The history of Morris Motors

If you stop to think about truly iconic British vehicles, or indeed companies, it won’t be long before the name Morris pops up.

Morris Motors was one of the true giants of 20th Century Britain, operating through both world wars and creating a range of successful, iconic vehicles. For that reason, it is a key cultural landmark fondly remembered beyond just classic car enthusiasts.

In this article, we will explore the history of Morris Motors, owner William Morris and what to think about if you’re considering buying a used Morris Minor, including getting the right classic Morris insurance.

The Morris Motors Legacy

Morris Motors will be remembered partly as a symbol of Britain’s economic strength, stoic triumph in two World Wars, and the economic resurgence after World War II.

However, the company lives on mostly through the memories of its vehicles, and perhaps the most iconic ever is the Morris Minor designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, who also designed the Mini.

Launched in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II, the Morris Minor was a small, economical vehicle that came in several styles. These included initially the two-door saloon and tourer, then later a four-door saloon, an estate car, a van, and a pick-up truck.

Such was its popularity that in 1961, the Morris Minor became the first British car to sell over a million units. Over time, these cars have earned a reputation for their simple design and reliability. You can even find stories of owners driving the same Morris Minor for over five decades.

Meanwhile, it remains hugely popular among classic car owners. There are many Morris Minor owners’ clubs around the UK and worldwide with thousands of members, including people who still use their vehicle regularly.

If you’re a member of a classic car club, you may be able to get a discount on your classic motor insurance. Talk to the team at Lancaster when you get a quote.

Morris the man

Another way that Morris lives on of course is through the legacy of its founder, William Morris. Also known as Lord Nuffield, he remains a well-known public figure even though he passed away more than 50 years ago.

This is partly through his motorcar empire, but also through his substantial philanthropic endeavours that are still having a positive impact today. Overall, he donated some £30 million to good causes, which is worth around £700 million in today’s money.

Born and raised in Worcester from 1877, he initially went into business repairing bicycles as a 16-year-old lad. He sold the business in 1910 to focus on selling and servicing motorcars. Within 20 years he was running Britain’s largest motor car manufacturer and became Lord Nuffield in 1934.

In the 1930s through to the 1950s, the UK and the world was struggling with the outbreak of a polio epidemic. Having seen the invention of the Iron Lung ventilator that was being used to treat patients, Morris was quick to step in to offer support.

Historic England recalls how he offered part of his Oxford factory, and workforce, to produce affordable versions of the Iron Lung to be distributed for free to any hospital across the Commonwealth that requested one. This amounted to over 1,700 ventilators, while he reportedly donated thousands more.

However, his efforts in fighting polio are just a portion of his contribution to medicine. He also founded the Nuffield Foundation in 1943 with £10 million of shares from Morris Motors. This Foundation still stands today as a leader in research that aims to advance medical and social wellbeing.

Morris made a great impression on the Royal Family, too, with Queen Elizabeth II awarding him The Companion of Honour. This is a special award that only a limited number of people can receive in recognition of longstanding contribution to arts, science, medicine, or government. Current awardees include Sir Paul McCartney and Sir David Attenborough, while Stephen Hawking was also a recipient in his lifetime.

Meanwhile, when Morris passed away in 1963, the Royal Family attended his funeral.

The beginnings of Morris Motors

It wasn’t long after selling his bicycle repair business that William Morris had his first car on the market, created at the company’s first factory in Cowley. Morris kept costs down by buying in most of the components and assembling them in-house.

This small 8.9hp car, sporting a 1018cc, four-cylinder side-valve engine, was named the Morris-Oxford ‘Bullnose’ – Oxford coming from Morris’ hometown and bullnose from the distinctive bullet-shaped radiator of the front of the vehicle.

This represents the rather humble beginnings of Morris Motors that had quite the way to go before reaching its peak. By the mid-1920s, even after switching attention to the war effort during WW1, Morris Motors had established itself as Britain’s largest motor car manufacturer.

Around this time, it also expanded into producing commercial vehicles, acquiring a factory site at Adderley Park, Birmingham. This was originally the site of the Wolseley Motor Company, which Morris acquired after it went into receivership.

Soon after, the Morris T-Type was born, a one-ton truck that was a success and would soon be joined by various types of commercial vehicle in production at the site.

By the 1930s, Morris Motors was producing around 100,000 cars each year at the Cowley factory, which represented a third of Britain’s total output. This included the very popular Morris 8, launched in 1935 and produced until 1948. With a 23.5bhp engine that reached speeds of 60mph, the car’s appeal was helped by being affordable for the average working person. Classics World says more than 50,000 were sold in the first nine months, and in total more than 160,000.

By the end of the decade, the millionth Morris car had been produced. However, it wouldn’t be long after this milestone that car production would again take a back seat to helping Britain with a war effort.

