Lot details
Registration No: 272 UXL
Chassis No: SEE89687
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

The Series I Morris Eight was unveiled in 1935 as a rival to Ford's hot selling Model Y. It was better equipped than most of its competitors and boasted electric wipers, synchromesh on the upper two gearbox ratios and Lockheed hydraulic brakes. Its value-for-money, no-nonsense design did much for the company's coffers and allowed it to regain its position as Britain's premier motor manufacturer. The Series II version brought only a few minor changes, but it was the Series E model introduced in 1938 that delivered a radical new look. It featured a curved (dummy) radiator grille and wing-mounted headlamps. Gone were the running boards and the newcomer was both longer and wider, despite having a shorter wheelbase. Power came from an uprated version of the side-valve engine with new cylinder head and a hike in output to 29bhp - this raised the top speed to just under 60mph. The gearbox now had four speeds. There was a wide range of body styles, namely: two and four-door Saloon; two and four-seater Convertible and Van. Production switched to military variants during the war years, but resumed after the cessation of hostilities; lasting a further three years until the model was superseded by the Minor. Total production was some 120,434 units.

The sale car is one of the two-door Saloons and was manufactured in 1947. It is finished in Green over Black and the interior is trimmed in Brown. Little is known of the Morris' early history but it has certainly received a fair bit of TLC since entering the current ownership. Work carried out has included: an overhaul of both the engine and gearbox; repainting of the body; retrimming of the front seats and renewal of the carpets; and a degree of general maintenance and improvement. A delightful and apparently eminently usable example.