached in and retrieved a stick and introduced himself as Selwyn. Explaining that he did not have electricity in the house he produced a lantern and together they established that the magneto had failed. “No problem”
says the new found friend, “you take mine and I’ll dry yours out and everything will be
fine”. The spanners rattled and soon the engine was running as good as ever. Jim asked if he
could pay or perhaps take an address to write and arrange some sort of thank you. Selwyn insisted that there was no need and that he was only too pleased to help a fellow three-wheeler owner. Jim completed his journey and such was the weather that his daughter insisted that he stayed the night. Next morning after present opening and tearful goodbyes, he set off for home. Reaching the village he’d noticed soon after leaving Selwyn last evening, he stopped at the
garage for petrol. Even in this rural setting the garage owner was not going to miss the Christmas traffic that was running to and fro. The proprietor made a friendly comment about the Morgan, so Jim asked if he knew the guy from down the road with the green one. “That’s going back a bit” said the man. Asked what he meant, the man went on to explain
that old Selwyn the local vet, one Christmas Eve over twenty years ago was on his way to a mare that was having trouble bringing forth a foal. A tree had fallen across both the road and his Morgan. When they extricated Selwyn his leg was badly broken. He insisted upon the ambulance crew taking him to the farm, where with their help he was able to save the mare and the foal. “Trouble was with all the dirt and suchlike that he had in his own wound,
septicaemia set in and even after an amputation poor old Selwyn died. It was very sad for he was only helping others as he always did”. The man smiled and continued, “some reckon
that at this time of year he can still be seen in his old three-wheeler, but you know what folks are with their stories.” Jim left the garage bemused but determined to seek out his
benefactor. At the lane entrance he stopped, then walked up an overgrown track. The cottage was a ruin, ivy had all but taken over and the lean-to shed had fallen in on itself. Peering through the broken window it was just possible to make out a crushed and totally wrecked car. It was a green Morgan Sports model. The magneto was missing! John Chatwin
42
Motion Picture Library Notes, by Dave Farrow.
The Club has been donated a film of the 1977 Irish rally. I wish to publically thank Craig McWilliam for passing on to us the film that was given to him by an American friend. I do not possess any 16mm equipment so additional thanks must go to Brian Clutterbuck who arranged with Richard Atherton to make a master DVD for me. Richard not only transferred the film to DVD but spent time grading each scene to produce a marvellous quality disc. Thank you Richard; without your invaluable help the film’s contents would have been a mystery. It
now falls to me to add some titles, credits and ‘voice over’ information then add to a
disc in preparation for the archive library: this I hope to do during the coming winter. The film runs for about 9 minutes. Loan availability will depend on my having enough contributions to complete making a library DVD. At present I do not have sufficient video material as nothing has been loaned for copying, or given, since 2009. The general view is that few people use camcorders now, preferring mobile telephones, and such recordings are designed primarily for the Internet. Nor, I understand, is the Internet system compatible with my
audio-visual equipment, but having not received any such recordings, and now being too hearing impaired to use or have a ‘smart
phone’ I cannot confirm this. Small Group organisers - and members - might be interested in a new VCD that I have made. The disc has two titles. Title one has been downscaled to standard definition from high definition version of the National Opening Run to Swindon in 2009. The title records general scenes of the gathering and an overview of the Museum of Steam; the picture definition is good and there is also some narration. Title two is a very nice visual record of the 2009 Dutch Run and was made by Marten Van der Boon and his son in law and to whom I make a very belated public thanks. Of necessity things now move slowly in the MPL world. Again this has been transcribed from a digital copy and is good; it has some explanatory captions in English. It is a very viewable item giving a nice record and a visual taste of an event organised by our friends in mainland Europe. The disc plays for approximately 28 minutes. Neither title is available on DVD at present. If small Group GO’s wish to borrow the
VCD it is numbered VCD/MM-3. Dave.
