This two speeder car sports a J.A.P. 1100cc V-twin engine which drives through
a drive shaft to a vevel box and thence via one of two chains to its single rear wheel.
Starting is by hand cranking through the transmission aided by a compression relief lever. The throttle, spark control, and mixture levers are on the steering wheel
(right hand drive of course). On the floor there is a clutch pedal on the left and the
rear wheel brake pedal is on the right. A centrally located lever controls the front wheel brakes and the gear shift lever is outboard at the driver's right hand. The
rider operates the total loss engine oil lubrication system.
This '31 has won several show honors including best of show among a dozen
including best of show among a dozen invited Morgan three wheelers at the
Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance.
Tony Souza
When Daddy told us about that car he always would get a file out of his desk drawer and show us pictures that he had clipped and saved. Over the years we came to realize that this car was something of a dream to our father. His devotion to that dream never wavered and as partners came into his children's lives, they would be told about the "three wheeled Morgan" as would his grandchildren. We used to think that the car was magical, he spoke so glowingly of something he had never seen in person.
This year, as our parents' Golden Anniversary approached, we all sat down (without our parents) to decide what to do to celebrate this wonderful milestone. We quickly decided on a party so that other relatives and friends could join our celebration. As we discussed things our parents loved, the topic of the car came up. Carl began a search on the Internet.
After some persistence and creativity he found the web site for Morgan Three Wheelers and contacted Chris Towner. Chris' excitement at our request led him to give us the name of Craig Seibert from Morgans of Philadelphia (MOPS). Mary Lou wrote to him explaining our quest to have our father get to see his dream car and possibly come to the anniversary party in the car. In the letter Mary Lou quoted an oft repeated sequence at Christmas and birthdays. The children would ask Daddy, what would you like for...? and Daddy would answer "a three wheeled Morgan". Craig hand carried her letter to Tony Souza who called Mary Lou the next day.
At 2:30pm everyone left Mary Lou's for the ride to Tony's house.
Our father knew something was up but was in the dark as to what. Carl took off with Dad about 15 minutes later. Carl's boys were in the back seat with a video camera so we could have a film reminder of this day. When Carl reached Tony's driveway he handed Daddy a note to read.
Dear Daddy,
Each year for Father's Day we ask you what you want or we go out and buy you something we think you would like. This year we decided to send you on an adventure for Father's Day. Due to a terrific idea from Carl, the magic of the Internet, and the kindness of strangers, we are giving you the chance to do something that you have told us you always wanted to do. We all hope that you enjoy your Father's Day adventure.
Love,
The kids and grandkids
As they came to the top of the hill, there was Tony's Morgan in all of its splendor. Daddy just kept saying "Oh my God" over and over. He got out of the car and went over to the Morgan in amazement. After he and Tony met, they went on to discuss the car for a long while before Tony said, "Well, how about a ride?"
Tony's wife Janet explained the role of the rider and Tony cranked up the car and off they went for an afternoon of joy riding through the countryside. Our father's adventure was taking place and one of his dreams had come true. The ride took in the hills, stream side roads, covered bridges, and farmland of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. There was a midpoint stop at a lovely grass strip airport abuzz with the activity of biplanes coming and going and the bustle of gliders being towed up and released. Tony and Daddy were all too happy to tell the crowd gathered around the three wheeler all about its characteristics and operation. When Daddy got back to Mary Lou's house late that afternoon, we looked at the video and sat and talked about the adventure for hours. Before we left that night we asked Daddy if it was hard to get out of the car, and his answer was "Only the last time".
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Tony and Janet for being the kindest strangers we have ever met. Thank you also to the others from the various clubs who helped us to find Tony and Janet. Maybe the "three wheeled Morgan" does have some magic to it for it seems to attract people of uncommon caring and kindness!
For the Pennegar Clan
Helen Pennegar Rosenthal, RN, CGRN
