Morris Oxford

Summary

Morris Oxford is a series of motor car models produced by Morris of the United Kingdom, from the 1913 bullnose Oxford to the Farina Oxfords V and VI.

Morris Oxford
Oxford Series V Saloon 1959
Overview
ManufacturerMorris Motors
British Motor Corporation
British Leyland
Production1913–1935
1948–1971
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
Chronology
SuccessorMorris Marina

Named by W R Morris after the city of dreaming spires, the university town in which he grew up, the manufacture of Morris's Oxford cars would turn Oxford into an industrial city.

From 1913 to mid-1935 Oxford cars grew in size and quantity. In 1923 they, together with the Cowley cars were 28.1 per cent of British private car production. In 1925 Morris sold near double the number and they represented 41 per cent of British production. Meanwhile, Oxfords grew larger from the first 1018 cc, Nine horsepower, two-seater car to the last 2½-litre Twenty horsepower car.

The model name was recycled in 1948 and lasted almost another 23 years through to 1971 but in this time the market sector and engine-size remained nearly constant between 1476 cc and 1622 cc.

Oxford bullnose 1913–19 edit

Oxford bullnose
two-seater
 
Oxford 2-seater 1913
Overview
Production1913–1919
  • standard: 495
  • deluxe: 980
total: 1,475[1]
Powertrain
EngineW&P 1018 cc side-valve Straight-4

William Morris's first car was called Oxford in recognition of its home city. It was announced in The Autocar magazine in October 1912 and production began in March 1913.[2] Virtually all components were bought-in and assembled by Morris. It was a small car with a 1018 cc four-cylinder side-valve engine with fixed cylinder head from White & Poppe.

The car got its popular name, Bullnose, from its distinctive round-topped radiator at first called the bullet nose. Most bodies were of the two-seat open-tourer type. There was also a van version, but the chassis did not allow four-seat bodies to be fitted, because it was not strong enough and too short.[3]

Bullnose de luxe edit

It was first displayed at the Olympia Motor Show which opened 7 November 1913. The standard model remained in production unchanged. The new de luxe had a longer wheelbase, 90 in (2,300 mm), and track was now 45 in (1,100 mm). The range of bodies was now expanded from the simple two-seater. Its front axle and steering had been re-designed to reduce "bump-steer"and its radiator capacity increased.[2]

Cowley edit

The American engined Continental Cowley, with most other significant components US sourced, shown to the press in April 1915, was a 50 percent larger engined (1495 cc against 1018 cc), longer, wider and better equipped version of this Morris Oxford with the same "Bullnose" radiator.[2]

The Cowley's stronger and larger construction could carry a four-passenger body.[2]

Oxford bullnose 1919–26 edit

Oxford bullnose
1919–1926
 
1925 Four-seater tourer
on 1925's new long wheelbase chassis
Overview
Production1919–1926
Powertrain
Engine69.5 x 102mm CA & CB or
75 x 102mm CE
1548 cc 11.9 hp
1802 cc 13.9 hp 14/28[4]

The 1919 Oxford (advertised as early as September 1918) was assembled from locally made components and now took on the rather more substantial aspect of 1915's Cowley. Longer and stronger than the old Oxford, enough to carry five passengers, the new Oxford retained the pre-war Bullnose radiator style in its larger version.[1] From August 1919, the Cowley became the downmarket "no frills" variant with only a 2-seater body and lighter smaller tyres.[5] The new car's 11.9 fiscal horsepower 1548 cc engine was made under licence in Coventry for Morris by a British branch of Hotchkiss the French ordnance company.[1]

14/28 edit

In 1923 the engine was enlarged to 13.9 fiscal horsepower, 1802 cc.[6] This became known as the 14/28 engine. In 1925 it got a longer wheelbase chassis to move it further from the Cowley, and four-wheel brakes.[6] This model of the Oxford would be the basis of the first MG, the 14/28 Super Sports.

1926 mid-year switch to flatnose

Oxford Six F-type bullnose edit

Oxford F-Type Silent Six
 
William Morris's personal Oxford Silent Six
Overview
Production1921-1926
Powertrain
Engine69.5 x 102mm 2322 cc 17.97 hp side-valve Straight-6[4]

A short-lived 17 hp six-cylinder variant, The F-Type Oxford Six, was displayed for the first time as a four seated cabriolet at the November 1922 Olympia Motor Show.[7] The first open four-seater tourer was sold to Lord Redesdale. Only 50 were made and, after the initial run, they were assembled to special order. It remained available until 1926. The 2320 cc engine proved unreliable, two intense vibration periods weakened and broke crankshafts and few were sold.

