Morris Eight Series I
1935 to 1937 | |
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Overview | |
Production | 1935–1937 164,102 produced |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2-door saloon 4-door saloon 2-seat tourer (convertible) 4-seat tourer (convertible) 5 cwt van |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 918 cc Morris Type UB Sidevalve Straight-4 |
Transmission | 3-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 90 in (2,286 mm) 81 in (2,057 mm) (swb tourer) |
Width | 54.5 in (1,384 mm) |
Height | 60 in (1,524 mm) |
The car was powered by a Morris UB series 918 cc four-cylinder side-valve engine with three bearing crankshaft and single SU carburettor with maximum power of 23.5 bhp (17.5 kW). The gearbox was a three-speed unit with synchromesh on the top two speeds and Lockheed hydraulic brakes were fitted. Coil ignition was used in a Lucas electrical system powered by a 6 volt battery and third brush dynamo.
1935 Morris Eight 2 door saloon
The body which was either a saloon or open tourer was mounted on a separate channel section chassis with a 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) wheelbase. The tourer could reach 58 mph (93 km/h) and return 45 miles per imperial gallon (6.3 L/100 km; 37 mpg-US); the saloons were a little slower. The chrome-plated radiator shell and honeycomb grille were dummies disguising the real one hidden behind. In September 1934 the bare chassis was offered for £95. For buyers of complete cars prices ranged from £118 for the basic two-seat tourer to £142 for the four door saloon with "sunshine" roof and leather seats. Bumpers and indicators were £2 10 shillings (£2.50) extra.
1935 Morris Eight 2 seater
Compared with the similarly priced, but much lighter and longer established Austin 7, the 1934/35 Morris Eight was well equipped. The driver was provided with a full set of instruments including a speedometer with a built in odometer, oil pressure and fuel level gauges and an ammeter. The more modern design of the Morris was reflected in the superior performance of its hydraulically operated 8 inch drum brakes.The Morris also scored over its Ford rival by incorporating an electric windscreen wiper rather than the more old-fashioned vacuum powered equivalent, while its relatively wide 45 inch track aided directional stability on corners.
1935 Morris Eight open tourer
The Series I designation was used from June 1935 in line with other Morris models, cars made before this are known as pre-Series although the official Morris Motors designation was by the model year (35) even though they were introduced in October 1934. Of the 164,102 cars produced approximately 24,000 were tourers.
1936 Morris Eight side view
Rating
Technical
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Morris Eight Series I Maintenance and Service Guide (1935-1937)
Sump pints- 5
Gear Box pints- 3/4
Rear Axle 'pints- 1 1/4
Radiator galls- 15 1/2
Petrol galls - 5 1/2
Plug make- Champion. L.IO
Tyre size - 4.5 x 17in.
Tyre pressure front 24 psi rear 24 or 28 (load)© Motor car History
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Morris Eight Series I Technical details and specifications (1935-1937)
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:
Wheel Base - 7ft. 6in.
Overall Length - 11ft. 9in.
Overall width - 4ft. 6 1/2 in.
Track - 3ft. 9 in.
Weight 14 cwtENGINE:
No. of Cylinders- 4
Rating- 8.057 h.p.
cc- 918.6 c.c.
B.H.P.- 23.5 max
Bore- 57 mm.2.244in.
Stroke- 90 mm.
Compression Ratio- 5.8:1
Cooling system - Thermo-Syhon
Firing order- 1—3--4--2
Exhaust Valve diameter-28 mm.
Inlet Valve diameter-28 mm.CLUTCH & GEAR BOX:
Gear ratio, top- 1—1
Gear ratio second- 1.81—1
Gear ratio, first- 3.187—1
Gear ratio, reverse- 4.25—1WHEELS TYRES:
Wheel size 2.5 x 17in.
Tyre size - 4.5 x 17inSTEERING:
Ratio - 8-1BRAKES:
Type- drum 8in.ELECTRICAL:
Battery type- Lucas 50 amp© Motor car History