Morris Oxford
Restoration
Welcome to our information page on the restoration of our classic Morris Oxford.
Built at the end of 1954 and purchased in 1985, this classic Morris Oxford is a very original example with only one modification – a manual washer for the windscreen!
Body Work Restoration
The Morris Oxford required major body panel restoration.
Morris Oxford Restoration.
Morris Oxford door restoration.
Replacement wings, sills and rear wheel arches were fitted as part of the renovation. Repairs to the lower door panels, floor panels, crossmember ends and inner wheel arches were all repaired and restored. New front and back windscreen seals were replaced and all trim and bumpers were re-chromed. To finish off the first stage of the Morris Oxford renovation, a full external respray using cellulose paint in Empire Green was applied.
Mechanical Restoration
The BMC B series engine has had a reconditioned cylinder head fitted (from a Wolsey 1500) which has since had valve seats hardened for unleaded petrol use. The master cylinder (combined clutch and brake) and all wheel brake cylinders were replaced with new. The original petrol pump has been replaced and full set of new tyres fitted. A worn king pin had also to be replaced.
Trim Restoration
New carpet was fitted and all the inner door panels renovated.
Morris Oxford History
This version of the Morris Oxford was released by BMC in May 1954 and designed by Alec Issigonis (Mini designer) the styling shows a grille continuation from the previous MO models with the bonnet, wings, grille and dashboard layout adopted by the later Mini. It used the new BMC B series 1500cc engine which was in production in various forms till 1986!
As many other BMC parts were used and the Series 3 Oxford was being manufactured as the Hindustani Ambassador in India from 1957 to 2014 it has meant that many parts are still available to help with further restoration. It was the first Morris BMC car to have curved front and back wind screens but no-one told the wind screen wiper department so it retained the Roger Moore eyebrow style split screen wipers. As many other BMC parts were used and the Series 3 Oxford was being manufactured as the Hindustani Ambassador in India from 1957 to 2014 it has meant that many parts are still available to help with further restoration. A true six seater having the steering column set at an angle so that the driver could sit to the far right on the bench seat and allow two passengers to join them.
Everyday Use
In the 1980s it was our only car and would often do 100 mile journeys to visit family and friends or go on holiday to the coast. It is run every week to keep everything moving but there is always something to adjust or restore.
We have had six in the car many times notably when we used the car for a friend’s wedding – four bridesmaids and a page boy as passengers.