Oxford flatnose 1926–30 edit

Oxford flatnose
 
Oxford 4-door saloon 1927
Overview
Production1926–1930 (4-cylinder)
32,282 made.[8]
Powertrain
Engine1802 cc side-valve Straight-4

The distinctive bullnose radiator was dropped in 1926 in an updated version of the car. The engines remained the same but a new range of bodies was offered including all-steel saloons.[6] There were substantial changes to the chassis frame which was now firmly fixed to the bulkhead or scuttle. The radiator cooling surface was increased sixty per cent[9]

Oxford 15.9 edit

Oxford 15.9
 
open two-seater 1928
Overview
ManufacturerMorris Motors Limited[9][10]
Production1926-1929
Powertrain
Engine2513 cc side-valve Straight-4[10]

The 2½-litre Oxford 15.9 Empire model was displayed as "a Colonial Chassis" at the Olympia Motor Show of October 1926.[9] The standard coachwork is a four or five seater body with four doors.[11]

The car can be driven safely through 20 inches, 510 mm, of water. The ground clearance is 10¼ inches, 260 mm. A full 11 inches, 278 mm, is allowed at the forward running board bracket cross stay. This clearance is now greater than on many American cars. This "falsifies hostile propaganda to the contrary".[10] This Oxford 15.9 was replaced by another four cylinder Oxford, Oxford 16/40.[12]

Oxford 16/40 edit

Oxford 16/40
Overview
Also calledOxford 15.9 all details above
Chronology
PredecessorOxford four 15.9
SuccessorOxford Six

A revised version of the slow-selling 4-cylinder 15.9 it was announced in September 1928. It was probably given this new name before the announcement of the 15.9 horsepower Oxford Six. There were minor improvements of appearance but this was no more than a 15.9 with a new name.[12]

This 16/40 was replaced by Oxford Six 15.9 hp.[12]

Oxford Six 1929–1934 edit

Oxford Six
 
Oxford Six six-light saloon 1930
Overview
Production1929–1932 [8]
Powertrain
Engine1938 cc side-valve Straight-6
2062 cc

A 1938 cc six-cylinder version, the LA series Oxford Six, was made between 1929 and 1933. It was much more successful than the 1920 version.[8] The all-steel body was made over the road at Cowley by W R Morris's joint venture with American Edward G Budd, Pressed Steel Company. It had striking similarities to a recent Dodge body. By 1930 supply problems were such that it was replaced by a similar but coachbuilt (wood framed) body.

In August 1930 a shorter chassis more expensive version was announced and named Morris Major Six,[13]

For other Morris Sixes:

Upgrade edit

 
Oxford Six 6-light saloon Q-series registered December 1932 direction indicator on bracket above spare

In September 1932, the gearbox gained a fourth speed and the engine grew to 2062 cc with the Q-series unit.[14]

Direction indicators, a set of three coloured lights on each side of the car visible from front and rear were fitted. Controlled from a switch on the dashboard they permitted accurate indications of planned movements while the car's windows remain shut.[14]

Automatism edit

 
Oxford Six six-light saloon
registered April 1934

The Oxford, Isis and Twenty-five were singled out and given "automatic clutch control" described by The Times as automatism. The Oxford also received a governable free-wheel, bigger seats, a spare wheel cover and concealed ashtrays for back seat passengers.[15] The chassis frame was quite new and now also contained a cruciform shape.[15]

Tax relief edit

This Oxford Six was renamed Oxford Sixteen in September 1934 and placed within the new 16 to 25 horsepower range of Morris Big Sixes expanded in view of the 25 per cent reduction in Horse Power tax expected in 1935.[16]

Oxford Sixteen and Oxford Twenty 1934–35 edit

Oxford
Sixteen and Twenty
 
Oxford Sixteen six-light saloon 1935
registered January 1935
with freewheel and Bendix automatic clutch
Overview
Production1934–1935
6308 made[8]
Body and chassis
RelatedIsis, Cowley
Powertrain
Engine
  • 2062 cc Q-series sv I6
  • 2561 cc Q-series sv I6

The Six name was changed to Sixteen, from the car's 16 hp tax horsepower category, in September 1934 when its 2062 cc engine was joined by the 2561 cc Twenty sold for the same price, the size of engine being the only difference. There was an intermediate eighteen horsepower Isis. Two styles of coachwork were available, the saloon and a Special coupé both fitted with a Pytchley sliding head (sunroof) and the sliding head was wired for radio.[16]

 
Oxford Twenty six-light saloon 1935

Barely nine months later these cars were superseded by members of the Morris Big Six series II range: Sixteen or Eighteen and Twenty-one or Twenty Five announced 2 July 1935.

