Morris’ famous ‘bullnose’ radiator first adorned its cars in 1913, and over the next 13 years these distinctive cars were to become the best-selling cars in the country, establishing Morris at the forefront of British car manufacturing. By the mid-20s, there were two models – the larger, more powerful Oxford and the smaller Cowley. In 1924, the Oxford became the basis of the first MG model, as Cecil Kimber started modifying the vehicles to a more sporting specification at his Morris Garages premises in Oxford. The very first MGs were two-seaters with bodies supplied by Charles Raworth & Sons of Oxford; soon afterwards, they were followed by a two-door salonette and the attractive sporting 4-seater – after which this car’s coachwork is modelled.
The modern history of this car begins in 1980, when it was found under a hedge on a smallholding near Birmingham. The engineless, bodiless remains consisted of a Cowley that had been converted to a tractor long ago. It was rescued by noted Morris expert Bev Hicks, who spent the next 11 years restoring it to the road, this time in the form of a replica of an MG Super-Sports. The engine is now the 1802cc unit from an Oxford, as was fitted to the MGs, giving a useful upgrade in power over the Cowley. The car was purchased by the late owner in 2006; finding the brakes and steering challenging, he spent much time improving these, and succeeded in making the car a capable and reliable performer. Indeed, it then saw much use, with a trip to the Loire with 25 other Bullnoses in 2008 seeing 900 trouble-free miles covered. In 2012 the car travelled to Belgium, Holland and Germany. In the file there are numerous photographs covering the restoration of the car, showing just how much work was involved in creating it. There are also numerous old MOT certificates and bills for various jobs carried out, most recently in 2013 when, amongst other jobs, the gearbox was dismantled, inspected and rebuilt. Unused for several years since the death of the owner, the car now requires recommissioning, following which it should prove to be the capable vintage car it was before – and for a fraction of the cost of an original MG Super-Sports. There is a V5C and a file of various correspondence and photographs.
Extra details and estimates:
£8,000 – 10,000
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