1937 Morris 14/6 Series II

Description

Exceedingly rare chrome radiator side-valve model; 4-speed gearbox; recent new clutch, fuel pump, battery and brake overhaul; driven 70 miles to the sale

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 last but one owner acquired the car in April 2007 to join a collection of vintage machines and was to keep it until his death a couple of years ago when the collection was dispersed.

Our vendor acquired the car via Brightwells in 2021 at which point it had been recommissioned following a few years of inactivity, including the fitment of a new clutch, new fuel pump and a new battery. He has improved the car still further, including retrimming and repairing the sliding sunroof and overhauling the braking system. He has also repaired the Jackall built-in jacking system. He also points out that it has a 4-speed gearbox, an option which cost £5 more than the standard 3-speed box in period.

Now in good running order it has been starting easily and running nicely as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure when hot. Nine old MOTs show that the car covered some 2,700 miles between 1994 and 2012 and it has only covered around 300 miles since, the odometer currently showing 78,334 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, the moisture stains being a relic of the time before the sunroof was fixed by the vendor.

Driven some 70 miles to the sale with no problems whatsoever, this nicely preserved and recently rejuvenated Morris is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

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