Chasing Cars

ENGINE 918cc/4-cyl/SV POWER 30bhp@4400rpm TORQUE 37lb ft@4400rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 62mph 0-60MPH n/a FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 13,023 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine cranks slowly before firing (it has six-volt electrics), but runs well once underway and has a delightfully rorty exhaust note when accelerating. And it is happy to rev, even if 40mph feels more than fast enough. The clutch bites with a snatch when pulling away from rest, but is gentler on the move. The gearbox has a standard H-pattern and each ratio slots home easily and neatly. The steering is light and very direct, the ride firm and bouncy and the crossply tyres tend to tramline and wander on even the smallest rut in the road. The car also rolls into bends, so cornering speeds tend to be quite slow, but that said, there’s nothing amiss – it’s all periodcorrect and there are no bangs or rattles and no untoward sounds from the running gear. The brakes are good for the era of the car and bring the Morris to a halt in a straight line.

BODYWORK CHECK

The Eight wears older paint; dark green across the body and black on the wings. There are some chips on the edges of the bonnet and on the sliding sunroof, which also has some light wear marks from sliding back and forward. There are also microblisters on the boot lid and the wings, but the car is free of rust and there are no dings or dents in the panels. The bumpers are in fine order and the radiator grille is very presentable. The shiny hubcaps cover pressed steel wheels shod with nearly new tyres. The rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors latch shut securely and hang well on their hinges.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The cabin is all original and pleasantly patinated. The thick leather of the driver’s seat has worn on the front edge hide and stitching, but the chairs are otherwise tidy. The carpet is in good condition and looks relatively new. The dashboard is constructed from very basic brown-painted metal and contains minimal instrumentation, though a previous owner has fitted an aftermarket ammeter. The windscreen cranks open for fresh air ventilation and there’s an auxiliary heater fitted in the footwell.

UNDER THE BONNET

The motor and six-volt battery look tiny in the engine bay, but it all looks original and undisturbed, plus there are no signs of accident damage and only light surface rust. The engine appears to be free from leaks and has a mix of recent and vintage wires.

THE CCW VIEW

This charming and highly presentable Morris is ready to use and drives well enough to take out and enjoy. The paint isn’t perfect but the metal underneath is solid and the old leather is as thick as it comes, so will last many more years if properly cleaned and fed. Buy it and enjoy!