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ACE Cycle Car Becoming New Morgan 3 Wheeler?

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The ACE Cycle Car

The ACE Cycle Car

Ace Cycle Car under Morgan LicenseRemember the ACE Cycle Car? Pete Larsen is building these Harley Davidson powered beauties over in Seattle, Washington, a tip of the hat to the old Morgan 3 Wheelers. Well, if you’ve been over to the Cycle Car website recently you’ll notice a few changes, notably a big notice on the home page saying “Constructed under license from the Morgan 3 Wheeler, Ltd. Malvern, England.” I wasn’t aware there even was such a thing as the “Morgan 3 Wheeler, Ltd.” currently in existence, after all, the 3 wheelers haven’t been manufactured for many decades, but Morgan has been building some nifty new vehicles lately and the 3 wheeler would fit right in as an historical throwback with modern engineering and up to date design.

Rumor has it that Morgan is going to be be offering the ACE 3 wheeler, or a very close facsimile, as a new Morgan 3 wheeler sometime soon. Morgan should have no qualms about the ACE carrying the company banner, it’s a gorgeous machine. No confirmation, yet, but a lot of signs are pointing in that direction. Stay tuned. Now, where’s my silk scarf?

Link: Ace Cycle Car
Link: Morgan Motor Company
Related: Ace Cycle Car update

Comments

  2. It would be a huge compliment if Morgan began sourcing the ACE Cycle Car as their own. I can imagine Morgan is proud enough (as are their customers) to ensure that they are all built in house, though.
    I wonder what engine Morgan would use for theirs? Guzzi perhaps?

    -todd

  3. I will keep my eyes open for one of these things at this years IMS show here in Seattle. If the manufacturer is present, we will get him on the special edition International Motorcycle Show Live from the show floor Hog Radio show.

    Would be great to talk with the reps on this vintage looking machine. Last year an original Morgan was showcased along with other Vintage Cycles durring the IMS show.

  4. I love this thing!
    Always loved the Morgan 3-wheelers.
    The original engines had either J.A.P. v-twin or Matchless v-twin engines.
    Since they aren’t around anymore, the H-D engine will do. Not quite as pretty, but it’s available and easy to get parts for, and it’s there.

    Overall, the look of this vehicle is VERY nice. I’d love to own one.

  5. I think this is wonderful to see. Being very familiar with Morgan Cars as a vintage sports car enthusiast and writer, a return to the company’s roots is most certainly good to hear.

    I do have to express concern for the powertrain. While the Harley Davidson unit is truly suited for the mission, I fear that the brass in Milwaukee will most certainly want nothing to do with this venture as it would certainly not correspond to the current company policy of core brand values.

    I have seen Guzzi V-Twins used before in such applications and they appear to work well.

  6. I would think that if the manufacturing capacity is there, H-D would be glad to receive regular checks. They are not selling as a H-D so core brand identity has nothing to do with it.

  8. Oh, and @Will13: if HD won’t supply the motors, more fool them, but S & S or Jims or any number of other suppliers will gladly step into the breach, I’m sure.

  9. @ Tim

    I think it would be fantastic if H-D would do the engines, but the reasons for my earlier stated concerns stem from how H-D denied Mac Motorcycles the sale of Buell Blast engines. In my opinion, this was a poor business move for H-D as they stood to profit from the sale of the engines.

    It would be wonderful to see S&S step in to produce a very nostalgic appearing engine for the 3 wheeler, should H-D decide not to allow the use of its engines.

  10. I saw my first Morgan at age 6 while visiting my mother’s family in London. I was amazed at a 3-wheeled car that was so tiny, even to my young eyes. I’ve loved them ever since. Nothing wrong with using an H-D engine or clone for motive power; a big, 80-horse V-twin would really make it scoot, and sound wicked good in the bargain.

  11. Agree with tim above: if Harley wants nothing to do with it there are plenty of mfgs making similar (often better) engines.

    But with 3 wheels, why not try to dig up a Feuling W-3 somewhere!?!? Symmetry (of a sort).

  12. The W3 was an incredible engine indeed, with great performance that I recall.

    While the Ace Cycle Car shown above is a modern version of the V-Twin powered Mogie 3-wheelers; Morgan began producing a 4 cylinder variant in 1933 using the Ford 933cc side valve inline four engine as a response to a trike built by BSA.

    Imagine the performance possibilities if Ace should decide to install a Kawasaki ZX14 engine into this fabulous little roadster!

  14. Actually, I think it would look even better with a V-Rod engine on the front.

    Water Cooling is no historical obstacle as Morgans used water-cooled Dog-Eared JAPs back in the 20’s.

    Need to do something better about the roll bar though. Looks like an unattended to detail.

  15. its not exactly about the speed or the time it takes to get there. sitting this close to the ground, what with engine and road noise, THIS is a SPIRITED RIDE!

  16. It’s nice – I’ve seen a Guzzi powered Morgan replica in the UK. In some respects the Harley motor looks more the part. When I took my Duke in for a service, the mechanic was just finishing some work on the Guzzi powered trike and he said it was quick but a bit scary in the wet. Morgan stopped making three wheelers in the 30s – still see a few at classic car events and in museums.

  17. If water cooling isn’t an issue, a Ducati V-twin would be pretty awesome. Might not look the part, but it would be undeniably amazing in terms of sound and performance.

  18. You want something with a ZX-14 engine, try a Lotus 7 replica…wouldn’t be appropriate for the Morgan. The thing about the Ducati engine is the asymmetrical cylinders…just wouldn’t look right. This is all about a classic look and a bit of motoring fun- not all out performance….again, the Lotus 7 is better for that.

  19. Easy fix on the ducati powered “Morgan”; fit two rear cylinders and heads. Of course, then all your Ducati logos would be at a 45 degree angle.

    -todd

  21. I think Cameron Engineering in Malvern should provide their version of the JAP V-Twin to the factory, they’re excellent!