Lot 037: 1923 MORRIS COWLEY SPECIAL

One of the best-loved and most familiar of vintage cars, the Morris Cowley offers the enthusiast excellent vintage motoring, backed up by the large amount of technical information and a wide range of spare parts that can be accessed though - amongst other sources - the lively Bullnose Morris Club and the Morris Specials Group. This example is a 1923 chassis that largely conforms to catalogue specification, but later wheels with well-base tyres have been fitted, which offer a more comfortable ride and better braking - and cost a good deal less than the original beaded-edge pattern. The body and mudguards are relatively recently made, and are a reasonably close copy of the sports model offered by Morris Motors Ltd. at the period, and the lesser weight of this will no doubt aid the car's performance. The radiator is of the pattern fitted to contemporary small Morris commercial chassis; it is rather pretty and lends a distinctive appearance to the car. The Cowley's engine, a 4-cylinder side-valve of 69À5 x 102mm (1550ccs), has a detachable cylinder head, and is renowned for its lack of temperament as much as for its slogging power; there is a centre change three-speed gearbox and the drive goes to the bevel rear axle via a torque tube. The Cowley is accepted as a vintage light car. Wearing a number plate issued by the Norwich authorities, 'CL 6042' is reputed to have spent all its life in Norfolk. Recently treated to a new clutch and overhauled magneto, the Morris is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the engine as "OK"). An engaging proposition, this sporting Cowley Special is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2008.