1975 Morris Marina TC Coupe – Project Profile

Some cars, through no real fault of their own, are subject to ridicule. Jokes about Ladas, for example, used to be commonplace. Anything from Skoda was usually met with some sort of stale punchline about the heated rear window for pushing purposes (a joke that falls on its face, because if you push a car via the glass, you’re a moron) and of course, there were the jokes attached to cars from our great nation. We were strange like that. We’d roll out a red carpet for a Jensen Interceptor, but we would bolt the door shut for an Austin Maxi. In fact, other than the Mini, there was very little to come from Austin that wasn’t made the subject of poor jokes. And then there was Morris. Take for example, the Morris Marina.

Launched in 1971, the Morris Marina was a victim of management. The car wasn’t actually that bad, the designs were sharp and good looking. But the project was mismanaged, too many cooks, and it was afforded too little budget. Despite the pressure of needing to take on the likes of Vauxhall and Ford, corners were still cut in order to save a few pence here and there. As such, the final production car was a bit off. A bit wayward, and in no way as sharp as its contemporaries. But, and this is the thing people forget, it still sold well. Very well, in fact. By 1972 100,000 had been built. By 1973, 250,000. The car was a big success, but because of reliability issues and questionable build quality, and because people are mean, it became an undeserving target for ridicule. However, that’s not where the story ends. No, today the Morris Marina has executed a perfect 180, and is now a car people seek out. It’s got a massive following, and of the cars that have survived, demand is high. This 1975 Morris Marina TC Coupe, then, is not one to miss out on.

What is it? 

What we have here is perhaps one of the most desirable Morris Marina models, namely a 1975 Morris Marina TC Coupe. Think of it as a Marina GTi, what with the big 1,798cc inline-four engine and twin carbs. It packed, when new, an impressive 95bhp (12bhp over the single carb models) and could crack 100mph. It was an impressive car. Being a 1975 model, this Marina has the later black grille with sporty red-striped internal detail. And of course, this model is a coupe, which is arguably the most sought after model. Frustratingly, bosses at Morris wouldn’t spend the money to make longer doors, as the pressing would be unique to this model if they did. Instead, they forced designers to work around the shorter, saloon doors. Some Morris Marina trivia for you there. This coupe is finished in Harvest Gold, and still retains the original black cloth interior trim. Crucially though, it doesn’t seem to be all that rusty, leading us to…

Why is it a project? 

This 1975 Morris Marina Coupe hasn’t been on the road since the 1990s according to the seller. However, it must have been stored somewhere warm and and dry, because the car seems to be in remarkable condition. The paint is factory for starters. And anyone who knows these cars will be all too aware of the fact the rust-proofing wasn’t really high on the Morris agenda, so to find one so solid is very special indeed. Of course, there is work to be done. There are blemishes here and there, you’ll still need to inspect it properly for any corrosion, and the engine needs looking at (it was running but now, apparently, isn’t). Though the engine bay has been protected with some sort of coating, which has no doubt helped matters. All in all, there is nothing here that strikes us as being too scary. In fact, we’d even go as far as to say that with a full mechanical overhaul and a good clean and polish, this old Morris Marina could once again be on the road. Hopefully.

Five things to look for: 

1) Rust

There is no denying that this Marina looks very solid indeed, and the fact the engine bay has been rust-proofed by (what looks like) the dealer gives us hope that the underside might have been done, too. You need to get under it and check it all. Arches, sills, floors and pillars. The Marina can and will rot anywhere, so check it twice.

2) Trim

Despite British Leyland building oh so very many of them, parts are worryingly hard to find. Especially if it’s anything specific to the coupe. Check everything is in good condition, or at least good enough that it can be used to remake something new. The age of 3D printing, for example, means that even broken trim can be of use.

3) Brightwork

The seller says a lot of the chrome was taken off and refurbished, and it comes with the car. It’s never been refitted, so should be in good condition, but don’t assume. Get it unwrapped and have a look at it, and while you’re there, check out the other parts that come with the car. There are new lights and even a new headlining, too. Most handy for your planned restoration.

4) Engine

The engine did run, but now doesn’t. That’s not ideal, but hopefully not enough to be a deal-breaker. Give it a check over, try and get a spanner on the crank to see if it moves. But even if it doesn’t, don’t panic. It’s a B Series lump, and as such is still pretty common. Plus, parts availability is excellent. And given how easy it is to work on, you’ll probably want to rebuild it anyway. When in Rome, and all that, or Cowley.

5) Roof

Vinyl roof coverings are the work of the devil, frankly. While there is no denying the fact they are period cool, there is also the unignorably large threat of rust. Water gets under it, and the vinyl roof then holds it close to the metalwork, resulting in all manner of horrid holes forming. You need to check the roof, especially at its extremities, for any signs of rot.

What should you do with it? 

If it were our money, we’d get the engine rebuilt and maybe even tune it (it’s the same lump as the MG B, so why not?) to get some more power out. A limited-slip differential wouldn’t go amiss, along with lowered suspension. Not in a Fast and Furious fashion, just to tighten up the handling a little and give it a bit more control. Clean up the interior, and then if the body is as good as it looks, we’d refit the new chrome and detail the paintwork to a high shine. The blemishes and little marks add to the charm, and they’re honest patina, so it would be a shame to lose them. Plus, you’d then have an unrestored example, still wearing its factory paint. That would be rather special.

If you love an underdog that’s come out on top, here’s where you can find your own Morris Marina for sale.