1939 Morris Eight Series E Two Door Saloon

1938 saw a more streamlined shape to the Mk I and II Morris Eight. A new waterfall style radiator grill replaced the upright former version and curved wings contained the headlight units. Running boards were replaced by simple sills and there was a proper boot for luggage. The interior was given a central instrument unit with a large parcel tray under. The 918cc, side valve engine received a new cylinder head and shell bearings, increasing power to a dizzy 29bhp. A four speed manual gearbox now had synchromesh on second, third and top and the Lucas six volt electrical system was retained. Production continued throughout the war especially for military and essential civilian use.

This example has clearly been cherished and features a rare factory sliding steel sunroof. It appears that FYE 218 started life in London, but found its way to Dorset by 1947; indeed, your writer actually remembers this Morris Eight being driven in Sherborne during the 1950s! The current custodian purchased the motor car in 2014 and the following year, spent £5000 on a professional mechanical rebuild, which included amongst others a total engine restoration, a starter motor and distributor rebuild, the re-coring of the radiator and the fitting of a new period temperature gauge. The service records for the current ownership included in the sale tell us that in 2017, the brakes were overhauled; in 2018, the engine was again checked and reassembled with new gaskets; in 2019 the spark plugs were changed, and in 2020, a new battery and four correct new tyres were fitted. The Morris had its annual service this year in April, and its fuel pump was replaced at the time. The motor car remains in very nice, solid condition with good panel fit and paint work. The interior is lovely, with good front seats which may have been replaced at some point. Mechanically, there are no known faults.

There is a lovely history supplied with the Morris, which includes an SU carburettor parts book, an original Morris Eight operation manual, Morris Register ‘tax’ discs, invoices dating the early 1980s to this year, MOT test certificates dating from 1987, service records from the 1980s and during the current ownership, DVLA documentation, valuation certificates produced during the previous ownership, a V5 document, V5C registration certificates including the current, photocopies of the original RF60 registration books, one of which includes petrol ration stamps, and an original RF60 dating from 1947.

Auction Date: 9 June 2022