Morgan 3-Wheeler for Australia: Status October 2013
After a successful visit to the Morgan factory in Malvern Link in July we are now getting closer to obtaining Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliance. Issues that still need to be resolved include the wiring harness and front indicator lamp positioning.
We are now awaiting the arrival of a new wiring harness to be fitted to the local test unit in Australia and a factory solution to the re-location of the front indicator lamps. Numerous other smaller issues are also being addressed.
Once these design changes have been incorporated in the local 3-Wheeler test vehicle, the relevant documents will be submitted to Canberra. Following paper work approval the final step is the official inspection of the vehicle by officials from the Department of Transport together with our local homologation engineer.
We are still hopeful of completing this process this year to take advantage of the UK winter production slots that the Morgan factory is holding for Morgan Cars Australia.
We are planning to display the test and development vehicle at the forthcoming Motorclassica exhibition to be held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October this year.
Whilst the final Australian version of the 3 Wheeler will at a glance look similar to a UK version, a lot of extra development will have gone into the Australian version, in our opinion resulting in a better vehicle.
In summary, the changes from the UK 3 Wheeler include:
- Different steering column
- Different steering wheel
- Dash padding added
- Higher roll-over hoops designed and added
- Padded head rests designed and added
- Repositioned front indicators
- Side repeater indicators added
- Side reflector added
- Reversing light added
- Third brake light added
- New wiring harness
- Wind deflectors, rather than screens
- Different mirrors
In addition to these changes, three separate crash tests have been conducted on the Australian version of the 3 Wheeler and it passed all tests to satisfy ADR requirements. It has also passed the unique ADR stability test criteria.
Persons who have lodged an expression of interest will be advised first when ADR compliance is received and invited to place an order.
With the continuing decline in the value of the Australian Dollar and with final homologation costs not yet established, it is not possible to project a retail selling price for the unique Australian version of the fabulous new Morgan 3 Wheeler.