The Farina-designed Morris Oxford saloon.
Victor kindly sent the first photo in. He spotted this Morris saloon while driving through Budapest in 1968, and managed to record it in colour for posterity on his camera. He's interested in car registration numbers, and identified this lefthand drive Morris Oxford Series 5 as having been registered in Bucharest (Romania), hence the R plate on the bootlid. I wonder whether this car, registration 1-B-9575, survived?
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The Series V Morris Oxford.
The Series V Oxford was launched in 1959, and sold in this 'big fin' form until 1961 when the revised Series VI was introduced. The basic design was by Pininfarina, utilising tried and trusted British Motor Corporation (BMC) running gear. Various versions of the same basic design were built, with the Morris Oxford, and the Austin A55 Cambridge Mk2, being most numerous. Performance fans could opt for the Riley or MG version, whereas those looking for luxury might choose the Wolseley. Despite their close similarities, the two most popular versions were produced at different plants - the Austins at Longbridge, and the Morrises at Cowley.
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These early Farinas were powered by the 1489cc B Series engine, and were a bit under-powered by all accounts. They also had quite a narrow track, making the cars look a little over-bodied (my own '59 Cambridge is just the same!). In 1961 the revised Series VI Morris Oxford was introduced, echoing improvements that were evident in the new A60 Austin. The track was widened, the wheelbase lengthened slightly, and a larger 1622cc version of the engine was now a standard fitment. The fins were also trimmed down on the rear wings, necessitating new rear light clusters and trim.
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The Series VI Oxford.
An example of the Series VI Oxford now follows, seen in 1971. Along with various trim and styling revisions, the Series VI also saw the introduction of a diesel option, instead of the usual petrol unit of 1622cc. Many of the oil-burners were bought to use as taxis, and the Oxford taxi shown below could well have been one of the oil-burning variety. Estate car versions, known as the Oxford Traveller, were also sold.
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This particular Oxford is seen being serviced at a garage, with a Morris Mini-Minor, and a Hillman Imp, for company. The Hackney Carriage plate (no.164) has been attached to the side of the Morris' rear wing, above the bumper. Unfortunately the car's registration can't be seen, but the smaller rear fins confirm that it is a Series VI rather than the earlier Series V model. The Mini (registration 972 GFJ) is having work done on its rear brakes by the look of it.
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Another Oxford Series VI.
This Oxford's registration (8799 MX) dates it to the early 1960's, which ties in nicely with the rear wing line that can just be made out - confirming that it's a Series VI rather than the previous V. It looks to be in standard trim, bar the fitment of a spotlamp to the grille, an AA badge, and a stick-on demister panel in the rear window. A number of other British classics can also be seen in this photograph, including a couple of BMC 1100s/1300s (the nearest being a sporty MG variant). Ahead of this duo is, I think, a Mini, followed by a Hillman Husky estate car, a Vauxhall Victor, and yet another 1100/1300. In the distance, over the girl's shoulder, is a motorcyclist surrounded by a group of people.
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Return to Old Car Photos Page No. 8.
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