“The directional control seems a touch vague, progress is somewhat stately, and the braking lacks a sense of urgency”. If you saw this review in the Classic Car magazine would it encourage you to go out a buy such a car?
PCVC members Keith and Wallis relish a challenge, and like to be different. So, when they read this review about the Morris 8, they just had to own one! After an extensive search in the UK they discovered a former professional cricketer who had just finished restoring a 1937 Morris 8 two seat Tourer (convertible), and lost no time in making it their own.
This Morris is the PCVC Classic of the Month which oozes character and charm and is affectionately known as “Magic”. This being the catch phrase of Bill Maynard in the popular TV comedy show Selwyn Froggett. Keith and Wallis keep their Morris in immaculate condition and it is presented in what is considered to be the best two tone colour scheme of maroon over black.
The car is powered by its original 918.6 cc side-valve petrol engine with the period SU carburettor and electric SU fuel pump, which produces 23.5 bhp through a 3 speed gearbox which has synchromesh on the 2nd and 3rd gears.
Well, was the Classic Car magazine reviewer correct? Keith says that although the steering is not very precise the little Morris will bob along all day at 40mph, but hills can be a bit of a challenge. The brakes are not as bad as the review makes out as they are hydraulic and applied on all 4 wheels, it also has hydraulic shock absorbers! The not too shabby for an 86 year old car that brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. “Magic”
You can view this magical Morris 8 and other fantastic Classic Vehicles at any of the PCVC events and meetings, full details of which can be found on our Facebook page, or, on our webpage (www.paphosclassicvehicleclub.com), or telephone, 97760997.
Useless Facts Number 128
WRM Motors Ltd (later known as Morris Motors) sold their first car in 1913, but these were assembled from proprietary parts produced by numerous other manufacturers. Some of these were sourced from outside the UK, including the engines, which were manufactured by the Continental Motor Company in the USA, who are nowadays more famous for producing aircraft engines.
