2021 Shannons '40th Anniversary' Timed Online Auction
Lot
121
2012 Liberty ACE 3-Wheeler 'Morgan Tribute' (1 of 13 Made)
Sold: $47,000
Location: Melbourne
Sold
Specifications
Engine | 1584cc V-twin |
---|---|
Gearbox | Five-speed manual |
Body Work | Roadster |
Colour | Red/black |
Interior | Tabac |
Trim | Leather |
Wheels | Wire spoke (front) / Cast Alloy (rear) |
Brakes | Disc/disc |
Description
This lot is no
longer
available
Liberty Motors of Seattle, Washington is the work of Pete Larsen and wife Patty. Larsen is an industrial designer and fabricator, and after building and restoring motorcycle outfits, decided to create his own Morgan three-wheeler ‘tribute’. Called the ACE Cycle Car, the machine emerged in 2006 with derivative styling but modern mechanicals, most notably a Harley Davidson V-twin engine out front in the classic three-wheeler style. The Liberty ACE was built around a TIG welded 1.5 inch round-section tube steel frame which cradles the engine up front, Morgan-style. Its steering is Ford Mustang rack and pinion with shorter tie rods, with an unequal length A-arm front end, a single sided swingarm in the rear with shaft drive, and coil-over shock absorbers and disc brakes all ‘round. Its 13in front wheels are said to be customised Harley Davidson items, and the 15in rear is a Honda Goldwing fitted with a passenger car tyre. Power comes from a 45-degree Harley-Davidson V-twin, in twin-cam B-motor form, in either 1450cc, 1584cc or 1690cc capacities, hooked up to a Tremac five-speed transmission. The ACE’s body is constructed of four fiberglass moldings with a chromed faux radiator housing its Flying A mascot, while inside there’s an engine-turned dashboard, four-spoke steering wheel, antique-style gauges, and luxurious leather trim. Weighing just 430kg, the Liberty ACE offered neck-snapping performance and a top speed of 193 km/h. Details are sketchy, but it is believed just 13 were ever made.