1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Imagine driving a vehicle that feels halfway between a motorcycle and a car — the wind on your face, an exposed engine snarling ahead of you, and only three wheels between you and the road. That’s exactly the experience the 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler offered when it emerged in the heart of the interwar automotive world. It was a machine that blurred categories and captured the spirit of an era when lightness and simplicity were as prized as speed.
Technical Details:
The 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler was powered by a front-mounted V-twin engine, typically around 1.1 litres displacement and producing roughly 40 hp at 4,500 rpm in its Super Sport form — adequate for its lightweight chassis and enabling brisk performance for the time. The vehicle employed a three-speed manual gearbox, driving a single rear wheel through a chain and driveshaft setup. Its sliding pillar independent front suspension was a distinctive feature that gave it a balance of handling agility and mechanical simplicity. The tubular steel and wood frame kept the overall weight low, contributing to nimble dynamics. Top speed was around 70 mph (112 km/h). Braking was mechanical, with systems evolving over the 1920s and 1930s from early rear-only units to drums on all wheels. In typical Morgan fashion, the design emphasized minimalism and mechanical honesty rather than comfort or luxury.
- Manufacturer: Morgan Motor Company
- Model Name: Morgan 3 Wheeler (Super Sport / F-Type)
- Year of Manufacturing: 1935
Design:
Visually, the 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler was unmistakable. With two wheels at the front and a single wheel at the rear, its silhouette was low and elongated. The engine sat proudly ahead of the bodywork, exposed to the air and acting as both powerplant and visual centerpiece. Its bodywork was typically a blend of lightweight materials over a wooden frame mounted to a steel chassis, and its open cockpit invited an unfiltered connection to the environment. The minimalist windscreen, bare-bones seating, and simple controls reinforced a sense of direct engagement with the machine. The design was both functional and expressive: every curve and component served a purpose, reflecting the Morgan ethos of simplicity and performance.
Historical Significance:
The Morgan 3 Wheeler did not emerge in isolation; it was the product of decades of experimentation with lightweight, economical motoring. Morgan’s first three-wheelers dated back to 1909, and by the 1930s the company had refined its concepts into a competitive sporting machine. In 1935, Morgan introduced updated models with four-cylinder Ford engines — a notable evolution from the earlier twin-cylinder units — though Morgan’s three-wheel tradition remained rooted in lightweight, enthusiast-oriented design. These vehicles occupied an unusual niche, offering performance that could be driven under a motorcycle license in some markets and taxed accordingly — an advantage at a time when ownership costs were a significant consideration. The Morgan’s combination of innovation, mechanical simplicity, and sporting character helped sustain its popularity through the early 20th century, and the 1935 model represents a mature expression of that lineage shortly before broader shifts in automotive design rendered three-wheelers less common.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
Few cars are as characterful as the 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler. Its exposed engine and minimalist construction make it feel more like a racing machine or speedway vehicle than a traditional automobile. Enthusiasts have long prized the model for its adventurous nature and distinctive driving experience — a blend of raw mechanical feedback, wind-in-your-hair openness, and a direct connection to the road. While not a frequent fixture in mainstream films or novels, its unique looks have made it a standout at classic car events and auctions, where restored examples attract attention and often strong bids. Nicknames for Morgan three-wheelers often emphasize their idiosyncratic charm, and in the decades since their manufacture, they’ve become symbols of early British automotive ingenuity and playful engineering daring.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2022. Set in the elegant spa gardens of Baden-Baden, this open-air event is one of Germany’s most atmospheric classic car gatherings. The 2022 edition marked the 46th year of the meeting and featured over 350 carefully selected vintage vehicles from across Europe. With its picturesque backdrop and festive ambiance, the event draws thousands of visitors who stroll among historic automobiles, enjoy live music, and take in themed displays. In 2022, American classics and convertibles were especially well represented, reflecting the event’s continued celebration of both international and domestic automotive heritage.
Conclusion:
The 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler stands out not because it conforms to norms, but because it intentionally defies them. Lightweight, mechanically honest, and visually unmistakable, it delivered a driving experience somewhere between car and motorcycle. Its clever design and spirited performance reflect Morgan Motor Company’s commitment to unconventional thinking during a formative period in automotive history. Today the 1935 Morgan 3 Wheeler remains a compelling chapter in the story of early motoring — a machine cherished by collectors and admired for its simplicity, individuality, and unabashed focus on driving engagement.
