1913 BULLNOSE MORRIS OXFORD Registration No. AA 75 Chassis No. 111 Engine No. 5802 Green with green leather interior Engine: four cylinder in line, 1,017.8cc, 16.4bhp at 2,400rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Brakes: rear wheel only; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic, rear, three-quarter elliptic. Right hand drive. William Morris dreamed of becoming a motor car manufacturer. He was firstly a bicycle manufacturer in 1894 and moved on to motorcycles in around 1901. The motorcycle business did not prove too successful and by 1908 he sold his interest in motorcycles to concentrate on his rapidly expanding garage business. This included a taxi service and car hire activities along side the selling agents for Enfield, Douglas, Sunbeam and Triumph motorcyles and Arrol-Johnson, Belsize, Humber, Hupmobile, Singer, Standard and Wolseley cars. By 1910 he operated under the name 'The Morris Garage' and had decided that he too should manufacture cars, but he intended to make car assembly his main line of business in order to produce a high quantity of vehicles at a reasonable price. He quickly realised that in order to keep running costs low and to produce a reliable vehicle he should buy as many proven components as possible from outside suppliers. Perhaps his most important supplier was that of the engine/gearbox and he struck a deal for a new engine to be specially built by White & Poppe Ltd, who had a fine reputation and their clients included many recognised makes such as Singer and Swift. He also arranged for Wrigley & Co to supply the axles, Raworths to construct the bodies and many smaller components such as wheels, tyres and lamps all came from well known suppliers. It is possible that all the parts for the first Morris Oxford were bought in! With backing from the Earl of Macclesfield, the Morris Oxford was announced in The Autocar of October 1912, however the first working car did not arrive until March 1913. When the first cars started to arrive it was soon obvious that here was a new light car which was one of the best on the market and priced at ¨175, sales soared to over 1,000 by the end of 1914. This 1913 example is one of the very earliest, in fact the 11th built and is thought to be the third oldest in existence today. It is in remarkably original condition and still retains its original engine. It left the factory on 1 May 1913, to be sold to Brown's of Haslemere and was in fact the first car sold by the Haslemere Motor Co. The number AA 75 originates from Hampshire and this presumably is where the car resided at one stage. It has remained in the current ownership for the past 36 years and has had very limited use during this period. In 1959 the car was overhauled and used only on the occassional run such as the Surrey Advertiser Rally organised by the VCC in 1964 and 1966. The Bullnose was then restored mechanically once again approximately 10 years ago when the engine was stripped down, the crank reground and the shells re-metalled. It was not driven on the event it had been prepared for and has not been driven in the intervening period, however by the time of the auction it is hoped that it will be in running condition. It is fitted with an non-original carburettor, a Zenith rather than a White & Poppe and it is known the brakes have linings rather than being of cast iron. It has a patina of age with what appears to be the original green leather upholstery which is quite worn and with a small tear. The paintwork is a little faded and the hood will perhaps need replacing. Unfortunately the radiator mascot is missing and there are some minor dents to the radiator nose cowl. AA 75 is a charming and rare example of the early production Bullnose Morris and will be welcomed and much admired wherever she is shown.
1913 BULLNOSE MORRIS OXFORD Registration No. AA 75 Chassis No. 111 Engine No. 5802 Green with green leather interior Engine: four cylinder in line, 1,017.8cc, 16.4bhp at 2,400rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Brakes: rear wheel only; Suspension: front, semi-elliptic, rear, three-quarter elliptic. Right hand drive. William Morris dreamed of becoming a motor car manufacturer. He was firstly a bicycle manufacturer in 1894 and moved on to motorcycles in around 1901. The motorcycle business did not prove too successful and by 1908 he sold his interest in motorcycles to concentrate on his rapidly expanding garage business. This included a taxi service and car hire activities along side the selling agents for Enfield, Douglas, Sunbeam and Triumph motorcyles and Arrol-Johnson, Belsize, Humber, Hupmobile, Singer, Standard and Wolseley cars. By 1910 he operated under the name 'The Morris Garage' and had decided that he too should manufacture cars, but he intended to make car assembly his main line of business in order to produce a high quantity of vehicles at a reasonable price. He quickly realised that in order to keep running costs low and to produce a reliable vehicle he should buy as many proven components as possible from outside suppliers. Perhaps his most important supplier was that of the engine/gearbox and he struck a deal for a new engine to be specially built by White & Poppe Ltd, who had a fine reputation and their clients included many recognised makes such as Singer and Swift. He also arranged for Wrigley & Co to supply the axles, Raworths to construct the bodies and many smaller components such as wheels, tyres and lamps all came from well known suppliers. It is possible that all the parts for the first Morris Oxford were bought in! With backing from the Earl of Macclesfield, the Morris Oxford was announced in The Autocar of October 1912, however the first working car did not arrive until March 1913. When the first cars started to arrive it was soon obvious that here was a new light car which was one of the best on the market and priced at ¨175, sales soared to over 1,000 by the end of 1914. This 1913 example is one of the very earliest, in fact the 11th built and is thought to be the third oldest in existence today. It is in remarkably original condition and still retains its original engine. It left the factory on 1 May 1913, to be sold to Brown's of Haslemere and was in fact the first car sold by the Haslemere Motor Co. The number AA 75 originates from Hampshire and this presumably is where the car resided at one stage. It has remained in the current ownership for the past 36 years and has had very limited use during this period. In 1959 the car was overhauled and used only on the occassional run such as the Surrey Advertiser Rally organised by the VCC in 1964 and 1966. The Bullnose was then restored mechanically once again approximately 10 years ago when the engine was stripped down, the crank reground and the shells re-metalled. It was not driven on the event it had been prepared for and has not been driven in the intervening period, however by the time of the auction it is hoped that it will be in running condition. It is fitted with an non-original carburettor, a Zenith rather than a White & Poppe and it is known the brakes have linings rather than being of cast iron. It has a patina of age with what appears to be the original green leather upholstery which is quite worn and with a small tear. The paintwork is a little faded and the hood will perhaps need replacing. Unfortunately the radiator mascot is missing and there are some minor dents to the radiator nose cowl. AA 75 is a charming and rare example of the early production Bullnose Morris and will be welcomed and much admired wherever she is shown.
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