Ever since the art-deco post, the Sifter has been on the hunt for vintage cool. You know, those products and gadgets that exude that classic, historical feel? Where the mere sight makes you realize how far we’ve come and how quickly technology and style can change.
Enter the Ace cycle-car by Liberty Motors. A dramatic remake of the vintage three-wheeler trike originally manufactured and designed by the Morgan Motor Company. Take a tour through early 20th century design via the pictures and details below, enjoy!
HISTORY OF THE CYCLE-CAR (TRIKE)
– A British invention intended to beat the road tax and provide inexpensive transportation, the cycle-car (or ‘trike’ as the British term it) consisted of two steered wheels ahead with a driven rear wheel
– Cycle-cars were typically powered by narrow angle, long stroke v-twins borrowed from motorcycles of the day, principally J.A.P. & Matchless
– Several manufacturers built Cycle-cars between the teens and early fifties – most notable was the Morgan three wheeler
– From 1910-1952 the Morgan Motor Company sold a huge variety of different three-wheeler models. They all had in common the independent front-wheel-suspension, the arrangement of the engine in front (plainly visible or hidden under the bonnet) and rear-wheel-drive
THE ACE CYCLE-CAR
– With a nod and a wink to the legendary Morgan three-wheelers of the 1930’s, designer & motoring enthusiast Pete Larsen created the ACE Cycle-Car to evoke the romance and panache of a bygone era
– Despite it’s vintage appearance, the ACE is a serious sport vehicle delivering modern performance, handling and reliability. Weighing barely 1,000 lbs and powered by the latest Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam ‘B’ engine (100 + HP), the ACE features a 5-speed (w/reverse) automotive transmission, rally clutch, ‘A’ arm front suspension and triple disc brakes
– The Ace is hand-built to order in the shops of Liberty Motors. A small number of cars will be built each year, with nearly unlimited combination of colors and finishes. Pricing starts at around $48,000
SPECIFICATIONS
Configuration: Two wheels ahead, shaft driven rear wheel.
Chassis: T.I.G. welded round tube.
Suspension: Front: unequal length a-arm/coil-over. Rear: single sided swingarm/single coil-over.
Steering: Rack and pinion
Power: Harley-Davidson 88″ or 103″ Twin Cam B motor.
Drive train: Automotive all syncro 5 speed with reverse. Dry clutch. Shaft drive rear wheel.
Tires: Front 5:00 x16; Rear 195/55/16; auto radial.
Dimensions: 94″ wheelbase / 58″ track / 128″ o.a.l. / 38″ wide cockpit (2 passenger).
Brakes: Triple disc 2/4 piston front, 3 piston rear.
Weight: 950 lbs.
Top Speed: 120+ mph. with 103″ engine.
Fuel capacity: 10 gal.
Legal: Registered as a motorcycle in most states, hov lane may be permitted. May be exempt from helmet law in some states
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION VIA LIBERTY MOTORS
If you enjoyed this article, the Sifter highly recommends: INCREDIBLE GALLERY OF ART DECO VEHICLES
