Morris 8 Pre-Series 4-Seat Tourer

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One of the great automotive success stories of the Thirties and one of the best-loved pre-war cars, it is no exaggeration to say that the Eight was the car that saved Morris.

Small and affordable but with room for all the family, it was far better suited to Britain's increasingly crowded roads than the larger models that had formerly underpinned the Morris range. So successful was it that within three years of its introduction in September 1934, over 160,000 had been sold.

Available as a two or four-seat tourer and a two or four-door saloon, the Eight was capable of 60mph and 40mpg from its 23.5bhp 918cc side-valve engine, driving through a three-speed box with synchromesh on the top two gears. It also had effective hydraulic brakes and a good level of equipment, all for the princely sum of just £120 brand new!

In 1935 Morris brought the Eight range in-line with their other models, the facelifted car for that Model Year being referred to as the Series I. Further Series followed before the war, culminating in the Series E which lasted until the brilliant Issigonis designed post-war Minor made its debut in 1948.

This Morris Eight however is a Pre-Series model and is one of around 40 four-seat Pre-Series Tourers known to the club register. Purchased by the vendor in July 2007 from Nutley Sports and Prestige in East Sussex, it had been the subject of a quality nut and bolt restoration in early 2000. The history file includes MOTs dating back pre-restoration, the car having covered very few miles since.

A Heritage Certificate shows that it was a home-market car which was completed at the factory on 2nd March 1935. First registered with its Warwickshire number WD 9598 a month later, a supplying dealer's plaque located behind the driver's seat confirms that it was supplied through Leamington Spa based Regent Garage (tel 406). The file also includes a continuation buff-logbook from 1962 detailing its owners until 1971.

Since purchase, the owner has only driven it a few miles so has not had much to do to it. He removed the brake cylinders which were overhauled with stainless liners and that is basically all that it has required.

Complete with a good hood and effective side-screens, this nicely restored survivor is an excellent starter and is ready for its new owner to rally and show.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: This car retains its original engine. Please note reduction of estimate to £10,000 - £12,000