Lot details
Registration No: GVE 208
Chassis No: SE/E117976
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Supplied by King & Harper of Cambridge and just 32,000 warranted miles from new

- 'The Simoniz Morris 8', winner of 94 awards and immortalised as a Pathfinder diecast model

- Surely the best Series E extant and great value given its concours pedigree?

Further Info:

Introduced for the 1939 model year, the Series E derivative of the Morris Eight was notably more refined than earlier incarnations. Although, based around a similar box-section chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, Bishop cam steering and Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes, the newcomer could boast a four-speed manual gearbox for the first time (complete with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th). Powered by a revised version of its predecessors' 918cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine featuring a better balanced, webbed crankshaft, new cylinder head and shell main / big-end bearings, the Series E was capable of some 60mph. Readily distinguished by a waterfall grille and headlamps recessed into its front wings, the Morris could be had in saloon (two- / four-door) or tourer guises. However, the latter was dropped when WW2 broke out, whereas the former remained in production until 1948. Superseded by Alec Issigonis' revolutionary Morris Minor, the Eight Series E is nevertheless reputed to have accounted for 67,534 post-WW2 sales.

This remarkable Morris Eight Series E is the best example that we have encountered in our twenty-six year' history with no fewer than ninety-four awards to its credit! Supplied new via King & Harper of Cambridge to local resident David Harris on September 1st 1948, 'GVE 208' was to remain in his care for twenty-four years. Subject to light weekend usage only, the Morris had covered a mere 21,457 miles by the time its earliest surviving MOT certificate was issued on September 3rd 1973. Driven just 600 or so miles whilst belonging to subsequent custodian P.J. Brown, the Series E was kept in a heated garage during his eleven-year' tenure. Bought by John Sterlitz in 1985, 'GVE 208' proved straightforward to recommission due to its low mileage drivetrain and ancillaries showing very few signs of wear. Repainted, re-trimmed and generally improved over the next thirty months, the Morris then embarked upon a very successful career as a show car winning some 94 awards with Mr Sterlitz. Highlights include being judged 'Best pre-1960 Classic Saloon' at the London International Classic Car Show and winning 'Best Series E' at the Morris Register National Rally plus participating in the 1990 'Classic Cars World' at Olympia, the 1991 (and 1994) 'National Classic Car Show' at the N.E.C. Birmingham and the 1993 (and 1995) 'BBC Top Gear Show'. Featured in Classic Cars magazine, Practical Classics magazine and assorted newspapers, the Series E was chosen by Simoniz Car Care to promote its products in over 40 countries worldwide and even immortalised as a diecast model by Pathfinder! Nicely conserved since leaving Mr Sterlitz's care, 'GVE 208' remains a very special motorcar. Offered for sale with original green logbook, letters from both Mr Harris and Mr Brown confirming the low mileage (which now stands at 31,900), original jack and history file.