Morris Major
| Morris Major | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | British Motor Corporation (Australia) |
| Production | 1958-1964 |
| Body style(s) | Saloon |
| Engine(s) | BMC B-Series engine, 1500–1622 cc |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 92 inches (2337 mm) |
| Length | 161 inches (4090 mm) |
| Width | 61 inches (1550 mm) |
| Related | Austin Lancer |
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 basic 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 aborted and the Wolseley version was the first to be unveiled in 1957. They were light, close-coupled saloons incorporating suspension, floorpan and steering from the Morris Minor, though powered by the legendary B series power unit (I4,) of 1489 cc (later, an Australian-developed 1622 cc version for the Major Elite) and fitted with large, heavy-duty drum brakes. This formula resulted in a popular small-to-medium family car with lively performance 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, (i.e: vinyl upholstery as opposed to leather, single carburettor instead of twin/large carburettors e.t.c.) 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.
Series II
Like their British contemporaries, the Morris Major / Austin Lancer were successful and profitable for BMC to build. This success was due in part to the competent, sturdy design which utilised proven components from the BMC parts bin and to economies of scale arising from those components also being fitted to some of the Corporation's other models. However, with the arrival of the much-praised Series II Major / Lancer of 1959-62, the Australian car became quite distinctive in that the body was lengthened by nine inches overall (including an extended wheelbase, tailfins and new front clip) for both Marques. 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 improve its competitiveness with the top-selling Holden. The Series II was noted as being an improved vehicle over its predecessor by some motoring journals of the time, its better dust-sealing, new styling and enhanced handling characteristics winning particular praise.
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 design, though a "Series III Lancer" had been planned right up to the last minute.) The Elite (pictured) heralded an enlarged (1622 cc) engine with greater power, telescopic rear shock absorbers (among other technical revisions,) a moderate facelift and some new inclusions to the list of standard equipment, such as a fresh-air heater/demister, duo-tone paint and chrome window surrounds. 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 Major Elite ceased production in around 1964 and a number of examples of all types of Major and Lancer still survive.
Morris Major in 2007
These cars earned themselves a reputation for durability and strength - particularly of the famous B Series engine, which could continue to give excellent service despite, even, almost total neglect. Many in Australia may remember seeing a noticeable presence of Majors/Lancers on the roads twenty or more years after the last one was produced - this, however, is no longer the case. Notwithstanding certain faults (the usual minor oil leaks and rust traps inherent in cars of this type/era, weak differentials in early examples) the Major/Lancer was a rather sound and honest vehicle which is still very practical and reliable, provided that a strict and comprehensive maintenance schedule is kept. The Major/Lancer gives a remarkably smooth ride on firm suspension with light, accurate steering, the brakes, though unboosted, are safe enough and in standard tune it can keep up with today's traffic. The very rigid body/chassis unit and its associated hardware was "over-engineered" in the true 1950's tradition and, if not severely rusted, should maintain its structural integrity to this day. Engine ancilliaries and equipment like switchgear, wipers, gauges and heater, e.t.c. were also built to last and, of the roadgoing examples, many still have most of their original fittings in working order. The B Series engine is renowned worldwide for its tuneability - the MGA/B used this engine - so a Major or Lancer can be turned into a very peppy performer with relatively little work. Various car clubs in Australia cater for owners of these cars with access to parts, advice and social activities.
External links
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