1936  -  MORRIS TEN-FOUR (Series 2)

 & MORRIS TWELVE-FOUR   (Series 2)

 

This model followed the same basic principals that resulted in the considerable success achieved by the Morris 8, the Morris Company introduced a 10 h.p. and 12 h.p. design which possessed excellent qualities in ride, interior design, comfort and appearance.

Morris Motors literature of the time stated that although rated at 10 h.p. and 12 h.p. these new models were in every way equal in performance to ordinary 14 h.p. cars.

Introduced in the latter part of 1935 and shown at the London Motor Show the range was very competitively priced:-

            Morris Ten-Four Saloon (Fixed Head)              £172. 10s.

            Morris Ten-Four Saloon (Sliding Head)            £182. 10s.

            Morris Ten-Four Special Coupe                        £215.  00s.

            Morris Twelve-Four Saloon (Fixed Head)         £177.  10s.

            Morris Twelve-Four Saloon (Sliding Head)       £187.  10s.

            Morris Twelve-Four Special Coupe                   £220.  00s.

Morris Motor Ltd had built up an enviable reputation for offered the public excellent value for money, firstly with the famous “Bullnose”, followed on by the similar “Flatnose”. The Morris 10/4 which followed in the early 30`s whilst still with the upright body style, was a modern, comfortable and reliable motor car and with the benefit of Lockheed hydraulic brakes the  vehicle could be brought to a standstill in a very short distance, ideal in the hilly areas of Britain.

The chassis frame of the Series 2 cars was of unique design and construction and incorporated a portion of the body flooring  (the Hudson-Essex Terraplane offered this in 1933) and formed an exceptionally rigid structure which was further strengthened by three pressed steel cross members and one central cross tube. The body was rigidly attached to the chassis and the two together formed a double box-sectioned structure. The wheelbase was 8ft. 4ins. with a track of 4ft. 2ins.

Both the 10/4 and 12/4 cars has a four cylinder side valve engines the former having a bore of 2.5 inches and stroke of 4 inches, giving a Treasury rating of 10 h.p. (78.84 cu.in. or 1292 cubic centimetres) the latter having a bore 2.73 inches and stroke of 4 inches which gave a Treasury rating of 11.9 h.p. (94.59 cu.in. or 1550 cubic centimetres) This resulted in a Treasury Horsepower Tax of £7.10s.0d for the smaller unit and £9.0s.0d. the latter. A 3 speed gearbox was fitted with synchromesh on top and second gears, only the bottom ratio required the driver to double de-clutch. Cooling system was by thermo-syphon.

Both models were fitted with a built in hydraulic jacking system by “Jackall”, this allowed the driver to either lift all four wheels off the ground or alternatively only the front or back wheels, whatever was desired. The system could be activated without leaving the car and without effort.

Morris Motors Ltd also sold the vehicle in “chassis only” form for the convenience of those who may wish to have their own special coachwork.  These chassis were well equipped being supplied with such items as wings, running boards, headlamps, instruments, spare wheel and a complete tool kit.

Morris Motors also had their own Hire Purchase Plan arranged through United Dominions Trust Ltd. Payment could be spread over 12, 18 or 24 months.  As an example if you chose the model at £182.10s. then your deposit could be £55. 10s. and the outstanding balance of £127.0.0d. over say 12 months would result in monthly payments of £11. 5s. 5d.  This would be a total of £190. 15s. 0d.

Many of these cars (including the first series) can be seen on the road of Britain during the summer months giving their owners untold pleasure and enjoyment. They offer economical and fun motoring in a pre-war car at a price that will not brake the bank. Nice examples can be found around the £4,000 mark.

The outbreak of war in 1939 brought production to a standstill, production of the 10 was recommenced at the end of 1945 with a few changes. The 1947 models saw a new rounded radiator grill, simpler and cheaper to manufacture, production was discontinued in 1948 when the all new Morris Minor was offered at the London Motor Show.

Reader Alan Prescott writes in:-

have an Operation Manual for Morris Ten-Four series "M".

This document (ref No. AKD473) is in pristine condition.

Any Interest, please email me at: morris@ilkleymoor.demon.co.uk
--
Alan Prescott

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