► Morgan’s EV3 due late 2017
► First 19 cars will be this ‘UK 1909’ edition
► Sold through Selfridges store
Mercedes and AMG. BMW and Alpina. Morgan and Selfridges. Yes, we can add another pair of names to the pantheon of great motoring partnerships, brought together to create this special UK 1909 edition of Morgan’s EV3 electric 3 Wheeler. This is it. Splendid, what?
UK 1909? Is that a prototype postcode?
No. Both companies were founded in 1909, you see. And there are only 19 being made.
Right. So what has Morgan contributed?
The base EV3, a battery electric version of its 3 Wheeler, first shown at the 2016 Geneva Show. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 46kW motor and 20kWh lithium battery, weighs less than 500kg and is good for 90mph and 0-60 in less than nine seconds. Range is estimated to be 120 to 150 miles.
It’s the first Morgan to use carbon composite body panels, for the bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods. Getting rid of the petrol three-wheeler’s big V-twin at the front has enabled Morgan to completely restyle the EV3’s snout, complete with inboard headlights and brass conductive cooling fins encasing the batteries.
And Selfridges?
Some rather neat bronze detailing, on the hubcaps for example. This treatment is meant to reference the Selfridges store plaque, miniature versions of which are carried on the outside of the cockpit.
The store has also enlisted nine British brands to produce a bespoke driving kit ‘for the contemporary recreational motorsports man and woman’. All produced in the UK, the kit includes weatherproof overalls from Christopher Raeburn, a scarf from Alexander McQueen and a tweed jacket by Richard James, while Belstaff has contributed a waxed cotton jacket.
This all sounds like me. I want one
Be quick. The majority of the UK 1909 editions are already sold. And if you like the driving kit’s style, it can only be ordered together with the UK 1909.
Hmm. How about a regular, non-UK 1909 EV3?
Production is slated to start in late 2017, with prices yet to be announced.
Anything else new at Morgan?
Apart from the EV3, Morgan’s also looking at hybrid powertrain technology, and recruited more technical personnel in 2016.
The UK 1909 and EV3 are the newest Morgans in the company’s model line-up, presented in full at the 2017 Geneva show – click here for a full run-down of all the new cars at Geneva.