Rewminations. I am indebted to Andy Brown for his explanation of the role of the Dardalet fixings. He mentions the bonded rubber clutch centre. My first Mog, KJ 8118, a 1932 Super Sports, had both. Presumably the flexible clutch centre served to dampen the tensional vibrations in the prop-shaft but it also allowed the prop-shaft to cope with the twist and distortion in the chassis during hard cornering. Believe me the movement of chassis relative to body can be quite remarkable. It might be this twisting which imposes high loads on the front engine main bearing and the prop-shaft spigot
bearing. A solid-centre clutch plate exacerbates the problem and most of our racers fit a CV joint behind the clutch thrust pad. Torsional vibrations seem to affect the rear main-shaft and failure is usually within the centre race of the rear main bearing. Andy Brown; over to you! Robin Rew. I fitted a new prop shaft end once and treated myself to a new spring type clutch plate. Within months I had to fit two more. Third time I re-fitted the old ‘worn’ prop shaft end
and never had any more trouble!? Sadly by then I had given the old plate away. Ed...
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MORGAN 3 WHEELER 1909-1952 A history of all 23 production models and engines from the ‘prototype’ to the last ‘F Super’. It is intended as a reference book for newcomers
or expert alike and includes over 500 illustrations. Price £8.50 + pp £1.00 UK. £3.00 EU. £4.50. RoW. (cheque or PayPal accepted)
Contact Eric Eadon 8 Ridgeway Rd;
Brinsworth, Rotheram, S60 5HL
01709 379037 or e-mail
Registry Rumbling. The F Super Sports - a Postscript Following the publication of my notes on the F Super Sports on page 11 of the September 2013 Bulletin, I was prompted by our Archivist Jake Alderson to take a closer look at the Morgan Factory Production Records. As I mentioned before, Morgan only ever referred to the two-seater F-Type that was manufactured on the wider, shorter chassis as the “F-Super” (produced between March 1938
and July 1952), and never as the F Super Sports. However, they did indeed officially use the model name - F Super Sports. That name was given to the first few F type two-seaters manufactured in 1935 and early 1936. The first F Super Sports (chassis number F206) was despatched to Maskell, one of the London agents, on 8th July 1935 and the last (F240) to Colmore Depot in Birmingham on 12th February 1936. In total just 12 were produced, of which 5 have survived. It’s interesting to note that the model name was dropped for the 1935 Motorcycle Show, at
which point the two-seater Ford-engined models became known simply as “F 2-Seaters”. Jake’s thoughts on this change are that there were already plans at Malvern to market a new
improved two-seater F-Type on a different chassis to that used for the F4. So the Factory removed the “Super” tag from the existing model in order to make a bigger impact with the
F-Super at a later date. So, there ‘are’ F Super Sports, but not the ones we thought. Steve Lister (Registrar)
The attached photo shows Geoff and Jan Clark-Monks receiving the new MTWC 3W Trophy awarded for the first time this year to the owner of the best 5-Speeder at the Opening Run. Jan and Geoff were unable to be at the AGM weekend so they made a special journey from Wigston to Elton to collect the trophy. Prior to buying the 5-Speeder, Geoff had 3 Two-speeders, but the last of them was around 50 years ago. His motoring has come full circle. Regards, Steve Lister.
