1922 Morris Cowley Bullnose Open Two Seater

Highlights

  • A highly original centenarian 
  • Charming original features 
  • Presented in excellent condition throughout 

The Appeal

Morris Motors began production in Oxford city centre 110 years ago, and by the time this Bullnose Cowley was produced in 1922 it was well on its way to becoming a dominant player in British motor manufacturing. 
Bullnose Morrises are now highly sought after for their charming vintage style and make regular appearances at ‘Light Car’ events across the country. This particular example will be welcomed by connoisseurs of original specification vehicles, who enjoy the fact that this Cowley appears to be almost unchanged from when it left the factory over 100 years ago. 
The car is in excellent condition throughout and looks like it will be a pleasure to own and drive. It’s guaranteed to be greeted with smiles and waves wherever it goes.

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The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 21st June 1922
  • Road Tax and MOT exempt 
  • Copy of The Morris Oxford & Cowley Car Manual
  • The Morris Motor Car 1913-1983
  • The Bullnose and Flatnose Morris
  • Extensive invoices for parts and servicing 
  • Five registered former keepers
  • Owned by previous keeper for 20 years
  • Historic MOTs on file

The Interior

  • Simple, no-frills interior
  • The vinyl upholstery has been retrimmed and is in good general condition
  • A couple of buttons are missing from the seat back
  • The upholstery carries on to the single door, which features a hand storage pocket
  • The dashboard is extremely simple
  • Only one gauge: an ammeter, to check the battery is charging
  • There are switches for headlamps, side lights and a manual dynamo cutout, to ensure that the battery isn’t overcharged
  • Fuel/air mixture control 
  • Bowden cable operated ignition timing 
  • A bulb horn projects through the bulkhead
  • Centre throttle pedal arrangement
  • To the rear there is a handy boot, which features a fold-out dickey seat on the bootlid

The Exterior 

  • ‘Bullnose’ radiator gives this Morris its nickname
  • The body panels appear straight and in good condition
  • The green over black paint is good, with a few signs of wear and tear to be expected
  • Hood raises as it should do and provides adequate weather protection
  • There are no sidescreens or windows
  • Wing-mounted headlamps and ‘diver’s helmet’ side lights on the bulkhead
  • Underneath, the chassis and running gear are well presented, with minimal signs of use
  • Leather spring gaiters keep the leaf springs protected from dirt and the elements 
  • Artillery wheels in good condition 
  • Dunlop beaded edge tyres
  • Rear-mounted spare wheel 
  • Wooden battery box on nearside running board

The Mechanics 

  • Four-cylinder side valve Hotchkiss engine
  • S.U. ‘sloper’ carburettor
  • Magneto ignition
  • Thermosyphon cooling
  • Attractive brass hose clips fitted 
  • Two-wheel brakes, with drums on the rear containing two separate sets of shoes for the hand and foot brakes 
  • The engine bay is clean and tidy and the running gear looks to be in good condition from what we could see
  • There don’t appear to be any modern upgrades or modifications fitted 
  • Starting handle and starter motor 

Summary

A highly usable light car, which it’s hard to believe was built over a century ago. It is a charming example and will be welcome at a wide variety of events.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1922
  • Make Morris
  • Model Cowley
  • Colour Green
  • Odometer 0
  • Engine size 1465
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Bentley
  • Location Hampshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
21 bids
  • Ru•••• £9,600 16/02/23
  • da•••• £9,500 16/02/23
  • Ru•••• £9,400 16/02/23
  • da•••• £9,300 16/02/23
  • Ru•••• £9,200 16/02/23
  • da•••• £9,100 16/02/23
  • Ti•••• £9,000 16/02/23
  • Ru•••• £8,200 15/02/23
  • Au•••• £8,000 15/02/23
  • ba•••• £7,400 14/02/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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