WE 1214 - 1928 Morris Oxford Saloon

The Morris Motor Company was formed in 1910 by bicycle manufacturer William Morris. Three years later, a factory was opened at the former Oxford Military College, Cowley, Oxford. The Company merged with old rival Austin in 1952 to form the British Motor Corporation, later becoming part of British Leyland.

The Morris 'Oxford' name was used for the Company's first model in 1913, and was used until 1971. By 1928, the 'Oxford' was the more expensive (up-market, as we say today) version of the 'Flatnose' Morris and was normally fitted with a 13.9hp engine. However, for the 1928 model year, the smaller 11.9hp engine from the 'Flatnose' Cowley was available.

This car, in Oxford Blue, was delivered new to a Lincoln family on 8 February 1928 and stayed with them until purchased by the present owner in May 1972.

The old adage that a 'big 'un' working easily is more economical then a 'small 'un' at full stretch proved to be the case and the performance and the fuel consumption of the 11.9 were inferior. Top speed is probably 50mph but the high 30's were the natural gait. It could also reach 25mpg, but only just.

The 'Oxford' feature that came with the small 11.9hp version was the 5 stud road wheels. What seems to have been a unique change was to the sturdier design of the mudguard with a 'pressed-in' bead near the squarer edge of the wing. A feature popular with Morris, but not unique to the firm, was the Dynastart - a device which acted as both the starter and dynamo.

Mr Mackenzie of the owning family had a motor repair business in Westgate, Lincoln, called Tower Garage where the Morris did sterling work as a runabout. It also provided everyday transport for Miss Mackenzie in part of her schoolteaching career.

Since being owned by an LVVS member, it has been used, taxed and MOT'd for the last 30 years and for the first 20 did around 100 weddings, mostly for friends and 'friends of friends'.

It has never been in mint condition or extensively restored but has always started 'on the button' - as it should - because the total mileage to date is thought to be around 36,000.

Apart from a new hood in 1965 and recovered seats in about 1980, the car is remarkably original.

July 2011 - Pete is progressing well with the bodywork on the Oxford. Currently we are looking for the correct S.U. type carburettor -1% bore. If you have one can you please contact us?

LINKS The Morris Register

this page last updated 21.1.12