In a message dated 6/15/100 7:24:51 AM EST, mogman@rpa.net writes:
<< Hi All:
I know the predominance of this list is 4 wheel Morgans, but I got
thinking the other day that one very seldom hears anything about F type
3 wheelers. >>
I'm far from an expert on this matter, but I agree with the observation that
they seem to be the 'forgotten' three wheeler. Here are a few thoughts, I
hope I got the facts correct:)
1. Fewer F Types were made, total number produced when compared to the twins.
2. It first came on the market as the F4, a 'Family' model non-sporting 4
seater, and as such lacked the romantic appeal of the sporting twins.
3.The F type was soon overshadowed by the development of the 4 wheeler in
1936.
4. At the time of production interest in three wheelers was diminished by
the development of inexpensive mass produced small 4 wheelers, like the
Morris.
5. The F Type lacks the racing history associated with the twins.
6. Quoting Ken Hill "From the head-on view one can mistake it for a
four-wheeler, and maybe this is the reason for the lack of popularity."
7. The F Type has the reputation of being a poor performer as compared to the
Twins. I think the relatively poor performance ( added weight, low
horsepower) of the early 4 wheelers spilled over to the Ford engined three
wheelers. By the time the F Type came out the Twins had benefited from 25
years of performance development by such legendary folk as EB Ware and the
like.
Of course the Y type Ford engine started several lines of serious racing
engines in England, but by then they were installed in 4 wheelers. There
are, of course, several 100MPH + highly developed F Types on the vintage
circuit today using later Ford engines.
Personally , when it comes to 'serious' contemporary three wheeler owners, I
believe 5, 6, & 7 tell most of the story regarding diminished interest. That
and the fact that Three Wheeler owners have always been resistant to change.
You can read that there was outrage among owners when the 3 speed
transmission replaced the 2 speeder, dual sprocket set up. Electric starters
!! whatever is this world coming to?
You might be right about garaging an early 4 wheeler with an F Type. Make a
nice combination. Want to sell your car?
Bob Paul
1936 F 2
Corrales New Mexico
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