Description

1937 Morris 14/6 Series II

Exceedingly rare chrome radiator side-valve model in good order throughout; new clutch, fuel pump and battery

To the uninitiated this may look like any other old Morris but the more educated among you will already have spotted the chrome radiator cowl which marks it out as something rather special. One of Leonard Lord’s ‘Specialisation-Built’ models, the side-valve 14/6 Series II was only in production for 13 months before it was replaced by the overhead valve Series III which, as any fule kno, had a painted radiator cowl. (Not to mention lids on the glove compartments to stop your wine gums flying out, but you already knew that.) This makes it a rare beast indeed and we are told that it is one of perhaps only half-a-dozen that are known to survive.

First registered as BDA 275 in Wolverhampton in September 1937, this Morris comes with a buff logbook showing that it was in Shrewsbury by 1943 where it had three owners until 1982. The trail then goes cold until the previous owner acquired the car in April 2007 to join a collection of vintage machines. Our vendor acquired the car from his estate when the collection was dispersed last year.

He has recommissioned the car following a few years of inactivity, including fitting a new clutch, new fuel pump and a new battery.

Now in good running order it has been starting easily and running nicely as we have moved it around on site. Nine old MOTs show that the car covered some 2,700 miles between 1994 and 2012 and it has covered fewer than 100 miles since, the odometer currently showing 78,061 miles. Other documentation includes two 1936 newspaper ads for the new ‘Specialisation-Built’ range of Morris cars and a copy of an original workshop manual.

As you can see in the photos, the car looks most appealing with good bodywork and good paint with just some slight microblistering on the bonnet and the roof. The blue leather upholstery could well be original and is pleasingly patinated. The cloth headlining also appears original although it does have traces of mildew here and there. The sliding fabric panel on the roof has been taped over and would doubtless benefit from some attention.

A most attractive and genuine example of what is now a very rare model, it is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com