MORRIS COWLEY PICK-UP TRUCK

William Morris built his first motor car in 1913 – the Morris Oxford – and the distinctive ‘bullnose’ radiator was destined to become an immortal hallmark.  The Morris Cowley, the smaller model which was to proliferate following the cessation of hostilities in 1919, was to become Britain’s bestselling car and was originally `powered by a White & Poppe engine, which gave way to an 11.9hp Continental unit shortly afterwards.  However, supplies of this engine were to become unobtainable so Morris approached the Coventry branch of the French armaments and motor manufacturer, Hotchkiss, who were to manufacture a modified version of the Continental engine and gearbox for Morris cars before being subsequently acquired by Morris in 1923.  A dramatic drop in prices saw the sales of Morris Cowley models boom as other manufacturers were unable to compete, with a number going out of business.  Despite the low prices, Morris boasted a sound specification and quality materials, appealing to the buyer who required a larger motor car than the Austin Seven but was unable to afford a Humber or Austin Twelve. 

A variety of models of the Cowley was available, including commercial variants, but the most popular was the two-seat tourer with dickey seat.  In the latter part of 1926, both the Cowley and Oxford models were revised, the prime change being the use of a more conventional flat-type radiator giving rise to the nick-name ‘Flatnose’ Morris after the immortal ‘Bullnose’ types and, as before, sales continued to top the league right through until the end of the decade.

The rugged qualities and reliability of these cars was to see a good number survive into old age and, following the war, conversions into pick-up trucks were not uncommon, often carried out by farmers and local garages etc.  Commencing life as a saloon, the 1930 Cowley truck offered here was apparently converted for use as a milk float around 1947.  Also at some point in the past we are advised that the larger 13.9hp Morris Oxford engine was fitted.  Following a number of years of hard service it was laid up before undergoing a rebuild from the chassis up between 1989 and 1990.  Subsequently, it has proved both reliable and enjoyable, attending a number of rallies and shows as well as being used for various carrying duties.  Smartly finished in green and black with a stained timber truck body, this vehicle would be ideal for promotional and advertising purposes. 

An attractive Vintage light commercial, it is offered with a file of documentation which includes an RF60 buff logbook dating back to 1946 showing a change of taxation class to a goods vehicle in 1948 when it was resident in Norfolk.  Also supplied are several previous MOT certificates, V5 and V5C documents attesting to the original Middlesex registration number, MU 2535, plus photographs of the restoration in progress.  We are advised that a recently renewed MOT certificate will also accompany the vehicle.

Year of Manufacture:  1930

Estimate:            £5,500 - £6,500