Morris Major
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Morris Major | |
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| Manufacturer | British Motor Corporation (Australia) |
| Production | 1958-1964 |
| Successor | Morris 1100 |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style(s) | Saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | BMC B-Series engine, 1489–1622 cc |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed synchromesh |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,300 mm) |
| Length | 161 in (4,100 mm) |
| Width | 61 in (1,500 mm) |
| Curb weight | up to 940kg |
| Related | Austin Lancer/Wolseley 1500/Riley One-Point-Five |
The Morris Major and Austin Lancer were passenger car models produced by the British Motor Corporation of Australia (BMC) between 1958 and 1964. The Morris Major name had been used before by Morris Motors in England, first appearing between 1931 and 1933.
The Major and Lancer evolved though three series (I, II and Elite,) with the first incarnations being badge-engineered clones of the contemporary Wolseley 1500 and Riley One-Point-Five models then on sale in the United Kingdom. The Austin Lancer was phased-out of production by April 1962. These models were wholly produced at BMC's Sydney, N.S.W. plant (Zetland) and were unique to Australia - having around 98% local content. Many examples were also exported to New Zealand.
The Morris Major/Austin Lancer/Wolseley 1500/Riley One-Point-Five all shared the same core design which had originally been developed as a possible replacement for the ever-popular Morris Minor by BMC's in-house design team at Longbridge. That plan was abandoned due to the Minor's unwavering appeal with the buying public and a Wolseley version was instead unveiled in 1957, followed by the Riley. They were light, close-coupled saloons incorporating the front torsion bar/rear leaf spring suspension, floorpan and superb rack and pinion steering from the Morris Minor. These automotive "quadruplets" were powered by the famous B series power unit (I4,) of 1489 cc and from 1962 an Australian-developed 1622 cc version was used in the Major Elite. All were equipped with large, heavy-duty drum brakes - by Lockheed for the Wolseley, Morris and Austin and Girling for the Riley. This formula resulted in a popular small-to-medium family car with lively performance, sturdy build and good driving dynamics for the day. The Major and Lancer, as distinct from the sportier and more plush Wolseley/Riley cars, shared a similar level of interior trim, paint finish and engine tune with contemporary Morris and Austin models. Although modestly appointed, the Major/Lancer was not a stripped-out "Bargain Basement" type of car - it had a generally high level of quality and represented strong value. The sporting potential of the Major/Lancer was realised almost immediately and specialist-modified cars were raced successfully at a professional level into the early 1960s.
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[edit] Series II
The Series I Morris Major / Austin Lancer sold reasonably well and had an attractive profit margin due to greatly offset tooling costs and extensive use of shared components. However, BMC quickly invested in the thoroughly re-engineered and subsequently better-received Series II Major / Lancer of 1959-62. Thenceforth, the Australian cars became quite distinctive from their siblings. Outwardly, the cars were now longer by 9 inches (229 mm), including an extended wheelbase, tailfins and new front sheetmetal. Series II's styling seems to have been more American-inspired than before and, to many eyes, gave the cars a more handsome appearance. Several updates to the original design were introduced, many of these changes intended to make the cars more suitable for the tough Australian conditions and to bolster its competitiveness with top-selling rivals Holden and Volkswagen. The suspension was strengthened, extra reinforcement of the chassis was added and the interiors were given a front bench seat in place of buckets, ventilation ducts and a new instrument cluster. Also, the rear axle (a Morris Minor unit which in hindsight was not well-suited to the more powerful engine) had acquired an unfortunate reputation for weakness in Series I. The axle and differential were beefed-up though, sadly, this early failing had already damaged the car's image and that of its maker. Series II's engine retained its single SU HS2 carburettor/SU fuel pump and received a modified oil sump to afford greater ground clearance. The Series II received highly favourable reviews from the motoring press of the time with its sweeping array of detail improvements, enhanced handling characteristics and attractive price earning much praise.
[edit] Morris Major Elite
Introduced in April 1962, the Elite was the last series for this model - it supplanted the Austin Lancer range completely due to a change in BMC's Australian dealer network - there were now "BMC Dealers" only rather than separate outlets for each BMC Marque. It was seen as unnecessary to have two versions of the same vehicle, though a "Series III Lancer" had been considered right up to the Elite's introduction. The Elite (pictured) heralded the enlarged 1622 cc engine with greater power, this version now used a Zenith VN carburettor and Goss mechanical fuel pump. Telescopic rear shock absorbers and uprated front suspension rubbers featured among other technical revisions. A striking facelift was achieved with only minimal changes to sheet metal; this constituted chrome window surrounds, a new full-width grille closely resembling that of the Mk VI Morris Oxford, and a "rocket" colour flash on the tailfins. Some changes to basic equipment level included a fresh-air heater/demister, duo-tone paint in various new plain and pastel colours, brighter interiors and a windscreen washer. The price was also lowered from the previous Series II list price, this made the already highly competitive Major outstanding value-for-money. Sales were fairly good and warranty claims were the least for any BMC (Aust.) model then to date. The arrival of the Morris 1100 saw the Major Elite ceasing production in around 1964. A number of examples of all types of Major and Lancer still survive.
[edit] Morris Major Today
Overall, the Morris Major and Austin Lancer were extremely sturdy and very durable vehicles - particularly their almost indestructible engines. On the roads, they could still be seen in noticeable numbers some twenty to thirty years after the last ones were made - a credit to the design. Today, the model is relatively scarce, though when put into proper context the Major/Lancer's survival rate is quite respectable. Fun to drive, easy to maintain, perky and full of character the Major/Lancer is a pleasure to own. Compared to some other post-war cars the Major/Lancer is very practical and safe to use daily in modern traffic with brakes and handling that are well matched to performance, excellent reliability and compact dimensions. By today's standards the body/chassis monocoque was massively over-engineered (a good thing) and as such is incredibly solid. Rust, however, is and was by far the most common demise of the Major and Lancer. Hardware such as steering, suspension, switches, wipers, heating and electrical components were of robust construction, the result being that most roadgoing examples still have the majority of their original fittings in working order. The B Series engine is renowned worldwide for its tuneability and saw use in such illustrious sports cars as the MGA/B, among others. It follows that this potential for very spirited performance is not lost on some owners of Majors and Lancers! Various car clubs in Australia cater for owners of these cars with access to parts, advice and social activities.
