Morris Ital
ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 61bhp@5300rpm TORQUE 69lb ft@2950rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 89mph 0-60MPH 16.5 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months ODOMETER 54,498 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The Ital starts instantly and runs extremely well, drives as competently as a Morris Ital ever could. Don’t expect Lotus-like handling and endless acceleration, but the 1.3-litre engine is right on song and the car feels lively enough. The gearchange is a bit spongy, but exactly as signed-off by BL, the steering much as you’d expect it to be and the suspension a tad bouncy – but again it’s exactly as an Ital should be. Visibility is excellent and the car really does feel rather fun to drive.
BODYWORK CHECK
What a colour! Much of it was resprayed some years ago, and we gather some replacement panels were fitted too. While you might not get directed to the concours arena when arriving at a rally, it’s all held up fairly well and the car looks to be extremely sound underneath. Panel fit is typical Morris Ital and there are a few bubbles and bits of surface rust around the wheelarches, but nothing to get overly upset about. The brightwork is serviceable and the plastic parts, including the front spoiler, have survived well. The Dunlop tyres have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Generally, the interior has stood the test of time well – the single rip in the driver’s seat looks like it would be repairable, and while the brown driver’s door trim panel is clearly from another car (and you might have fun trying to find an exact replacement), there are products out there to change the existing colour. The rather uncompromising (and not entirely ergonomic) plastic dashboard is excellent, with the limited selection of instruments working as they should. The carpets, steering wheel and headlining are all all in good condition, as is the glass.
UNDER THE BONNET
It looks good under here and everything is very accessible. The car completed a troublefree 120-mile journey to reach our test location and shows no signs of leakage or contamination. The wiring is also excellent, with no fraying or signs of wear, and the fluids are clean. We understand that the gearbox has recently been overhauled and the suspension seems to be in good order.
THE CCW VIEW
This car has had a caring owner for many years and was apparently once a demonstration vehicle at an engineering college. Anything needed could be tackled without difficulty if you wanted to turn it into a show-winner. Itals are a rarity nowadays, but an honest and simple-tomaintain vehicle like this has a lot going for it – and we can’t think of a car that we’ve driven recently that has attracted more attention. A vision in Snapdragon Yellow, this goodvalue Morris Ital would likely draw the crowds at any classic car show. What’s not to love?
PROS Generally a good and well-loved example CONS Work needed to make it a show car