Morris Eight Series II

Morris Eight Series II 1938

Key facts

  • Year

    1938

  • Country

    Great Britain

  • Capacity

    918cc

  • Cylinders

    In-line 4

  • Valves

    Side

  • Output

    23hp @ 3,800rpm

  • Performance

    60mph, 0–50mph 30 seconds

  • Price new

    £149

  • Owner

    Montagu Collection

  • Manufacturer

    Morris Motors Ltd

First seen in 1935, the Eight was the best-selling Morris to date and the most popular British car of the late 1930s. The Series II came out in September 1937, with mainly cosmetic updates. Although in production for only one year before being replaced by the Series E model, 59,000 Series IIs were built. This car has headlight masks and white-edged wings to meet Second World War blackout driving regulations.

Just as Morris built the Minor in the 1920s to compete with the Austin Seven, so the Eight was intended to rival the best selling Ford Model Y, launched in 1932. Not only did the new car resemble the Model Y, its engine was almost a direct copy of the Ford unit. The Morris Eight was available as a two- or four-door saloon and as a two- or four-seater tourer.

The Morris Eight saloon gives you de luxe small car motoring with the lowest running costs

The Motor
2 November 1937

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Panoramic view of the first floor of the National Motor Museum

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