33 of these limited-run special editions will mark the end of this current iteration of Morgan 3 Wheelers.
Morgan Motor Company has just recently announced that it will be ending the production of its 3 Wheeler. Production of the 3 Wheeler will cease in 2021, as the type approval for its Harley-Davidson derived 1,998 cc S&S V-Twin engine expires.
Perhaps its wackiest model within its lineup of typically wood-based British roadsters, the Morgan 3 Wheeler was also interestingly one of the marque’s most successful models of all time. Debuting in 2011, over 2,500 examples of these bonkers machines have made it into the hands of passionate owners from all around the world.
So to mark the end of production of this charismatic motorised trike, the boutique British automaker has therefore planned for a limited run of 33 special edition models as a final hoorah to this particular iteration of Morgan 3 Wheeler.
Named the P101 edition, an homage to the internal code name given to the revival of this classic Morgan trike, these limited run models was conceived by Morgan’s in-house Design and Engineering departments and features a range of bespoke design touches that were supposedly ‘inspired by the prominent design features of Morgan’s three wheeled models’.
On the outside, the most striking feature on the P101 is perhaps the single-leaf gold-coloured composite resin tonneau cover. Going across where the passenger-side of the roofless cabin, this cover that first appeared on the Morgan EV3 concept in 2016 supposedly exaggerates the asymmetrical exterior theme of this already outlandishly designed car.
Exclusive too to the P101 are the Aero-disc style front wheels, which give it a retro steampunk vibe to it. Adding to this retro vibe are the twin Hella fog lights mounted low down up front, which serve not only to add menace to the front end aesthetic, but supposedly also function to reduce turbulence around the suspension and wishbones.
While only available in black and silver, to further add visual flair and personalisation to this end-of-the-line 3 Wheeler, the P101 is available in four art packs. Each with their own unique identifiers and vivid graphics, these four striking liveries are: The Belly Tank, The Dazzleship, The Aviator and the Racecar.
Continuing on the black and silver theme, alternated black and white ceramic coated straight-cut exhausts that contrast left to right of the model are standard. A fly screen, additional louvres, exposed rivet details, torque markers on the front tires and the unique P101 markings are also featured on the P101 for added visual pizzazz.
Prices for these limited P101 models start from £45,000 (RM 246,000) excluding tax. Production is slated to begin in 2021, alongside the other ‘bespoke’ 3 Wheelers ordered currently.
If you actually want one of these commemorative editions however, you are actually already too late, as all 33 P101s have already been spoken for. Nevertheless, Morgan has stated that the iconic 3 Wheeler will soon ride again in another form sometime in the future. So you might still have chance to own one yet sometime down the road.
PRESS RELEASE: The Morgan Motor Company is marking the end of production of one of its most well-loved models, the 3 Wheeler, with the announcement of the P101 edition. The 3 Wheeler — which was introduced in its current form in 2011 — will cease production in 2021, once type approval on its S&S V-twin engine finishes.
P101 stands for Project 101, the internal name given to the project to revive the 3 Wheeler when development began more than a decade ago. Limited to just 33 examples, the P101 was conceived by Morgan’s in-house Design and Engineering departments to celebrate their original project, and its resulting model success throughout its production run.
The current 3 Wheeler has been one of the company’s most popular models of all time, more than 2,500 examples having been made since its launch in 2011. The 3 Wheeler is exported to all corners of the globe, and has received countless motoring accolades from across the industry.
This recognition, the popularity of the car, and the numerous ‘stand out’ road trips undertaken by owners confirms that the spirit of adventure and individuality is alive and well, both at Morgan and within the wider automotive industry.
Characterised by a purposeful and utilitarian aesthetic, the P101 features a range of unique components and bespoke detailing, many of which have been inspired by the prominent design features of Morgan’s three wheeled models.
A striking single-leaf tonneau cover – first seen on Morgan’s EV3 concept in 2016 – has been deployed to exaggerate the asymmetrical theme, and is intended for single occupant use. The composite resin cover exhibits a natural translucent golden colour, not dissimilar to materials witnessed on engine shrouds for 1970s race cars. The tonneau is lightweight, streamlined, and honest in both its design and manufacture.
The Aero-disc wheels – painted to match the main body colour –– provide a further streamlined visual and define the look of the P101, making it instantly recognisable as a unique model. The low-drag aero-disc wheels work together with low-slung Hella 9-inch spot lamps, positioned to reduce turbulence around the suspension and wishbones, whilst also giving the car a more forward-leaning aesthetic.
Adding to the asymmetry and split identity of the P101, alternated black and white ceramic coated exhausts contrast left to right of the model. Further detailed additions include torque markers on each front tyre, straight-cut exhausts, a fly screen, additional louvres, exposed rivet details, and unique P101 markings. Together, they evoke the sense of excitement felt around the company when the original prototypes were being developed.
Each 3 Wheeler P101 is available in Deep Black or Satin White Silver paint, with appropriate decals to suit. Further to this, four P101 art packs will be available for customers to choose from, each with their own unique identifiers and vivid graphics:
- The Belly Tank – Referencing liveries found on belly tank racers and ‘lakesters’ that were inspirations for the 3 Wheeler initially, The Belly Tank graphic pack features a distressed effect in the vinyl.
- The Dazzleship – The Dazzleship – featured in the launch film and images – is the boldest of the art packs. Its striking black and white design is inspired by the graphic camouflage of period military vehicles.
- The Aviator – Evoking a sense of aviation spirit, The Aviator graphic pack is an extension of similar theme graphics offered on 3 wheelers. Inspired by nose art found on RAF planes in WWII.
- The Race Car – Three wheeled Morgan vehicles were competing in motorsport almost as soon as the first example was created. The Race Car graphic pack features stripes and roundels, and pays homage to the liveries which have adorned by early Morgan race cars.
The limited-edition P101 is priced from £45,000 plus local market taxes and on-the-road costs, and all 33 production slots have already been allocated to Morgan dealerships. Production of the model will begin immediately and continue alongside ‘bespoke’ 3 Wheelers during 2021.
The importance of three wheelers in Morgan’s history cannot be underestimated. From the original Runabout built by HFS Morgan in 1909, through to the latest version in production today, thousands have been built in Morgan’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire. Through various iterations, the original three wheelers were made until 1952, when the factory began exclusive production of four-wheeled cars until the launch of the 3 Wheeler in 2011. Details of a potential successor to the 3 Wheeler are yet to be announced, and while Morgan can confirm that the Morgan 3 Wheeler will return, there will be a break in production.
Steve Morris, Chairman & CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said: “Production of the most recent 3 Wheeler has been a thrilling and exciting chapter in Morgan’s history. The significance of the original Three Wheeler is undoubted, however the introduction of the ‘current’ 3 Wheeler in 2011 proved to Morgan, and the world, that fun cars still have a place and that the ‘why not’ attitude is sometimes best.
The P101 celebrates the raw and stripped back nature of the 3 Wheeler, and provides us with the perfect opportunity to draw an incredible chapter of Morgan’s history to a close. Once the 33 examples have been created, the opportunity for an exciting new chapter for three-wheeled Morgan vehicles begins.”