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Floggery 1932/4 Sports Family (exposed twin) JAP 1100 s/v, doors, unused since 1970, pretty complete except for exhausts [email protected] Regards. Steve Lacey For Sale: Matchless MX2/4 inlet valve guide oilers £45 pair, MX2/4 rocker shaft alloy bolt £7.50 set, MX2/4 1/4 BSP 4 way oil feed union, nickel plated brass £7.50 each, MX/2/4 crankcase breather £10 each, 2 or 3 Speeder dash plaques £12.50 each, all plus postage. Plus many more of my stock items, contact Malcolm Bull tel 02476 444282 e-mail [email protected]. For Sale: One pair of immaculate Lucas L700 headlamp cans in coach painted black, no dents or damage, with mounting bolts cups and nuts. £75. Dave Young Tel 01580 766637 [email protected] For Sale: F4 1948 Green with aluminium bonnet. Good original condition. MoT'd until exempt. Recently fitted with new Avon tyres and heavy duty tubes. Car drives well and is known to the Club. I am reducing my fleet to make way for a new project. £14,500 F10179 Martin Brown [email protected] ↓
For sale: Ford 100E engine, complete but dismantled, o.i.r.o. £40 to go to Macmillan Cancer Trust. Tony Birks. E-mail: [email protected] 01234 219607
For Sale: Sheepskin Flying Jacket, marked size 40 but really it fits like a 38. Would suit male or female. In good condition. Brown with cream fur. Measurements are; Nape to bottom 26”, chest 46” as measured armpit to
armpit, arm 30” £70 Steve Hedges Member No F10682 on 07778 134343 or [email protected] For Sale: Kit of parts for 2 speeder Super Aero. Chassis frame, widened and lowered, with pro-shaft and bevel box . Dog eared JAP engine with mag & cone clutch. Wide ‘B’ rear forks, brake parts etc. No paperwork
included. £12,500 for all, or might split. Frank Gilbert. 01332 344363 Photo available. [email protected] Wanted: A pair of serviceable cylinders for MX2 Matchless Bruce Grant Mem No F 9795 Tel 01446 404234 For Sale: JAP vee twin engine, fixed head, probably early 1920s. It's complete with a square bodied ML magneto and big brass Amal carb. Flat based, it is believed to be a rail-car engine - if so, the capacity could be 1300cc. In my opinion the engine has never been run. There are no marks on the nut flats, there is golden yellow oil in the sump and no carbon in the ports. There is no fin damage and although somewhat corroded from standing, is perfectly restorable and located in Bristol. I will entertain offers in the region of £2,500. 14 detailed photos available. [email protected] (Non-member) Free for collection: I have one side of the skirt from a 1934 Super Sports beetle-back to give as a pattern. Obviously it is too long to post so it is collect, or get someone to collect on someone’s behalf and pass it on down the
line. Brian Watts. [email protected]
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Electronic ignition (contactless optical)
For Matchless and J.A.P engines
Complete kit £300. 12 v neg earth only
For more info., Contact:
Roger Orford, tel 01886 88387 07969950015
For Sale: 1933 Super Sports beetle back. Used in many MCC long distance trials, great fun, totally reliable, handles brilliantly and never lifted a wheel (probably due to engine weight!). Comes with detachable roll-over bar and spot light for night trials. Ewan Cameron’s up-rated front brakes which look original, rear Spax adjustable shock absorbers. Original Morgan parts throughout, original body from a car owned by Dave Brickell. 1326cc DTZ Jap engine - utilising complete DTZ crankcases with double row rear roller bearings. 90 bore pistons, original 3 speed box. Re-tubed chassis with straight tubes for increased ground clearance. Ready to use, been on the road since 2006. Featured in 2003 Bulletin by Bill Higginson, who with Len Critchlow borrowed it to do MCC Exeter trial. £29,500 ono. This car will last another 50 yrs! Only being sold from the collection so my youngest can buy a house. Tim Cameron email: [email protected]
For Sale: 1933 Morgan Super Sports kit. Nearly all major components present. V5, New beetle-back body and fuel tank, Re-tubed chassis + sliders, brakes, new hubs, 1933 JAP LTOWZ engine – bottom end rebuilt, Honeycomb radiator (1933 type), Carb, inlet manifold, Gearbox – new input & lay-shaft. fork, springs, Clutch/flywheel/prop-shaft, Gear linkage, Pedals + front brake operation, Steering gear, 4 rebuilt wheels. Major missing parts - Front wings, Headlights, Windscreen, Seats, Tyres. Offers invited.01886 884146 (Worcestershire). Please email [email protected] for photographs. Les Bennett, A10083
Tim Cameron.
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Don Stringer sends in pictures from the Goodwood Sprint. Below, Duncan Wood’s racer being
freshened, fettled and fotograffed.
Sue Darbyshire’s racer having been fettled and foto...
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The Bulletin is printed by Lavenham Press Limited, Water Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9RN. Tel: 01787 247436
Duncan Wood at speed approaching a damp patch at Goodwood Sprint.
Err… perhaps wet would be a better word!
Parting shot. Young man, this is a genuine Morgan barrel back. Yes sir, and I’m an oenologist, ‘blow in here’. Created by Yarrn Renauld.
