3-wheelers.com

In a world dominated by 4-wheelers with every gadget conceivable, what do you think it is about Morgan inspired 3-wheelers like the Blackjack that make them so popular?

Richard Oakes

“Star ships with gadgets!” For true petrol-heads, the more gadgets, the less interesting. For practical reasons, five days a week, many people have no choice, they drive new cars. New cars come with finance costs, depreciation, direct debits, AA Relay, faults that no-one understands, rip-off servicing and many more anti-libertarian features which make us slaves to the major makers.

When the week-end comes, enthusiasts want an antidote to the above, something simple and often nostalgic, with warm memories from the past when we delighted in knowing how it worked, did the tuning and took great pride in resolving our own breakdown.

For weekend driving and playing, some but or restore a classic bike or car. Others build from scratch or from a kit. The choice is enormous, from Trials cars through classic and race replicas, off-roaders, track-day specials and many more, including a choice of three-wheelers.

In Britain, three-wheelers have a rich history; many variants were made ranging from the significant to the eccentric. In the twenties and thirties Morgans and BSA three-wheelers were cycle-cars with distinctive sporty looks, light, fast and cheap to run. They were both popular week-end transport and with exhilarating performance, successful in motor sport.

By the fifties and sixties many Morgans had survived and could be see in regular use, still turning heads and fascinating young impressionable petrol-heads. It’s Morgan that carries forward the powerful image of the pre-war three-wheeler with two wheels at the front, roguish looks and sporting history.

For performance and handling, two front wheels is still the best platform shape, dramatically enhanced by the right weight distribution, roll stiffness and front-wheel drive.

3-wheelers.com

Having worked for Ford and freelanced for Aston Martin and JCB were you ever tempted to make a 4-wheeler sports car?

Richard Oakes

In 1971 I designed with my partner, Phil Sayers, and developed the super-car inspired Nova. We made 179 units. They were also made in the USA with the name ‘Sterling’, and in Australia, as ‘Eureka’s.

Later in the ‘70’s I designed a mini-engined Midas followed by all subsequent models in the ‘80’s, as well as the GTM cars, Rossa, K3, Libra and Libra Spyder.

3-wheelers.com

Have you ever thought about extending the Blackjack design to make a 4 seater?

Richard Oakes

No.

3-wheelers.com

Have you ever thought about a vehicle with 1 front wheel and 2 rear wheels ... if only for a second?

Richard Oakes

Only for a few seconds

3-wheelers.com

I understand the the Blackjack Zero made local history by being the first kit car ever to pass the SVA test procedure first time through. That must have been a proud moment and testomy to the amount of work that was put into it?

Richard Oakes

The answer is ‘Yes’.

3-wheelers.com

I see the Blackjack Zero is powered by a various VW engines ranging from 1300cc - 1800cc. Is there a great difference in how each of these perform?

Richard Oakes

Whilst the VW engine works really well in the Zero and has plenty of power, especially an 1800cc with big valves and high lift cam, people didn’t love it enough in that application in contrast to the handsome Guzzi unit. I guess it’s back to the indelible Morgan image with its exposed V Twin; for many, it’s so seductive. The Guzzi engine works well, not quite as much torque as the VW but it’s lighter and has better cooling and brings strong character to the driving experience. Engine capacities are 850cc to 1200cc with many different engine specs.

3-wheelers.com

Is it true that the Blackjack Zero is just built by you and your wife? Has she got a sister?

Richard Oakes

Yes and No.

3-wheelers.com

How popular are Blackjack vehicles outside of the UK?

Richard Oakes

We get a lot of sales enquiries from outside the UK, however actual sales to foreign parts are relatively small with one to Holland, one to New Zealand, one to France and three to the USA last year.

3-wheelers.com

I saw that the Daily Telegraph wrote an article about the Blackjack Zero in 2009. It must be good to have a newspaper like that take a 3-wheeler seriously without adding any "Del-Boy" type quips to the article?

Richard Oakes

There’s nothing better for Blackjack than a good article of approval by a big hitter like The Telegraph. The article was written by Andrew English, a sincere and knowledgeable enthusiast, he probably doesn’t do del-boy quips. If an overseas customer asks me, ‘Who is Del-boy?” I would reply, “I’ve never ‘eard of ‘im”.

3-wheelers.com

Do you attend many events with the Blackjack? Where can people go to see one?

Richard Oakes

People can see a Blackjack Zero at Stoneleigh Kit Car Show in May and Exeter in November. We also attend steam-engine rallies and classic car events around Cornwall and the west country on sunny days. Alternatively I welcome visits from interested folk at my workshop-   give me a call: 01326 574464

3-wheelers.com

Richard, thank you very much for taking part in this interview for 3-wheelers.com's 10th birthday and indeed for helping me with information in the past. Your time both then and now is much appreciated.

Richard Oakes

Thank you, Elvis, for the opportunity to feature on your excellent and comprehensive, and I’m sure well-watched web site. Please keep it going.