1927 Morris Cowley Flatnose Tourer

Originally a bicycle dealer from Oxford, William Morris launched his first car, the Oxford, in 1913. In 1915 it was joined by the larger Cowley model, priced at £225, which went on to sell over 54,000 units by the end of 1925. A truly incredible British story of achievement and success.

This success meant the need for extra production facilities and so the 'Hotchkiss factory' in Coventry was acquired where triple shifting the workforce meant they could just about keep up with the incredible demand. The 11.9 horse power Hotchkiss engine was built at Coventry and mated to a 3 speed gearbox with a wet clutch. Early cars had a 'bullnose' external radiator which was replaced in 1926 by the 'flat' radiator and it was by these nicknames by which the two models were generally known.

This original UK market car was first registered in 1927 and built as a saloon for somebody from the Kent area, according to the history file. However, by 1989 it was -like so many other similar cars from that period -languishing in a barn.

This is when the car was treated to a nut and bolt restoration which included converting the body to a new four seat Touring body, supplied by renowned Morris specialists, Cookes of Nottingham. The car had a top quality retrim in grey leather to match the newly repainted body and also a new hood and sidescreens. The engine was also rebuilt and fitted with an overhauled dynostart system and magneto. Unbelievably today it has covered just a few hundred miles since that comprehensive rebuild and is now ready to be enjoyed by the next owner. We are assured it drives well and comes with the original owner's manual plus a lot of period technical literature and a fresh M.O.T. Still bearing it's original registration number, it represents today a significant milestone in the history of the British and Midlands car history in a very affordable price range.