Manufacturer | Morris BMC |
---|---|
Production |
1929–1931 1955–1958 |
Class | Mid-size |
Layout | FR layout |
The Morris Isis name was first briefly used by the Morris Motor Company on a six-cylinder car made from 1929 to 1931. It was resurrected on a new six-cylinder midsize car from the British Motor Corporation in the 1950s to replace the Morris Six MS.
The name died out in 1958.
Morris Isis (1929–1935) and Twenty Five (1933–1935)[]
Manufacturer | Morris |
---|---|
Production |
1929–1935 7406 made[1] |
Body style(s) |
4-door saloon 4-door tourer coupé |
Engine(s) | 2.5 L or 3.5 L Straight-6 |
Transmission(s) | 3- or 4-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 120 in (3,048 mm)[2] |
Length | 178 in (4,521 mm)[2] |
Width | 71 in (1,803 mm)[2] |
The Isis was a revised version of the 1927 Morris Six (JA series) and used the same 2468 cc engine and 3-speed gearbox. It had an all-new chassis, and the steel body had an American look, not surprising, as the body pressing dies from Budd were shared with some Dodge models.[3]
It was the first Morris to have hydraulic brakes and chromium plating replaced the previous nickel finish on brightwork.
The car could exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) and return 28 miles per imperial gallon (10 L/100 km/23 mpg-US).
After 3939 of the original Isis model had been made it received a facelift in 1932. The steel panel body was replaced by the traditional wood frame construction. Mechanically the car was similar but the transmission received a fourth speed. The chassis received additional cross bracing in 1934 and an automatic clutch and freewheel were fitted to some models. 3467 of the new Isis were made (including Twenty-Five models)[1].
Morris Twenty-Five[]
A de-luxe version, the Morris Twenty-Five was launched at the 1932 London Motor Show with larger 3485 cc engine.
Isis Series I (1955–1956)[]
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Manufacturer | BMC |
---|---|
Production |
1955–1956 8541 made[4] |
Predecessor | Morris Six MS |
Body style(s) |
4-door saloon 2-door estate car |
Engine(s) | 2.6 L C-Series Straight-6 |
Transmission(s) |
4-speed manual optional overdrive |
Related | Morris Oxford Series II |
The Series I Isis was launched in 1955 as a replacement for the Morris Six MS. It featured a six-cylinder engine, the 2.6 L (2639 cc/161 in³), 86 bhp C-Series unit from the Austin Westminster. Unlike the Westminster, the Isis had a single SU carburettor. The four-speed gearbox had a column change and was available with an optional Borg-Warner overdrive unit.
The car was based on the 4-cylinder Oxford Series II, sharing its almost-unibody shell and torsion beam front suspension. The bonnet was lengthened to accept the larger straight-6 engine, and a "woody" 2-door estate version was a novelty. With the strong engine, the Isis could reach 90 mph (145 km/h).
Unlike its sister car the Austin Westminster, which enjoyed moderate success against the volume-selling Ford and Vauxhall sixes of the time, sales were poor, with just 8,500 sold.
Isis Series II (1956–1958)[]
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Manufacturer | BMC |
---|---|
Production |
1956–1958 3614 made[4] |
Successor | line discontinued |
Body style(s) |
4-door saloon 2-door estate car |
Engine(s) | 2.6 L C-Series Straight-6 |
Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual, Overdrive optional, Automatic available |
Wheelbase | 107.5 in (2,731 mm)[5] |
Length | 178 in (4,521 mm)[5] |
Width | 65 in (1,651 mm)[5] |
The Morris Isis Series II was based on the Morris Oxford Series III body but with longer bonnet to accommodate the 6-cylinder engine.
In line with changes to the corresponding Oxford line, BMC redesigned the Isis for 1956 with updated styling including a more elaborate mesh grille, chrome side strips and small fins. The engine power increased to 90 bhp. An automatic transmission option was also added. The manual version had a four-speed box operated by a short gearstick located on the right-hand side of the front bench seat. The handbrake lever was located just behind the gearstick. Sales remained weak, and the line ended in 1958.
A de luxe saloon with overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 17.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 26.2 miles per imperial gallon (10.8 L/100 km/21.8 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1025 including taxes. The overdrive unit had added £63 to the price.[5]
Preservation[]
List known examples here;
- YCL 130+ - Rare Traveler version seen at the Carrington Steam and Tractor Rally 2011 (photo above).
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sedgwick, M. (1989). A-Z of Cars of the 1930s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-38-9.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Culshaw; Horrobin (1974). Complete Catalogue of British Cars. London: Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-16689-2.
- ↑ Baldwin, N. (1994). A-Z of Cars of the 1920s. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-53-2.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sedgwick, M.; Gillies.M (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945–1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "The Morris Isis de luxe Saloon", The Motor. July 11, 1956.
External Links[]
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