Morris Motors Ltd of Cowley was proud of its reputation for making motor cars of quality and reliability and the ‘Cowley’ model had long upheld this. Produced from 1915 with a Bullnose radiator inherited from the Morris Oxford, the models were equipped with a side-valve, four cylinder engine, coupled to a three speed gearbox, which provided reasonable performance for its time. The Flat Nose radiator appeared in 1926, together with optional four wheel brakes which greatly improved stopping ability. 1931 saw the arrival of the next generation of the model, that boasted amongst other changes a more aerodynamic (for its time), fashionable body design, a new lower chassis, an hydraulic Lockheed braking system, a four speed gearbox, a choice of 1548cc or 1802cc engine and a re-designed and notably different radiator. In 1933 Morris revised the Cowley again ("transformed" said the advertising) with a lower body, a new 11.9 hp engine behind a new, sloping, radiator along with a four-speed Twin-Top synchromesh gearbox, shorter stronger cruciform chassis, and leather upholstery. These later models are said by enthusiasts to be a vast improvement on its predecessor and not bettered by its successors.
This later version Morris Cowley was originally owned by a resident of Battersea and driven around south London until the early 1990s before being purchased from its first owner by the Vendor’s late husband in 1994. The Morris was virtually original, but having been used continuously for 60 years was in dire need of attention. It was loaded onto a trailer and transported back to his garage in Camberwell where he embarked on a full restoration. A lifelong Morris enthusiast and an experienced mechanic, he stripped the Cowley down and completely rebuilt it over a 5 year period. There are photographs showing the work on file. Completed in 1999 it accompanied the family on their move from London to the South Coast in 2015, and became part of a small collection of Morris cars. Always the favourite, it was a regular sight at local car shows, and was often seen out and about locally until a couple of years ago.
Driven onto the owner’s 4-post lift in October 2019 it has not been started or driven since, so it will probably require some recommissioning before venturing out again.
For a car of this age there is very little documented history. The V5c appears to verify the story, with one owner before purchase by the Vendor’s husband. She became the third owner when Morris was registered in her name. There is a packet of photographs from the restoration, along with a file containing diagrams and notes, many of them handwritten. There are some lovely period Morris booklets including “Running, Maintenance and Adjustment Instructions” (when was the last time you “adjusted” your Kia?), and two Morris Cowley spare parts catalogues. Apart from that, there is nothing to show from what has obviously been a lifetime on the road.
Sitting in the Morris we were immediately whisked back in time. In the years since the restoration it has obviously been used and although far from perfect, there is a delightful feel to the car. The green leather is showing plenty of age, and a cursory glance at the photographs will show that the seats are by no means perfect and have a few splits here and there. The matching green carpet is in the same sort of condition; a mark here and there but nothing major. The green leather door cards and pockets are all good, as are the delightful woven rope door pulls and handles. The roof lining, although age stained, is tidy and taut. The sliding roof, a nice feature of this model, works perfectly, as does the fold out windscreen. The rear blind pulls up to cover the rear window by sliding a small thumb handle above the driver’s door. There has obviously been plenty of hard work and care lavished on the car to keep this level of originality.
The dashboard appears to be in good condition, the wood shows no splits or cracks and the instruments are all clear. All in all it appears there is nothing in the interior that would stop the new owner driving straight away, but plenty that could be improved should they so desire.
The outside is in much the same condition as the interior, nowhere near perfect but delightful. Having been parked for nearly twenty months it could do with a clean and polish. The black paint shows age related chips and marks, but again they just add character to the car. The polished metal and chrome will clean up to a good shine with a bit of effort. The lights fore and aft are all intact, and we couldn’t resist a fiddle with the rear mounted luggage rack, which we can report folds out perfectly as can be seen in the photos. The number plate folds down with the rear marker lamps as it should.
The doors all open and shut well, with no sagging or drop. A quick glance at the tyres shows they will need to be replaced before any high speed runs (!) as there is age related cracking to the sidewalls but they all hold air and would be fine for moving around etc.
Having been off the road for a while the Morris has not been started or driven for just under two years so we cannot really comment on the mechanical condition. But being stored on a lift we were able to have a nose round underneath and everything looks solid and clean. No obvious evidence of drips or pools under the car could be good news! The lucky high bidder will need to arrive prepared to trailer the Morris home, and some preparation would be wise prior to attempting to start the car. The owner tells us there is a spare engine block and a few other parts with the car. There may be more in the garage and she would be happy to help the new owner to identify any parts that should go with the car.
Being one of the later versions of the Cowley it is quite well appointed with a delightful leather interior and large sliding sunroof. This example was obviously highly optioned when new; it is quite unusual to see a wing mounted spare wheel, as most were rear mounted. We are sure that with a little fettling the Morris will provide miles of entertaining motoring whilst the new owner writes the next chapter of its life.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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NO RESERVE! - 1933 Morris Cowley Saloon
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