1925 ‘Bullnose’ Morris Cowley

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lovely, preserved Bullnose Morris
  • Retrimmed cabin
  • Excellent body
  • Mechanically spot-on

THE APPEAL

William Morris's first car was called Oxford in recognition of his home city. It was announced in The Autocar magazine in October 1912 and production began in March 1913.

The Continental Cowley, shown to the press in April 1915, was a larger-engined (1,495 cc vs 1,018cc), longer, wider and better equipped version of the first Morris Oxford with the same "Bullnose" radiator.

It was targeted at export markets including the USA, from where a lot of its parts were sourced – after all, in the pioneering days of motoring, there weren’t that many suppliers to choose from.

The 1,495 cc, sidevalve, four-cylinder engine was made by Continental Motor Manufacturing Company of Detroit, and the clutch and three speed gearbox by Detroit Gear & Machine Co. The back axle, front axle and steering gear also came from the USA. 

Electric lighting was standard, with six-volt Lucas lamps powered by a belt-driven dynamo fixed to the engine by its cylinder head studs – astonishing when you think how we take headlights for granted these days!

This is a really charming old thing. A car that is less than two years away from its centenary, but has survived in remarkable condition – undoubtedly restored, but still remarkably original.

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

  • Current UK V5C 
  • Only three previous recorded keepers
  • Old magazine articles

There isn’t much with the Morris in terms of paperwork, but the mere fact it has survived almost a hundred years means it has a story to tell. 

The V5 shows just three previous keepers, though if this is genuine or not would depend on whether or not original buff logbook records were carried over. Even so, only three keepers since the 1960s is still pretty remarkable. 

The vendor bought it in 2020 as a lockdown project, during which he fettled it mechanically and had the interior retrimmed. He’s had his fun but has decided he’d rather play with old bikes, so the Morris is up for sale.

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THE INTERIOR

  • Recent retrim 
  • Pop-up Dickie seat
  • Brass dials and instruments
  • Klaxon horn

One of the most charming features of the Morris is its dash, which is decorated with brass-rimmed instruments and a fuel gauge that’s a feature in itself – essentially a dip gauge that shows the approximate level of fuel in the tank by presenting it as a liquid. 

The wooden details are beautiful and either well-preserved or well recreated, while the leather seats were retrimmed in 2020. There’s also a lovely pull-up Dickie seat in the rear, for an occasional extra two passengers.

The original (as far as the current owner was informed by the previous owner) tool kit is included. The klaxon horn has not been connected electrically, which is quite straight forward to do (images in the gallery).

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THE EXTERIOR

  • Two-tone green over black
  • Tourer-style roof
  • Beautifully presented
  • Wood and brass features

Finished in rich gloss green with black wings and running boards, the Bullnose is a charming thing to admire, its deep shine matched by finely polished brass details and varnished wooden storage boxes. It’s in fabulous order – there are one or two very minor marks and chips to the paint but nothing of any note and the wheels and tyres are all excellent.

THE MECHANICS 

  • 1.5-litre sidevalve four
  • Starts and runs well
  • Previously specialist maintained

Master the starting procedure and the 1,495cc sidevalve engine fires up instantly, settling to an extremely smooth and quiet idle. 
The vendor describes it as far less complex to drive than a lot of pre-war machinery and reports that it runs well with no known problems. He’s driven it a few times to shows and around local lanes and describe sit as a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

SUMMARY

This is a lovely example of a pioneering car, presented in charming, lovely condition. It’s brimming with character and ready to show, as well as being the perfect period TV or film prop should you wish to earn a few pennies from it on the side. 

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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1924
  • Make Morris
  • Model Cowley
  • Colour Green
  • Odometer 0
  • Engine size 1495
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Hertfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
28 bids
  • to•••• £16,500 29/08/22
  • Ad•••• £16,250 29/08/22
  • to•••• £16,000 29/08/22
  • Ad•••• £15,750 29/08/22
  • cr•••• £15,500 29/08/22
  • Da•••• £15,250 29/08/22
  • Mr•••• £15,000 29/08/22
  • cr•••• £14,500 28/08/22
  • to•••• £14,000 27/08/22
  • Da•••• £13,750 27/08/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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