Pros: Unique, tons of fun
Cons: Huge commitment to take it further afield
The Super 3 (the 2012 reinvention, not the 1909 original) proved to be a surprise hit for the Malvern maker. Around 2500 left the factory over a 10-year production run, which for the nichiest of niche manufacturers is as close to mass production as it gets.
With its all-new Morgan Super 3, the British brand can expect even greater success, as it oozes the same spirit and charm of its predecessor yet comes in a far more versatile and modern package. The unique three-wheel layout remains the same, as do the upturned bathtub looks, but under the skin there’s a stronger monocoque construction, more sophisticated suspension and a three-cylinder Ford Fiesta engine in place of a throbbing V-twin.
Tipping the scales at just 635kg, the 118bhp Morgan is brisk, its performance aided by a snickety five-speed manual sourced from the Mazda MX-5. Yet it’s the way the skinny-tyred machine tackles corners that delivers the real delight, the modest grip levels and well-balanced handling making it huge fun at any speed – but especially accessibly so on the road.
Yes, the lack of weather protection means you need to be committed (and weather-protected) on longer journeys, while a price the wrong side of £40,000 stretches the definition of ‘affordable’ a little. Most lightweight specials offer greater outright pace and better circuit suitability than this, and the last 3 Wheeler had a bit more character. But when all you want to do is drive on the sort of roads that most of us use every day and grab every moment of joy you can while doing so, few cars will have your heart singing more loudly.
Read our Morgan Super 3 review
7. Caterham Seven
Best for: purists
Pros: Serious bit of kit, lots of customisation
Cons: Not a great long-distance companion
For more than 70 years, the Caterham Seven in all its forms (Lotus and Caterham) has been setting a defining standard for pure driver thrills. If you don’t care about refinement, disregard modern crash-safety tests and wonder instead what kind of sports car will entertain you most widely and vividly wherever you happen to be, this diminutive British sports car is hard to beat.