Super 3 Origins: Morgan celebrates Super 3 inspirations with nine limited-edition commissions

Morgan is celebrating the original inspirations for its rebellious Super 3 with a limited-edition series of commissions known as Super 3 Origins. The collection features nine unique specifications each of which is limited to just nine examples- that embody an inspiration theme that was prevalent during the formative design stages of Super 3.

Launched today, Super 3 Origins displays an eclectic and versatile mix of commissions, each one featuring specially selected colours, intricate paintwork, liveries, bespoke features and accessories. Inspirations range from the emergence of the jet age, the space race, the pop art movement, American boulevard cruisers, belly tank racers, 80s tech, and science-fiction.

Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said: “Super 3 presents a unique proposition within the industry, sitting at the intersection of auto and moto culture. And most importantly, it’s always evolving. These nine new specials are proof of that continuing evolution.

“The Super 3’s aesthetic is derived from its mechanical function and the very broad outlook adopted by the creative team at Morgan. We drew inspiration from other industries, artistic and industrial movements, and sampled the ‘best bits’ from multiple decades of design. This is the story we wanted to tell with the Super 3 Origins collection.

The nine Super 3 Origins commissions comprise:

Bluebird
The Bluebird commission takes inspiration from the free-flowing aerodynamic forms of Bluebird CX7, the gas turbine-powered land speed record car driven by Donald Campbell. Morgan has worked with the Campbell family to seek approval for the special commission, which pays homage to Campbell’s legacy. Its striking blue paintwork matched exactly to CW7 itself- features prominently and includes mudguards and cockpit hoops. The Bluebird emblem is proudly displayed on the bonnet, whilst inside the vehicle a machine-turned aluminium dashboard and Bluebird plaque are the stand-out features.

Boulevard Cruiser
The Boulevard Cruiser commission features Frozen Berg paintwork and is inspired by the pastel shades and slow-motoring appeal of 1950s American automobiles. Featuring aluminium strips on the side of the body and a custom ‘S3 Boulevard’ deco-style badge. On the interior, Ivor Typhoon Leather upholstery coordinates with a matching leather trimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel.

Pickersleigh Speedshop
The Pickersleigh Speedshop commission is Malvern’s own nod to the bell/ank racers and yard-built custom creations that have emerged from workshops worldwide since the 950s, often seen in street racing and on desert salt flats. Pickersleigh Speedshop’s full vehicle lives is hand-painted with meticulous attention to detail, contrasting a striking metallic silver paint with bright red.

Space Race
The Space Race commission draws direct inspiration from the great space race of the 1950s, a humanity- defining moment that had major influence on popular culture, technology and design and of course, the unique and striking design of Super 3. A full vehicle lives is applied to the gloss white paint under lacquer, evoking the leading lines, colourways and graphical treatment akin to space shuttles or lunar rovers. A contrast painted cowl and steering rack cover are colour matched to the front and rear castings.

Warp Speed
The Warp Speed commission is inspired by retro-futuristic transportation, often created for sci-fi movies for use in faraway galaxies and free from the constraints of modern automotive design. These creations provided a direct inspiration for Super 3 and are displayed in striking fashion on this commission. A polished aluminium cowl, roll hoop, exhaust and sideblade combination are contrasted with vibrant yellow paint, anodized red and blue dashboard switches and Warp Speed graphics throughout.

Scramble the jets
The Scramble the jets commission is inspired by the radical design influence of the jet age, brought about through the invention of the jet engine in the mid-20th Century. In direct reference to Morgan’s own three-wheeled design evolution, the introduction of the Super-3 which replaced the previous v-twin powered model was akin to moving from bi-plane to jet in both design, engineering and performance.
Featuring a two-tone dark and light grey colourway, a yellow nose cone and red ‘bomb-release’ start switch, this commission is further enhanced by a unique aviation inspired livery that features throughout.

Charlie Mike
The Charlie like commission is inspired by the utilitarian aesthetic and adventurous spirit of military reconnaissance vehicles, specified to explore the most remote regions around the world. Meaning ‘Continue Mission’, Charlie like is designed to encourage adventure, despite adversity, and is equipped with a full range of luggage and accessor options to suit. The interior and exterior panels, as well as the front wheels, are specified in a coordinating khaki colour, paired with a technical ‘khaki sand’ technical fabric. A full vehicle military inspired livery compliments rear and side-mounted luggage racks and matching beige bungee cords.

Fast Forward
The Fast Forword commission draws its inspiration from the Japanese-led tech and gaming revolution of the 1980s which saw the emergence of bold and simple graphical elements. Chosen as an inspiration theme due to its direct impact on Super 3’s digital dials, their playful style forming a key part of the user experience. Fast Forward’s striking white paint with vibrant graphical lives is further enhanced with the addition of coordinated white front wheels and a polished aluminium cowl.

Whoosh Bang Pop
The Whoosh Bang Pop commission draws from the vibrant block colour application of the pop art movement, that emerged in the United Kingdom and the United States during the mid-to-late 1950s., with impactful graphics and playful narratives transposed into an arresting comic book strip applied to the aluminium body panels of Super 3. Overlaid on top of a two-tone Heron Grey and Belfast Blue paint combination.