1937 Morris Eight

Two Door Saloon
Chassis #: S1E127627

Sold for $8,800 at 2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction.
This 1937 Morris Eight Two Door Saloon was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA where it was estimated to sell between $10,000-$150,000. It is powered by a four-cylinder 918cc engine capable of producing 23.5 horsepower. Top speed is about 58 mph; 45 miles per gallon of fuel economy is to be expected. There were two bodystyles available, a saloon or open tourer. The saloon versions were a little slower than the open touring versions. The saloon bodystyles proved to be more popular as about 24,000 of the 164,102 cars produced were in this configuration.

The right-hand drive example shown was originally fitted with a two-door saloon bodystyle. On auction day the vehicle was offered without reserve, selling for $8,800.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007

Morris Motors produced the Eight from 1935 to 1948. The small family car proved to be very success and would help establish Morris as Britain's largest motor manufacturer. Initially, power was powered by the Morris UB series 918cc four-cylinder side-valve engine. The transmission was the three-speed unit with synchromesh on the top speeds and Lockheed hydraulic brakes at all four corners. Body styles included either an open tourer or a saloon. Top speed on the open tourer was nearly 60 mph and could achieve 45 miles per imperial gallon. In the front was a chrome-plated radiator shell and honeycomb grilles.

The Morris 8 were well equipped vehicles, considering their low price, fitted with a full set of instruments including an odometer, oil pressure, fuel level, ammeter, and a speedometer.

The Model 8 Series I lasted until 1937 when it was replaced by the Series II, which had more modern styling and an appearance that was similar to the other cars in the Morris range. They had painted, rather than plated, radiator surrounds. Disc wheels replaced the previous 'Magna' wire spoked versions. The running gear and engine, however, remained unchanged.

In October of 1938, Morris introduced their Eight Series E. They would remain in production until 1948. These versions were longer, wider, and heavier with a unique 'waterfall' dummy grille. The headlights were mounted in the fenders and there were no running boards. The 'alligator' bonnet was now a rear hinged version. The engine was a Morris USHM series unit similar to the one found in the Series 1 and Series 2 cars. It produced nearly 30 horsepower and was mated to a four-speed with synchromesh on second, third and top gears.

During the War, production continued with vehicles being supplied to the military and for essential civilian use.

A Series Z appeared in 1940 and remained in production through 1954. It was a van version of the Series E.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016