Morris Eight Series 

1938 to 1948
Overview
Production	1938–1948 120,434 produced
Assembly	United Kingdom Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door saloon, fixed or sliding head 4-door saloon, fixed or sliding head 2-seat convertible (two-seater) 4-seat convertible (tourer)
Powertrain
Engine	918 cc Morris Type USHM Sidevalve engine Straight-4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	89 in (2261 mm)
Length	144 in (3658 mm)
Weight	15 1/4 cwt

The Series E announced in October 1938 brought a major restyle with a "waterfall" dummy grille, headlights in the wings and the running boards had gone. The car was longer, wider and heavier but the wheelbase was actually 1-inch (25 mm) shorter at 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 m).

The Morris 8 series E was a continuation of the Morris 8 series started in the early thirties and built as cheap to buy and to run family car. 

There was now an 'inbuilt luggage compartment with outside access' with a space available of 'close on 5¼ cubic feet with the door closed'. There was also a parcels tray the full width of the dashboard. The "alligator" bonnet was now rear hinged making engine access poor.

The engine was upgraded to the Morris USHM series, getting a new cylinder head, still side-valve however, the unit being very similar to those used in Series 1 and 2 cars. Increased power to 29 bhp (22 kW) was now available and the crankshaft was counterbalanced and fitted with shell-type bearings. The gearbox was now four-speed with syncromesh on second, third and top. The Lucas electrics remained at 6 volts, but now with automatic regulation of the dynamo in a two-brush system. Top speed was around 58 mph (93 km/h).

Production continued through the war for the military, essential civilian use and some export. Post-war general production restarted in 1945 but there were no more tourers made in the UK. In Australia, however, a flourishing body building industry continued to provide tourer versions on imported chassis/mechanicals.

The engine went on to be used, with very minor changes, in the Series MM from 1948 till 1953 Morris Minor and was also adapted as an auxiliary power unit in Centurion, Conqueror and Chieftain tanks. Morris also used this engine as the basis of special Marine and Stationary power plants.

A very similarly styled Wolseley Eight was also prepared in the 1930s and offered after 1945. An original 1939 prototype survives, having for many years been owned by Lord Nuffield.

It was popular and sold well and was continued for a short period after the war. It was also used as a van by the Post Office.