Morgan 3 Wheeler gets ADR approval, finally
Four years after its international release the M3W receives Australian Design Rule approval, and will go on sale this JuneIt's been four years since the Morgan 3 Wheeler went on sale in the UK and 115 years since the company's first 'trikes' went on sale. Now, Australian buyers have been handed their first opportunity to own an M3W.
Arriving in local showrooms this June, the M3W has faced significant changes to meet ADR regulations, the three-wheeled car originally classified as a motorcycle in the eyes of the regulators. To gain approval, the M3W has countered what Morgan importer Zagame says were at times "unrealistic requirements" in a "costly and protracted" exercise.
The "costly" part of the equation is an evident sticking point for the M3W and one that will be reflected in the car's sale price. Expected to retail for "close to $90,000", the M3W will be dearer than Morgan's 4/4 (from $79,990 plus ORCs), albeit with a significant reduction in creature comforts.
On balance, however, it's apparent the changes are largely for the better. The Australian market will have one of the best-equipped and safest M3Ws of any market, the local-spec including repositioned front indicators, wind deflectors in lieu of a windscreen, a collapsible steering column, paddle-style steering wheel, higher roll-over hoops, additional dash padding, a central rear-view mirror, larger 'car style' wing mirrors, side repeater indicators and reflectors, a seatbelt reminder buzzer, brake failure warning light, high-level third brake light and a reversing light.
To meet ADR noise regulations, the front-mounted S&S vee-twin engine also receives a redesigned induction system and noise deadening covers atop the engine. Finally, the exhaust manifolds have been wrapped in lagging tape to provide heat protection from the exposed pipes.
The wood and aluminium-framed M3W develops 61kW at 5250rpm and 140Nm of torque at 3250rpm. It mightn't sound much, but with a kerb weight of just over 525kg, the figures are enough to achieve a 0-100km/h time of 6.0sec. An ADR combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3L/100km is expected.
"It's been a long and expensive road to get here, in fact it's been a struggle," said Morgan Cars Australia's Chris Van Wyk."But we now have one of the best three-wheelers available anywhere."
"Unfortunately, the pricing is on the high side. The ADR compliance has seen us change the three-wheeler essentially from a motorcycle to a car, and due to the costs involved and the luxury car tax threshold, the M3W is more expensive than our 4/4."
The M3W will be available with a broad range of aftermarket accessories, potentially pushing the on-road price north of $100,000.
"We are pleased to advise that the launch retail price of the Australian Morgan 3 Wheeler in standard trim will be $90,000," Van Wyk exclaimed, adding that enthusiasts who've already made enquiries on the model will be given priority delivery of the first locally-specified examples.
"We have restricted monthly production available for Australia starting from April 2015 and we will seek build slots based on firm orders received, also taking into consideration the 3 Wheeler waiting list," he added
The importer says future pricing will be affected by the volatility of the Australian dollar and that pricing will be reviewed on a monthly basis. The M3W is available to order from 11 dealerships nationally and is backed by a 30-month/48,000km warranty.
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