The Oxford name disappeared from new Morris cars until 1948.

Oxford Taxi edit

 
Nuffield Oxford Series I

Nuffield's Oxford Taxi was produced from 1947 to 1953

Oxford Series MO 1948–54 edit

Oxford MO
 
Morris Oxford Series MO four-door saloon, 1952
Overview
Also calledHindustan Fourteen (India)
Production1948–1954
159,960 produced.[17]
Body and chassis
RelatedWolseley 4/50 / 6/80
Powertrain
Engine1476 cc side-valve Straight-4
Chronology
PredecessorMorris Ten series M
Morris Twelve
Morris Fourteen
SuccessorMorris Oxford series II

After the Second World War the much larger 13.5-fiscal horsepower Oxford Series MO replaced the range of ten-horsepower series M, Morris Twelve and Morris Fourteen. It was announced on 26 October 1948, along with the new 918 cc Morris Minor and the 2.2-litre Morris Six MS. Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Oxford, along with the Minor, introduced unibody construction techniques.[18] The MO was sold as a 4-door saloon and 2-door Traveller estate with an exposed wooden frame at the rear. Both were four-seaters. A six-cylinder version was sold as the Morris Six MS. It was replaced by the Oxford Series II, announced Tuesday 18 May 1954.[19]

 
Morris Oxford Series MO Traveller

Oxford Series II 1954–56 edit

Oxford II
 
Oxford saloon Series II 1954
Overview
Production1954–1956
87,341 produced [20]
Body and chassis
RelatedMorris Cowley, Hindustan Landmaster
Powertrain
Engine1489 cc B-Series Straight-4

The extensively redesigned Oxford announced in May 1954[19] was given a new shape directly foreshadowing the BMC ADO17 and, following the formation of BMC, being fitted with the Austin-designed B-Series OHV straight-4.[21] Styling was entirely new though the rounded body maintained a family resemblance to the Morris Minor.[22] Sales remained strong when the Series III arrived in 1956.

A 2.6-litre six-cylinder 7-inches longer Morris Isis version was announced 12 July 1955 with a saloon or Traveller estate body.

Hindustan Motors of India produced the four-cylinder version of this car (except the air-vent situated upon the bonnet) naming it Hindustan Landmaster.

Oxford Series III 1956–59 edit

Oxford III
 
Oxford Series III
Overview
Production1956–1959
58,117 produced inc. Series IV;[20]
Body and chassis
RelatedHindustan Ambassador
Powertrain
Engine1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4

The Oxford was updated for 1957 with a new fluted bonnet and small rear fins and an optional two-tone paint scheme all announced on 18 October 1956.[23] A semi-automatic, two pedal, "Manumatic" transmission with centrifugal clutch with vacuum operation coupled to gear changes was optional. The woody Series III Traveller was replaced by the Series IV in 1957, though the saloon remained in production until the Pininfarina-styled Series V was introduced in 1959. 58,117 Series III and Series IV Oxfords were built.

Oxford Traveller all-steel Series IV 1957–60 edit

Oxford Traveller
Series IV
 
Oxford Traveller all-steel estate
Overview
Production1957–1960
58,117 produced inc Series III
Powertrain
Engine1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4

The Oxford Traveller Series IV was made only as an estate version, it was Morris' first all-steel "unibody" estate car, replacing the "woody" Series III Traveller, it was similar to the Series III saloon in almost all respects. Because it was based on the series III saloon, but there was already a series III "Woody" Traveller (also based on the series III saloon) and there was no series IV saloon, BMC christened this model the "Morris Oxford Traveller Series IV" the order of wording being so as to emphasise it was a new estate car model. The IV was introduced in 1957 and production continued until April 1960 when the Farina-bodied series V Traveller was available.

Early models were manufactured having a single colour and fitted with a column-change gearbox. When refreshed in 1958 most Travellers we sold with a dual-tone painwork scheme, although the previous single colour scheme remained available. The update also included a floor change gearbox and corresponding cut-out in the front bench seat to allow its operation..

 
Morris Oxford Traveller Series IV having optional wheel embellishers and sun shade. Somerset 2022

[24]

[25]

 
Morris Oxford Series IV Traveller

Oxford Series V 1959–61 edit

Oxford Series V
 
Oxford Series V
Overview
Production1959–1961
87,432 produced[20]
Powertrain
Engine1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4

For 1959, the Oxford, announced on Lady Day 25 March 1959,[26] was merged into the mid-sized Pininfarina-designed BMC Farina range along with a half-dozen other previously announced models, including the 1958 Wolseley 15/60 and 1959 Riley 4/68, Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, and MG Magnette Mark III. The Series IV Traveller was still sold for the first year after which a Series V Traveller was made.

