1932 Morris Cowley Saloon with 'Sliding Head'

Morris Motors Ltd of Cowley was proud of its reputation for making motor cars of quality and reliability and the ‘Cowley’ model has long upheld this. Produced from 1915 with a Bullnose radiator inherited from the Oxford, the models were equipped with a side-valve, four cylinder engine, coupled to a three speed gearbox, which provided fair performance for its era. The Flat Nose radiator appeared in 1926, together with optional four wheel brakes which could confidently bring the motor car to rest without drama. 1931 saw the arrival of the next generation of the model, that boasted amongst other changes a more current, fashionable body design, a new lower chassis, an hydraulic Lockheed braking system, a four speed gearbox, a choice of 1548cc or 1802cc engine and a re-designed and notably different radiator. Many now favour this era of the Cowley, suggesting that it was a vast improvement on its predecessors and not bettered by its successors.

This smart 1932 example was the subject of a comprehensive restoration that was completed in 2012. Work included a mechanical overhaul and an engine recondition, with the fitting of new pistons, con rods and timing chains. The crankshaft was also reground and the cylinder head skimmed and fitted with new valves. The clutch was checked and renewed, new shock absorbers were fitted, the radiator was recored using the original tanks and the braking system was checked and overhauled. New road springs and shackle pins were fitted and the steering system was again checked and equipped with new king pins and bushes. The Cowley also had a new wiring loom and battery at this time, and it is worth noting that the original period flashing directional indicators remain. The motor car is fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system and sits on its original road wheels with recently fitted new tyres.

The coachwork, with its ‘sliding head’, has been restored and the motor car completely resprayed. The interior and upholstery have been renewed throughout. All instruments are in working order, including the clock.

To say that there was excellent attention to detail during this restoration would be an understatement; even the window glasses (including the opening windscreen assembly) have been replaced, and in terms of time and expenditure, an exceptional amount must have been spent on this motor car.

The large history file supplied contains amongst others two operation manuals, copies of road test reports and data, photographs, wiring diagrams, old road tax discs, invoices, an RF60 document and the V5C registration certificate, together with a Bullnose Morris Club publication titled ‘Morris Bullnose and Flatnose Power Units’, a copy of the Taunton DVLA registration record that confirms YD 5439 was supplied to Parsons Engineering of Wincanton, Somerset on the 7^th September 1932, and a list of the large quantity of spare parts that will be included in the sale. These are to be collected by prior arrangement. 

Auction Date: Thursday 2 March 2017