Morris Oxford

Morris Oxford

Manufacturer	Morris BMC
Production	1913–1972
Class	Midsize car

Morris Oxford is a series of motor car models produced by the Morris Motor Company of the United Kingdom, from the 1913 "bullnose" Oxford to the 1961–1971 Oxford VI.

Oxford ("bullnose") (1913–14)

Morris Oxford ("bullnose")

Production	1913–1914 1302 produced.[1]
Body style	2-door tourer
Engine	1018 cc side-valve Straight-4
Wheelbase	84 in (2,100 mm) [1]
Length	125 in (3,200 mm) [1]
Width	45 in (1,100 mm) [1]

William Morris' first car was called the Oxford in recognition of its home city. To keep costs down 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 and Poppe. Ignition was by a Bosch magneto.^[1]

The chassis was of pressed-steel construction and suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and three-quarter ones at the rear. The brakes, on the rear wheels only, were external contracting type using metal shoes. A three-forward and reverse gearbox was fitted. The headlights were acetylene and the side and tail lamps oil.^[1]

The car got its name from its distinctive round-topped radiator at first called the bullet nose. Most bodies, made by Raworth of Oxford, were of the two-seat open tourer type, there was also a van version, but the chassis was too short to allow four-seat bodies to be fitted.^[2]

Oxford (1919–26)

Morris Oxford (1919)

Production	1919–1926
Body style	4 seat tourer
Engine	1548 and 1802 cc side-valve Straight-4 2310 cc side-valve Straight-6
Wheelbase	102 in (2,600 mm) [3] 108 in (2,700 mm) from 1925[3] 111 in (2,800 mm) Oxford Six[3]
Length	156 in (4,000 mm) Oxford Six[3]

The 1919 Oxford was an upmarket version of the Cowley model. It retained the pre-war Bullnose radiator style but in a larger version. The 1548 cc engine was of Continental design made by the British branch of the French Hotchkiss company in Coventry for Morris at prices well undercutting White and Poppe. (Morris bought the British factory in 1923 and changed the name to Morris engines.) In 1923 the engine was enlarged to 1802 cc.^[4]

It was differentiated from the Cowley by having a better electrical system and leather upholstery. In 1925 it got a longer wheelbase chassis to move it further from the Cowley, and four-wheel brakes.^[4] This model of the Oxford would be the basis of the first MG, the 14/28 Super Sports.

A short-lived six-cylinder variant, The F-Type Oxford Six, was announced in 1920 and was in theory available until 1926. The 2320 cc engine proved unreliable and few were sold. Although the car was longer than the four by 9 inches (230 mm) all the extra space was given over to the engine.^[4]

Oxford (Flatnose) (1926–30) & Six (1929–33)

Morris Oxford and Six ("flatnose")

Production	1926–1930 (4 cylinder) 1929–1933 (6 Cylinder) 32,282 made.[5]
Body style	4-door tourer 4-door saloon 4-door fabric saloon 2-door coupé
Engine	1802 cc side-valve Straight-4 1938 cc side-valve Straight-6 2062 cc
Wheelbase	114 in (2,900 mm) [3]

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.^[4]

A 1938 cc six-cylinder version, the LA series Oxford Six, was made between 1929 and 1933 and was much more successful than the 1920 version. Alongside the tourer and steel saloon, a fabric-bodied car was offered until 1932, when it and the tourer were dropped and a coupé introduced.

In 1932, the gearbox gained a fourth speed and the engine grew to 2062 cc with the Q-series unit.^[5]

Oxford Sixteen & Twenty (1934–35)

Morris Oxford Sixteen and Twenty

Production	1934–1935 6308 made[5]
Body style	4-door saloon, coupé
Engine	2002 cc side-valve Straight-6 2561 cc side-valve Straight-6
Wheelbase	114 in (2,900 mm) [3]

A completely new car was announced for 1934 with a longer and stronger chassis with flexible mounting for the 2002 cc engine. The gearbox gained synchromesh. Initially it kept the Six name but this changed to Sixteen in 1935 when it was joined by the 2561 cc Twenty.^[5]

It was replaced by the Fourteen/Sixteen/Eighteen range in 1935 and the Oxford name disappeared until 1948.

Oxford MO (1948–54)

Morris Oxford MO

Production	1948–1954 159,960 produced.[6]
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door estate
Engine	1476 cc side-valve Straight-4
Wheelbase	97 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	165.5 in (4,200 mm) [3]
Width	65 in (1,700 mm) [3]
Height	64 in (1,600 mm) [7]
Related	Wolseley 4/50/6/80

After the Second World War the Oxford MO replaced the 10. It was introduced in 1948 and was produced until 1954. The design was shared with Nuffield Organisation stable-mate Wolseley 4/50.

Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Oxford, along with the Morris Minor, introduced unit construction techniques,^{[clarification needed]} although it is not widely recognized as a true unibody car.^{[clarification needed]} Torsion bar front suspension was another novelty, and 8 inch (200 mm) drum brakes hydraulically operated were fitted all around. Under the bonnet, the MO was a step back in technology from the pre-war Ten. It used a side-valve straight-4 rather than the older overhead-valve unit. The single SU-carburetted engine displaced 1.5 L (1476 cc/90 in³) and with its output of 40.5 bhp (30.2 kW) at 4200 rpm could propel the car to 72 mph (116 km/h). The four-speed gearbox had a column gearchange and steering was by rack and pinion.

