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Morris Car Clubs
The Morris Motor Company was a traditional British car manufacturing company from its inception in 1910. Many different vehicles were produced by Morris over several decades until 1984 when British Leyland's Austin Rover Group decided to concentrate on the Austin marque. The trademark was sold to Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. The simple designs and uncomplicated engineering attracted fans from far and wide who set up many different car clubs to celebrate and enjoy these cars. Morris still has a strong following today with car clubs up and down the country taking part in events and meetings throughout the year. The history of the company is celebrated not only at clubs up and down the country but also in the Morris Motors Museum at the Oxford Bus Museum. Also, the museum will be able to put you in contact with some of the car clubs in the local area.
Bicycle manufacturer William Morris began designing cars in 1910, with the first rolling from the factory in Cowley in 1913. The company's first car was the 2-seat Morris Oxford "Bullnose" with a coupe and van added to the range in 1914. Morris introduced the newer model in mid-1915 with the 2-seat and 4-seat Morris Cowley. Several different companies have provided components over the years as most parts were outsourced by Morris. Many supplying companies where subsequently bought to ensure availability and reliability of parts.
Morris maintained a reputation of producing high quality cars throughout the production which led to a large share in the automotive market by 1924. During this year Morris formed their link with MG in the shape of Cecil Kimber, the founder of MG. Kimber worked for teh company in their Morris Garages, where sportier Morris models where produced. The name MG came from the name Morris Garages.
The Morris Minor first entered the small car market in 1928 and was an instant hit. It was followed by the Morris Eight in 1935. In 1948 the Eight was replaced by the instantly recognisable Morris Minor designed by Alec Issigonis. Other models included the 1948 Morris Oxford, a larger version of the Minor. Both cars became true British classics and are held dearly in the heart of many enthusiasts. Today there are still many, many car clubs around the country dedicated to these beautiful cars. These car clubs help to preserve the name and spirit of the cars and will allow others to enjoy them for decades to come.
Following this time multiple companies held the trademarks to the Morris collection. BMC and British Leyland continued to use the marque until the early 1980s with models such as the Morris Marina. The Morris Ital was the last passenger car and was released until the summer of 1984.
Car clubs like these car clubs here are the perfect way to keep up with other enthusiasts who love the cars that you do. The car clubs here on Just Car Clubs demonstrate to you the diversity of clubs around the country. Take a look for yourself and visit the websites for the car clubs here. It isn't only Morris-based car clubs that you can join either. Check out our classic car clubs to find car clubs open to all true classic vehicles. If you know of any other Morris car clubs that would like to be included here then please do not hesitate to contract us and we can arrange a listing as quickly as possible.
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