Morris Oxford MO Saloon

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Looking very much like an oversized Morris Minor, the Oxford MO was launched in 1948 and remained in production until 1954.

Designed by Alec Issigonis, it was one of the first cars to employ unit construction techniques and also one of the first to use torsion bar front suspension. Brakes were hydraulically operated drums all round while steering was by rack-and-pinion. Power came from a 1.5-litre side-valve straight-four producing 41bhp. Driving through a four-speed column-change gearbox, this gave the car a claimed top speed of 72mph.

The interior was well appointed with a full-width shelf under the dashboard, opening quarter lights for improved ventilation, an oil pressure gauge, an ammeter and an electric clock, with a heater available as an extra cost option. Over 159,900 were sold before production came to an end in 1954, although for many years afterwards the MO continued to be made in some quantity by Hindustan Motors of India where it was badged as the Hindustan Fourteen.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular MO was built in early June 1953 and sold new through Derngate Motor Company of Northampton. Originally registered JNV 18, it was finished in Birch Grey with a Maroon interior, the colour scheme it retains to this day, although the number plate was transferred to another vehicle some time ago.

Apparently found languishing in a barn by a previous owner in 1990, it was then extensively refurbished by model specialist Andy Holloway before successfully completing a classic rally in 1998, shortly after which it was laid up yet again. Still in very good order throughout with a nicely patinated original interior complete with the optional heater, it is said to run well but was last MOT’d and in use in 2005.

Now showing some 26,062 miles on the clock, it comes with the aforementioned Heritage Certificate, a copy of the original log book issued in Northampton in 1953, a current V5C, two old MOTs from September 2000 and June 2004 (when the mileage was recorded as 26,003 and 26,046 respectively), photos of the 1990s restoration and an atractive period sales brochure.