The MO was sold as a 4-door saloon and 2-door Traveller estate with exposed wood. Both were four-seaters. It was replaced by the Series II Oxford in 1954.

The Motor magazine tested a Traveller in 1952 but only attained a top speed of 64 mph (103 km/h) and acceleration from 0–50 mph (80 km/h) in 26.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 26.4 miles per imperial gallon (10.7 L/100 km; 22.0 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £825 including taxes.^[7]

A six cylinder version was sold as the Morris Six MS.

A commercial vehicle version of the Oxford MO was produced from 1950–56 as a van, pickup, or chassis cab model. It used some of the bodywork of the Oxford MO but with a chassis underneath. This was marketed as the Morris Cowley MCV (see photo, below).

Hindustan Motors India produced this car as the Hindustan Fourteen.

• 

  Morris Oxford 4-Door Saloon 1950

• 

  1953 Morris Oxford MO

• 

  1952 Morris Oxford MO

• 

  1952 Morris Cowley MCV Van

Oxford II (1954–56)

Morris Oxford II

"Morris Oxford Series II front view"
Production	1954–1956 87,341 produced [8]
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door estate
Engine	1489 cc B-Series Straight-4
Wheelbase	97 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	171 in (4,300 mm) [3]
Width	65 in (1,700 mm) [3]
Height	63 in (1,600 mm) [9]
Related	Morris Cowley

The Oxford was redesigned for 1954 after the formation of BMC, notably getting the Austin-designed B-Series OHV straight-4. This modern 1.5 L (1489 cc/90 in³) engine produced a respectable 50 hp (37 kW)^[9] and allowed the Oxford to reach 74 mph (119 km/h). Hydraulic drum brakes all round were still used but increased to 9-inch (230 mm) diameter. Steering was still of the conventional rack and pinion type.^[10]

Styling was revised with perhaps less of a Morris Minor look, though the rounded body still had a family resemblance. Again, a pair of four-seat configurations, 4-door saloon and 2-door Traveller, were offered. The column gear change and front bench seat allowed the saloon to be advertised as a full six seater. The handbrake lever was located between the side of the seat and the driver's side door. Unusually for a British car of its class at the time, the heater was a standard fitting but the radio remained an extra.^[9] Sales remained strong when the Series III arrived in 1956.

The British Motor magazine tested a Series II saloon in 1954 recording a top speed of 74.2 mph (119.4 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 28.9 seconds and a fuel consumption of 28.2 miles per imperial gallon (10.0 L/100 km; 23.5 mpg_-US). The test car cost £744 including taxes.^[9]

A six cylinder version was sold as the Morris Isis.

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

• 

  Morris Oxford series II rear view

Oxford III (1956–59)

Morris Oxford III

"Morris Oxford Series III"
Production	1956–1959 58,117 produced inc. Series IV;[8] still made in India as Hindustan Ambassador
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door estate
Engine	1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4
Transmission	4-speed manual[11]
Wheelbase	97 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	178 in (4,500 mm)[11]
Width	65 in (1,700 mm) [3]
Height	64 in (1,600 mm)[11]
Related	Hindustan Ambassador

The Oxford was updated for 1956 with a new optional two-tone paint scheme, fluted bonnet and small rear fins. Inside the bench seats trimmed in leather remained but the instrument cluster was revised and a new dished steering wheel fitted. The engine now produced 55 hp (41 kW) following an increase in compression ratio though the top speed and acceleration remained the same. A semi-automatic, two pedal, "Manumatic" transmission with centrifugal clutch with vacuum operation coupled to gear changes was optional.

Independent front-suspension with forward torsion bars continued to promise "above average comfort" for the car's occupants.^[11]

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.

Motor magazine tested a Series III manumatic equipped saloon in 1957 recording a top speed of 74.4 mph (119.7 km/h), virtually unchanged from the Series II and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 30.5 seconds, adversely affected by the Manumatic option. Fuel consumption of 27.0 miles per imperial gallon (10.5 L/100 km; 22.5 mpg_-US) was found. The test car cost £898 including taxes of £300.^[12]

This car was the basis for the Hindustan Ambassador, since 1957 which continues to be built in India some 50 years after the Oxford III's demise, though with a few notable styling updates but keeping the originalities.

• 

  Morris Oxford Series III

Oxford IV (1957–60)

Morris Oxford IV

"Morris Oxford Series IV estate"
Production	1957–1960 58,117 produced inc Series III
Body style	4-door estate
Engine	1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4
Wheelbase	97 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	171 in (4,300 mm) [3]
Width	65 in (1,700 mm) [3]

The Oxford IV was only made in an estate version. A steel-bodied replacement for the "woody" Series III Traveller, it was similar to the Series III saloon in most respects. The IV was introduced in 1957 and produced alongside the Series V until 1960. An interesting feature was having fillers on both sides of the car, for the single fuel tank.

