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1926 Morris Cowley Roadster
Morris Cowley was a name given to various cars produced by Morris from 1915 to 1958.
The Continental Cowley, shown to the press in April 1915, was a larger engined (1495 cc against 1018 cc), longer, wider and better-equipped version of the first Morris Oxford with the same “Bullnose” radiator; in addition it could carry a four-passenger body.
To reduce the price, many components were bought from United States suppliers. The 1495 cc, side-valve, four-cylinder engine was made by Continental Motor Manufacturing Company of Detroit, and the clutch and three-speed gearbox by Detroit Gear & Machine Co.
Back axle, front axle and steering gear also came from the USA. Supply of these components was badly affected by the First World War. The suspension used semi-elliptic leaf springs at the front and three-quarter-elliptics at the rear.
The central position of the handbrake and ball-change gear lever revealed the gearbox’s US origin. It also made for easy entry through the driver’s door and no cold steel up a driver’s leg. The petrol tank was in the scuttle, and its filler was above the gear lever in the centre of the dashboard.
The US-made back axle was the first helically cut drive in a quantity-produced British car.
Electric lighting was standard. It was the first Morris car to be sold like that. The six-volt Lucas lamps were a set of five, powered by a belt-driven dynamo fixed to the engine by its cylinder head studs. The cost of these few electrical components was equivalent to 59% of the cost of the imported engine.
The Morris Cowley Flatnose was produced between 1926 and 1931.
The Bullnose radiator was replaced by a more conventional flat radiator announced on 11 September 1926on new cars, now with doors either side and a longer list of accessories supplied as standard.
All-steel bodies were becoming available.
The engines remained the same, but the Cowley unlike the Oxford, retained braking on the rear wheels only as standard, although a front brake system was available at extra cost.
The chassis was new, and the suspension was updated with semi-elliptic leaf springs all round plus Smiths friction-type scissor shock absorbers. The brakes are rod-and-spring-operated, with cams inside the drums to actuate.
Interesting to note that the rear brake drums include two sets of shoes, one of which is connected directly to the handbrake.
The chassis was further modified in 1931 to bring it in line with the Morris Major. Wire wheels became an option instead of the solid spoked artillery ones previously fitted.
OUR CAR
A Roadster!
An older restoration but still present very well.
Finished in striking blue paintwork with cream trim and black hood, this 1926 Morris Cowley Roadster looks the part.
It has had a recent carburettor overhaul and runs very well.
It is an ideal entry level car for someone that is new to vintage car motoring
It is a great car for Sunday club runs and weekend cruises.
We are extremely proud to offer this car through The Collectable Auction House.
Please contact us to arrange an inspection – you will not be disappointed!
Car is sold unregistered but eligible for Historic registration.
