Morris Eight History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Launched in 1935, the Morris Eight was a direct response to the runaway success of Ford's Model Y, whose modern styling it closely followed. An inexpensive, well-equipped small family car, it sold in very large numbers and is credited with restoring Morris to its position as Britain's largest motor manufacturer.
The original Series I and II were succeeded in October 1938 by the substantially restyled Series E, with a 'waterfall' dummy grille, headlamps faired into the wings, and the running boards removed. Series E production resumed after the war and ran until 1948, when the Eight was replaced by the new Morris Minor; well over 100,000 Series E cars were built, on top of the earlier series.
Generations
Series I / II · Pre-war Eight
The original Eight, styled after the Ford Model Y; its strong sales restored Morris as Britain's biggest car maker.
Series E
A 1938 restyle with a 'waterfall' grille, faired-in headlamps and no running boards; built into the post-war years until the Minor replaced it.
Body styles
- Two-door saloon
- Four-door saloon
- Tourer
- Van
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