The war years

Although mostly remembered for its monumental efforts in WW2, Morris Motors played an important role in both World Wars, proving to be a key part of the effort that helped Britain be victorious both times.

When WWI broke out in 1914, Morris Motors was producing as much as 100 cars every week. However, it quickly refocused production towards munitions.

The role played 25 years later would be even greater. William Morris became a significant player in the war effort for WW2, working closely with the Government to prepare the military.

The History Press says that the British Army had to undertake a ‘complete transformation’ to fight and win WW2. The number of military vehicles grew from 40,000 to an astonishing 1.5 million. These included tanks, jeeps, mobile offices and more, which was driven in large part by the motor industry.

Morris was a key part of this effort. In fact, The Museum of Oxford says Lord Nuffield was already concerned about the dangerous rise of the Nazis in Germany before the outbreak of war. Sceptical with the limited response from the UK Government, he had already deployed parts of Morris Motors to start developing tanks and aircrafts in anticipation of war.

The main factory in Cowley was a key player in the RAF, where fleets of planes were built throughout the war. Meanwhile, tanks would be produced that were used at that famous heroic rescue on the beaches of Dunkirk. More than 300,000 allied troops were rescued on the mission in 1940, remembered now as a key moment in the early stages of the conflict.

Post war years

Although it also brings us eventually to the end of Morris production and the later years of William Morris, there were still many very successful years for Morris Motors after World War II.

Alongside the million-selling Morris Minor, the Morris Minor Van was also a hugely popular vehicle, especially with the Royal Mail who used them in the 1950s through to the 70s. Meanwhile, the legendary Morris Mini-Minor, launched in 1959 and designed by Alex Issignosis, is a cult classic.

Exports were a crucial part of Britain’s economic growth strategy as the Government looked to recover from the disastrous effects of WW2. Morris Motors would be one of the success stories of this period, enjoying significant sales to more than 25 countries globally and becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles by the 1950s.

However, relentless competition from the likes of Ford in America meant that British manufacturers were under increasing pressure. Morris decided to merge with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC). This would bring various British car brands into one group, including Austin, Morris, and the other brands owned by Morris which included MG, Wolseley, and Riley.

The Morris badge would continue to be seen on commercial vehicles until 1968, when it was decided it would be replaced by the BMC badge. In 1971, the Adderley Park site that had been purchased back in 1927 was closed and demolished.

Meanwhile, the Morris name would continue to be used into the 1980s. The Morris Marina, which replaced the legendary Morris Minor on the production line in 1971, sold very well until 1980 and was one of the UK’s most popular passenger cars in the 1970s. However, it is not looked back on as favourably as its little ancestor. In fact, Auto Express ranked it as one of the worst cars ever. We’re not sure we would agree with that!

The Morris Ital would be the final passenger car to sport the Morris Badge, which ended in 1984.

Buying guide

If you’re thinking of buying a Morris vehicle, whether it’s your first classic car or one to add to your collection, it is considered a strong choice for various reasons. For one, you have a nice range to choose from between the Morris-made two-doors, vans, saloons and more.

With its reliability and affordable repairs, the Morris Minor is a great place to start. The original series I Morris Minors will be rare and more expensive, but experts say you may have more luck finding the series II and III produced from 1952.

Another common recommendation for classic car buyers is to look out for the Series V, released in 1962. For this model, BMC upgraded the engine to 1098cc, while enhancing the gearbox and brakes. Therefore, they were more durable and might mean more can be found in good condition today.

However, no matter what model of Morris Minor you have your heart set on, there are things to look out for when shopping around.

The main issue, as with many classic cars, is keeping an eye out for rust. Or, if it’s a Morris Minor Traveller, check the wooden frame for rot which, depending on the severity, may need to be replaced entirely.

Meanwhile, you may want to look for a Morris Minor with original parts. It’s not uncommon to find them with updated parts that may work well but won’t satisfy you if you desire the originals. Reverting to the original parts is difficult as they can be tough to source. Joining an owner’s club might make sourcing bits that little bit easier

Meanwhile, it’s particularly important to be a stickler for the details when shopping for these cars. Morris Minors were popular among drivers of all ages and skill levels, used for everyday needs and many were somebody’s car for life. That will be reflected in the condition of the engine, no matter how well the car’s external appearance has been maintained.

Don’t forget about classic car insurance

When you finally pick out that charming vintage Morris, make sure you protect it with the right classic car insurance.

At Lancaster Insurance, we’re genuinely passionate about classic cars. We have been so proud to arrange classic car insurance over the last 35 years, and we use this immense experience to provide quotes for Morris cars and virtually any other vintage vehicle depending on your needs.

We also offer discounts to many classic car clubs, with other benefits including historic rally cover and static show cover.

To arrange your classic car insurance quote, get in touch with us today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.