• Fantastic condition throughout

• Cherished example - a real pride-and-joy car

• Incredible history folder

First introduced in 1913, the Morris ‘Bullnose’ family of vehicles - easily identifiable by their solid nickel ‘bullnose’ radiator - lasted in production until 1926, by which time they accounted for nearly 50% of all new car sales in the UK.

The 1919-26 model was based upon the 1915 Cowley, with a stronger and larger chassis offering space for four or five passengers depending on the body style, and also featured such luxuries as a self-starter and leather upholstery. 

Widely admired by the motoring press of the era, the chassis and transmission were both highly commended, with The Times stating that the car was “a very decided advance in light car construction” and stating that the power plant was the best engine the writer had ever encountered.

First registered on 12 February 1923 and supplied new to a Mrs Gloster in Cheltenham by the Wicliffe Motor Company of Stroud and Cheltenham, this delightful Oxford Tourer has been affectionately named ‘DiDi’ on account of its registration by the owner’s family, and it has become so entwined within their lives it is almost part of the furniture.

The absolute pride-and-joy of the vendor’s father’s collection of pre-WWII cars, this Tourer was notably equipped with the optional gate for reverse, alleviating the possibility of accidentally destroying the gearbox. 

An early 11.9hp engined model (as identified by the red block) this Oxford Tourer is one of only 14 known surviving 1923-built Morris Bullnose Oxfords. 

Purchased by the vendor’s father in 1999 as a restoration project, the car was in - as he put it - “a bit of a state” with rot, corrosion and a rodent infestation, among other mechanical issues.

Therefore, the owner - an engineer by trade - set about returning this Bullnose to its former glory, steam-cleaning the bodywork and removing it from the chassis, constructing new rear body panels from local wood yards, and new rear seat bases. 

The chassis was also cleaned and painted with anti-corrosion paint and chassis black, though there was no corrosion found on the chassis. The fuel tank was internally cleaned and coated, and the brakes re-linered.

Most major components such as the brakes and steering systems, track-rod ends, kingpins and magnetos have either been replaced or extensively refurbished, whilst the chrome and brightwork was re-placed in Nickel where required. 

As the original leather was beyond saving, leather-look vinyl was supplied by the Bullnose owners club which mimics the look of the original leather covers. The bodywork was repaired where necessary and painted in BT Grey to make future work easier for the next owners, as well as being a close match to the original factory colour. 

Mechanically, the engine has been overhauled with a re-ground crankshaft, new piston rings, glazed cylinders, a new cast big end and main bearing, and the clutch drive plates renewed. 

The roof is also of note, being manufactured by the vendor’s father from drawings and measurements from a surviving car in Dorset, with the result being that the car is almost returned to factory condition.

Sadly, the time has come for Didi to find a new home with an owner that will continue to cherish and adore the vehicle as the vendor’s father has.

Included with the vehicle is a densely-packed folder of history, information, documentation and invoices from the owner’s time with the vehicle, including plenty of hand-drawn diagrams and miscellaneous history.

There is also the V5 showing just one(!) former keeper, and two display frames to accompany the car at shows, as well as giving an insight into the work carried out by the vendor.

Interestingly, despite the V5 showing only one former keeper, it seems that the car has, in fact, had eight owners prior to the vendor’s father, though for some reason these are not noted on the V5.

Lovingly restored with an attention-to-detail that would only come from an engineer, the interior of this Morris Oxford Tourer presents in wonderful and charming condition, with new seat covers and bases, yet retaining some lovely period patina on areas such as the dashboard and dials.

All four seats and door cards present in fantastic condition, whilst up above the roof is in great shape with only some minor staining on the inside, which would likely be remedied through gentle cleaning and appropriate detergent.

To the best of the vendor’s knowledge, all systems are working as they should, but this was unable to be verified due to the vehicle not starting.

The bodywork on this Tourer is in outstanding condition, and has clearly benefitted from plenty of fastidious care and attention by the owner. The panels are all lovely and straight throughout with no sign of any major alignment issues or damage that we could see.

Similarly, the paintwork is in excellent shape with virtually no wear visible, barring the odd minor chip from use and enjoyment.

Up above, the roof looks to be in great shape, whilst all four wheels are also in very good condition, though new tyres would be recommended as one is flat and the others are of an unknown age.

The iconic nickel ‘bullnose’ radiator presents fantastically, as do all of the light lenses and fixtures dotted throughout the vehicle. 

From an aesthetic viewpoint, the 11.9hp Coventry inline-four presents wonderfully, and it is clear to see that the engine has been lavished with care by the owner.

However, for our photoshoot we were unable to start the car. The vendor states that they’ve had mechanics over the day before and the car turned over but failed to start, likely due to a flat battery. Despite charging the battery, however, the car still would not start, but there is the possibility that the cell simply did not hold charge due to its age.

As with all vehicles of this age, there are a few minor fluid leaks from underneath as evidenced by the trays kept under the car in the garage, though nothing particularly untoward or concerning.

Charming and a true head-turner, this 1923 Morris Oxford Tourer was the pride-and-joy of our vendor’s father, and it is clear to see the car has been utterly cherished and adored during his tenure with the vehicle.

Presented in excellent condition throughout, this would make a fine addition to any pre-WWII or vintage car enthusiast’s collection, with potential for use as a classic wedding or events vehicle, should the next owner wish to do so. 

One not to be missed!