Morris Isis
ENGINE 2639cc/6-cyl/OHV POWER 86bhp@4250rpm TORQUE 124lb ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 87mph 0-60MPH 18.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-26mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 67,916 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Appearances can be deceptive and although this is certainly a project car, it drives well once you’ve worked out where the gears are on the manual column shift. They do all engage smoothly, though, and there are no apparent problems with the gearbox itself. Steering is light and the car goes where the driver points it and stops efficiently, too. The straight-six C-series engine propels the Morris down the road with no coughing, spluttering or overheating. Performance is adequate and the car is not at all difficult to drive. There are a few rattles here and there, but nothing excessive for what is, after all, a project car.
BODYWORK CHECK
The first thing you notice is the bonnet, which needs to be repaired or replaced. The hunt for a replacement is underway but if one cannot be sourced prior to sale we understand that the price of the car can be negotiated. The rear window is in need of a new rubber surround but the glass is intact, along with all other windows except the driver’s door glass which will also need to be replaced because it
EXTERIOR
Solid overall Areas to improve INTERIOR
Functioning, original Seat re-trim needed MECHANICALS
Healthy drivetrain Drives well
is compromised. However, the bodywork is actually very solid. Yes, it requires a full re-spray but we found no major rot or damage to either the bodywork or the chassis.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Once restored, the red leather interior will look rather splendid alongside the black exterior. Currently the seats require a re-trim because there are some rips and tears and the carpets could do with replacing, but the dashboard is in good condition, as are the door cards, and the headlining is mostly in great shape with just some work to be done around the rear window. The cabin is dry and free from any leaks, all of the switchgear functions and the central gauges
display correct information. The steering wheel is beginning to crack, but the interior is complete and original overall.
UNDER THE BONNET
This is probably the tidiest area of the car, being free from rust and grime. The engine looks tidy and the valve cover has a good coat of green paint. The radiator is showing its age but the car maintains a good temperature, and the top coolant hose has been replaced with a new silicone item. All other pipes and ancillaries look to be in fine fettle and there’s no evidence of leaking fluids. This is a healthy motor that starts and idles well and is not overly noisy or smoky. The original plate displaying the car and engine numbers is present and intact.
THE CCW VIEW
With only 8500 cars produced, this Series 1 deserves to be coaxed back to its former 1950s glory. It runs and drives well and appears to be mechanically sound, but the bodywork and interior do require attention. A rare survivor, it will make an interesting project.