Morris Oxford Empire Tourer

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

 This Morris Empire Tourer has an ultra-rare boat tail style body, its original engine, engine, and is said to be capable of driving anywhere!

The 16/40 Morris Empire Oxford was a designed to be a robust vehicle with high ground clearance that was capable of enduring rough conditions. In July 1927, 250 chassis were exported to the Colonies, most were sent to Australia and New Zealand, and some to India and South Africa. The four cylinder side valve engine had a capacity of 2513 cc. producing 15.9 hp. Interesting features were fitted such as Barker Double Dipping Gear and a Smith's Maxfield Tyre Compressor, seen as essential for long distance 'Outback' motoring.

This particular chassis was sent to Australia and was fitted with an unusual four seater boat-tail body by Whatmore and Mackintosh of Brisbane. This is the sole survivor with this body, however there are a handful of other four seat tourers known to exist. The Morris Empire was in regular use until the early 1950's when it was abandoned for ten years underneath a mango tree in a suburb of Brisbane. It was found with acidic fruit and leaves all over the interior, that had completely rotted the upholstery. There is a photograph of the car as it was found under the tree. In 1962 the Morris was bought for just $10 Aus and restored and returned to the road. Many years later in 1984 the Morris was sold to a new owner in Tasmania being towed around behind a single decker bus holding the owners possessions. It was in daily use until being brought over to the UK via Germany in 2004.

It was subsequently purchased by a Morris enthusiast in Norfolk, who carried out a mechanical refurbishment followed by several trips to the Continent, and is said to be totally reliable and capable of long distance touring -exactly what it was designed to do.  The current owner has decided to offer it for sale as other projects have taken priority. It comes with large history file, a complete set of side screens, honest, aged paintwork and a nice patina and is ready for its next adventure!