V-to-C Miscellany, September 1996, September 1996

Restoration work has commenced on a 1927 Family Morgan three-wheeler that has been laid up in a country barn for some 30 years or more. It is entirely original even to the dashboard flower-vase, but the medallion of the well-known Croydon agent who sold it, Allen Bennett & Co, has been stolen. The previous owner used the Morgan for summer journeys to the coast, with his two children on the cramped back seat, into which the back wheel arch intrudes. A curious factor is that although an ammeter and lamp brackets are fitted, the cyclecar, which has the water-cooled vee-twin side-valve JAP engine, never had lamps. It seems possible that the makers found it easier to put the ammeter on in the course of construction than to leave it to an agent to fit it if and when a customer ordered a lighting-set; but can anyone confirm this? After standing largely unused for the aforesaid period the engine was found to be free, the cooling system held water, and the ML magneto exhibited something of a spark — good on you, Malvern Link!

Sunburst Books are out of print of the excellent book of W J Brunell motoring photographs, The Golden Age of British Motoring which we reviewed in July, but copies should be obtainable from Motor Books, 35 St Martin’s Court, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AL (0171 836 5396) for £19.99 (postage £5.10). It is a book which I was very glad not to have missed and an early order is advised. W B