Morris 

Oxford

1913-1971

William Morris's first car began production in March 1913. It was called Oxford in recognition of his home city. It was a small car with a 1,018 cc four-cylinder engine. From 1913 to mid-1935, Oxford cars grew in size and quantity. In 1923, they accounted for 28% of British private car production. Just two years later, Morris sold nearly double the number, accounting for 41% of British car production. Meanwhile, Oxfords grew larger from the first 1,018 cc, 9 hp, two-seater car to the last 2½-litre, 20 hp car.


In October 1956 the Series III was announced. The Oxford now had a new fluted bonnet, small rear fins and an optional two-tone paint scheme. Inside the bench seats trimmed in leather remained, but the instrument cluster was revised and a new steering wheel fitted. The engine now produced 55 hp following an increase in compression ratio, though the top speed and acceleration remained the same. A semi-automatic transmission was optional. In 1957, the 'woody' Series III traveller was replaced by the steel-bodied Series IV. In March 1959 the saloon was replaced by the all new Pininfarina styled Series V, the Series IV traveller remained in production until September 1960. 


1956

Morris Oxford series III

folder, 12 pages, English

published 12-56

Dating

publicity code 23/64 (5043) 12/56-75

1957

Morris Oxford traveller series IV

folder, 8 pages, English

published c1957

Dating

in the text the car is presented as new

 

For 1959, the Oxford was merged into the mid-sized Pininfarina-designed BMC Farina range, along with a half-dozen other previously announced models, including the 1958 Wolseley 15/60 and 1959 Riley 4/68Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, and MG Magnette Mark III. The Series IV Traveller was still sold for the first year after which a Series V Traveller was made.


1959

Morris Oxford

folder, 12 pages, Dutch

published 01-59

Dating

publicity code 23/191 (19948) 1/59

 

All five Farina cars were updated in October 1961 with a new 1,622 cc version of the B-Series engine, longer wheelbase and a new revised look. The tail fins had been trimmed and there were detail changes between the marques. A diesel engined version was introduced shortly after the 1961 update. The Oxford range was to have been replaced by the 1966 Morris 1800, but in the event both were built in parallel until 1971.


1961

Morris Oxford series VI

folder, 12 pages, English

published 09-61

Dating

publicity code

23/118 (38211) 9/61-200m

No. 6192

1962

Morris Oxford diesel

folder, 8 pages, Dutch

published c1962

Dating

a new diesel engine was introduced shortly after the series VI introduction in October 1961; in the folder it is presented as new

1967

Morris Oxford

brochure, 12 pages, Dutch

published c1967

Dating

the British brochure is dated 06-67

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