• 

  Morris Oxford series IV estate

Oxford V (1959–61)

Morris Oxford V

"Morris Oxford Series V"
Production	1959–1961 87,432 produced[8]
Body style	4-door saloon 4-door estate
Engine	1489 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4
Wheelbase	99 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	175.5 in (4,460 mm) [3]
Width	63.5 in (1,610 mm) [3]
Related	Austin A55 Cambridge Riley 4/68 MG Magnette III Wolseley 15/60

For 1959, the Oxford was merged into the mid-sized Pininfarina-designed BMC Farina range along with a half-dozen other models, including the 1958 Wolseley 15/60 and 1959 Riley 4/68, Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, and MG Magnette Mark III. The Austin and Morris cars were nearly identical but were produced in separate factories. Differences in the Morris included some of the chrome and interior trim, and the rear lights. Inside, a front bench seat and special dashboard fitted with speedometer, oil pressure gauge, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge and clock (optional) were used. A choice of floor or column gear change was available. The handbrake was floor mounted to the side of the seat. The 1.5 L B-Series engine continued. Drum brakes of 9 in (230 mm) diameter were fitted front and rear and the steering used a cam and peg system. The suspension was independent at the front using coil springs and had a live axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear.

The Series IV Traveller was still sold for the first year after which a Series V Traveller was made.

When tested by The Motor magazine the car had a top speed of 78 mph (126 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 25.4 seconds. A "touring" fuel consumption of 29.8 miles per imperial gallon was recorded.^[13]

Both standard and de-luxe versions were offered. The de-luxe package included a heater, manual screen washer, twin sun visors, twin horns, bumper over-riders , a clock and leather-covered seat. A two-tone paint scheme and a radio were available as options.^[13]

On the home market the Standard version cost £815 and the de-luxe £844 including taxes.^[13]

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

• 

  Morris Oxford Series V

• 

  Note the large tail fins of the original "Farina" series

• 

  Detail of rear fins

Oxford VI (1961–71)

Morris Oxford VI

"1964 Morris Oxford VI"
Production	1961–1971 208,823 produced[8]
Successor	Morris 1800 (ADO17 "Landcrab") Morris Marina
Body style	4-door saloon 4-door estate
Engine	1622 cc BMC B-Series engine Straight-4
Wheelbase	100 in (2,500 mm) [3]
Length	174 in (4,400 mm) [3]
Width	63.5 in (1,610 mm) [3]
Related	Austin A60 Cambridge Riley 4/72

All five Farina cars were updated in 1961 with a new 1.6 L (1622 cc/98 in³) version of the B-Series engine 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) Mark V was replaced by a Mark VI, although little changed apart from the front grille.

A diesel-engined Oxford Mark 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 208,823 produced. The Oxford range was to have been replaced by the 1967 Morris 1800 (a badge-engineered 1964 ADO17 Austin 1800), but in the event both were built in parallel until 1971 because in terms both of pricing and of interior space the 1800 fell into the market segment of a slightly larger car. The ADO17 1800 continued until 1975, when it was succeeded by the ADO71 Morris 1800. The car which took the Oxford's place at the smaller end of the market segment was the Morris Marina, which also succeeded the yet smaller Minor.

Celebrity connection

In July 1967 the log book of a 1964 Morris Oxford was sold to an American collector. The sale was reported in the press because the car's original owner, by then deceased, had been Sir Winston Churchill, the former British prime minister.^[14]

• 

  Morris Oxford series VI saloon

• 

  Note the reduced tail fins for the saloon

• 

  Morris Oxford series VI "Traveller"

• 

  Fins unchanged for series VI estate version

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Heath, B. (Jan 2001). The Automobile(magazine). ISSN 0995-1328. 
2. ^ Georgano, N. (2000). Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile. London: HMSO. ISBN 1-57958-293-1. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w} Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2. 
4. ^ ^{a b c d} Baldwin, N. (1994). A-Z of cars of the 1920's. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-53-2. 
5. ^ ^{a b c d} Sedgwick, M.; Gillies (1989). A-Z of cars of the 1930s. UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9. 
6. ^ Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945–1980. Devon, UK: Herridge Books. ISBN 1-9541063-9-3. 
7. ^ ^{a b} "The Morris Oxford Traveller's car Road Test". The Motor. December 17, 1952. 
8. ^ ^{a b c d} Sedgwick, M.; Gillies.M (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945–1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7. 
9. ^ ^{a b c d} "The Morris Oxford (Series II)". The Motor. September 29, 1954. 
10. ^ "When the worm turns...or the pinion rotates..". Practical Motorist 7 (nbr 84): 2378–1279. August 1961. 
11. ^ ^{a b c d} "Second Hand car guide supplement". Practical Motorist 6 Nbr 68: between pages 768 & 769. date April 1960. 
12. ^ "The Morris Oxford (Series III)". The Motor. March 13, 1957. 
13. ^ ^{a b c} "The Morris Oxford V Road Test". The Motor: 75–83. May 4, 1960. 
14. ^ "New and Views". Autocar 127 (nbr3729): 55. 1 August 1967.