In all, 87,432 Series V Oxfords were built.

Oxford Series VI 1961–71 edit

Oxford Series VI
 
Oxford Series VI 1965
Overview
Production1961–1971
208,823 produced[20]
Powertrain
Engine1622 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4
Chronology
SuccessorMorris 1800 (ADO17 "Landcrab")
Morris Marina

All five Farina cars were updated in October 1961[27] with a new 1.6-litre (1622 cc/98 in3) version of the B-Series engine, longer wheelbase and a new revised look. The tail fins had been trimmed and there were still detail changes between the marques. The Morris retained the Series V dash, while the Austin had an all-new fake woodgrain design. The Morris Oxford Traveller (estate) Series V was replaced by a Series VI, although little changed apart from the front grille.

A diesel-engined Oxford Series VI, introduced shortly after the 1961 update, was popular as a taxi. Variants of the same diesel engine enjoyed a long life in marine applications.

The Oxford VI remained in production until 1971 with more than 200,000 produced. The Oxford range was to have been replaced by the 1967 Morris 1800, but in the event was kept going because, in terms both of pricing and of interior space, the 1800 fell into the market segment of a larger car and therefore could not constitute a suitable replacement. The Oxford VI only ceased production on the introduction of the Morris Marina, which also succeeded the smaller Morris Minor.

References edit

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c L P Jarman and R I Barraclough, The Bullnose and Flatnose Morris, David & Charles, Newton Abbott, UK 1976
  2. ^ a b c d The Bullnose and Flatnose Morris, Lytton P Jarman and Robin I Barraclough, David & Charles, Newton Abbot 1976 ISBN 0 7153 6665 3
  3. ^ Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1.
  4. ^ a b Jonathan Wood, The Bullnose Morris, Shire, UK, 2001 ISBN 978-0-7478-0491-8
  5. ^ "Light" Cars. The Times, Saturday, Feb 21, 1920; pg. 5; Issue 42340
  6. ^ a b c Baldwin, N. (1994). A-Z of cars of 1920s. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-53-2.
  7. ^ The Motor Show. The Times, Tuesday, Nov 07, 1922; pg. 5; Issue 43182
  8. ^ a b c d Sedgwick, M.; Gillies (1989). A-Z of cars of the 1930s. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.
  9. ^ a b c The Motor Show. The Times, Monday, Oct 25, 1926; pg. 24; Issue 44411
  10. ^ a b c British Models (by John Phillimore.). The Times, Tuesday, Apr 05, 1927; pg. xxix; Issue 44548
  11. ^ Cars Of To-Day. The Times, Tuesday, Jun 28, 1927; pg. 11; Issue 44619.
  12. ^ a b c Cars Of 1929. The Times, Monday, Sep 03, 1928; pg. 9; Issue 44988
  13. ^ The Times, Saturday, Aug 30, 1930; pg. 12; Issue 45605
  14. ^ a b The Times, Thursday, Sep 01, 1932; pg. 7; Issue 46227
  15. ^ a b Cars Of 1934. The Times, Monday, Aug 28, 1933; pg. 6; Issue 46534
  16. ^ a b The Times, Tuesday, Sep 04, 1934; pg. 14; Issue 46850
  17. ^ Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945–1980. Herridge Books. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
  18. ^ "Morris Oxford Saloon (road test)". Autocar. 9 September 1949.
  19. ^ a b Morris Oxford. The Times, Wednesday, May 19, 1954; pg. 4; Issue 52935
  20. ^ a b c d Sedgwick, M.; Gillies, M. (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945–1970. Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
  21. ^ "When the worm turns...or the pinion rotates.". Practical Motorist. 7 (nbr 84): 1278–1279. August 1961.
  22. ^ "The Morris Oxford (Series II)". The Motor. 29 September 1954.
  23. ^ Morris. The Times, Thursday, Oct 18, 1956; pg. 3; Issue 53665
  24. ^ New B.M.C. Models. The Times, Friday, Aug 23, 1957; pg. 11; Issue 53927
  25. ^ 'Double Bed' New Estate Cars. The Times, Wednesday, Sep 28, 1960; pg. 4; Issue 54888
  26. ^ New Morris Oxford. The Times, Wednesday, Mar 25, 1959; pg. 8; Issue 54418
  27. ^ The British Motor Corporation. The Times, Wednesday, Oct 18, 1961; pg. 7; Issue 55215

Bibliography

  • Davis, Pedr (1986). The Macquarie Dictionary of Motoring.