The Morgan 3 Wheeler is set embark on its most arduous adventure yet: The Trans-India Challenge.

The 5,600km 33-day journey around India will put the 3 Wheeler to the ultimate test as it takes on one of the world's most demanding road networks.

The Morgan Motor Company has given official backing to the car's drivers, 73-year old entrepreneur and philanthropist Alan Braithwaite, and his wife Pat. In 1909, the Malvern-based car manufacturer produced its first car, a three-wheeler, and the new 3 Wheeler, launched in 2011, takes inspiration from this original model and features an 82bhp V-twin motorcycle engine while weighing just 525kg.

Very few modifications were required for the Challenge but, to help the car cope with the rough terrain, raised suspension has been fitted, by Bury St. Edmunds-based Morgan dealer Krazy Horse. The car's exterior, however, has changed very little and is certain to turn heads in India, where the 3 Wheeler has rarely been seen. And with no roof of any kind, the driver and passenger will be fully exposed to the elements.

The Challenge aims to raise $354,000 to support Indian aid non-governmental organisation Goonj, and fund academic research into Goonj's 'circular economy' model.  This sustainable approach recycles urban waste to use as 'currency', rewarding rural communities for improving their local environment - such as roads, water supply, hygiene or schools. It mirrors Morgan's ecological values, such as its use of sustainable woods in the construction of its cars and a zero-landfill policy for all materials.

The Morgan adventure has attracted support from Ralph Lauren, too. Throughout the Challenge, the team will be wearing polo shirts from its Earth Polo range, clothing made from thread derived entirely from recycled plastic bottles and dyed using an innovative waterless process.

The 5,600km Trans-India Challenge will start from Mumbai on 1 February 2020 and take in cities including Pune, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Puri, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, Agra, New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, before returning to Mumbai at the beginning of March. It aims to visit 11 Goonj centres or projects along the way.