One of the joys of the classic world is that there appears to be something out there for everyone, regardless of taste and budget. The classifieds overflow with muscle and pony cars, while there are plenty of luxury and sports cars. However, this 1954 Morris Oxford could be ideal for someone seeking an affordable turnkey British survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Clarke T for spotting an absolute gem sitting in Sandown, New Hampshire, awaiting a new owner.
Readers might look at this 1954 Oxford and draw immediate comparisons with the Morris Minor. That is understandable because the Oxford is essentially an enlarged version of the Minor, with both cars penned by Alec Issigonis. The Oxford badge had been part of the company’s range since 1913, with the “MO” model gracing showroom floors from 1948 until 1954. This final-year “MO” is a survivor, with the seller indicating that most of its Windsor Gray paint is original. They admit there are touch-ups, but that is acceptable for an unrestored survivor with seventy years under its belt. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the best news is the car’s rust-free status. The exterior is clean, and the various underside shots confirm this classic is rock-solid. The trim is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and there are no visible glass issues.
England was still reeling from the effects of World War II when this Oxford rolled off the line. Many items we now consider consumables were heavily rationed, and the rebuilding process was pretty slow. The government sought to stimulate the economy, adopting many strategies to return the country to a sound financial footing. Getting the population mobile was high on the list, but cars had to be affordable for this to happen. Fuel quality was notoriously poor, so these new models were conceived to run on low-octane fuel. The Oxford features a 1,477cc four-cylinder flathead powerplant producing 41hp and 67 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. While the figures don’t promise neck-snapping performance, the Oxford developed a well-deserved reputation for bulletproof reliability. It will never break the land speed record, and the ¼-mile journey will take 24 seconds. However, cruising on the open road at 60mph is a realistic goal. Potential buyers will welcome the news that this Morris roars into life at the turn of the key, running and driving as its creators intended. The seller includes this YouTube video, and although it is short, it confirms the little flathead sounds as sweet as a nut and doesn’t blow smoke.
Alec Issigonis receives considerable praise for his design for the original Mini, but I believe he deserves more for the Morris Minor and Oxford siblings. The Mini is a triumph of packaging, but the Oxford is no less impressive. The car is under fourteen feet in overall length, but thanks to an upright seating position, impressive rear legroom, and a high roofline, it will comfortably seat four adults. However, it can accommodate five at a pinch. There is also a surprising amount of luggage space in the trunk, making the sales total of nearly 160,000 cars during the production run understandable. Buyers with growing families viewed the Oxford as affordable family transport that could cope as children became teenagers. The seller indicates that this interior is original and unrestored. Its condition is impressive, if that is accurate because there are no signs of rips, tears, or other physical damage. The carpet is excellent, the dash is clean, and it should receive compliments when people discover the Morris is a genuine survivor.
This 1954 Morris Oxford is a wonderful survivor that a new owner can enjoy immediately. The seller listed it here on Craigslist for $7,500, which is undeniably affordable. It won’t appeal to everyone, but if a practical and comfortable classic that receives a “thumbs up” everywhere you go is on your Wish List, this could be the car for you.
I love it! I don’t think I could made the adjustment to sitting in the other side though.
You might surprise yourself. I surprised myself the first time I drove a right hand drive. I was very apprehensive. After just a couple minutes I discovered my fear was for nothing.
As long as you can point the car between the two lines in the road you’ll do fine. I’ve had several right hand cars. Easy. The only confusion would come when using turn signals which are on the other side.
That looks a nice example, would be great for leisurely Sunday afternoon drives. A few of these in Australia, they are very reliable, if a bit underpowered.
First car I have seen in this group with the steering wheel on the correct side as well (for me, anyway!)
My brother and a mate of his paid $125 for a convertible one of these back in the 70s in WA drove it back to Sydney slept in it hit a few roos and emus took them 4 days for US readers that’s about 4000ks when they got home i drove it around the block and i said how long has it had this rough idle since we picked it up i checked the engine it was running on 3 cylinders ?
Something, for me anyway, upon seeing a Morris, or any vintage British vehicle, brings a smile to my face, especially the Bugeye. Not a hearty outright laugh, but a certain air about them, attractive, but not gawdy, and all business. Like David, I could never adjust to driving on the “wrong” side, after 4 million miles on t’other side, and to Paul, “leisurely Sun. Aft. drives”, in America, probably the worst time to be driving. A car like this is a downright dangerous, in fact, we have a wonderful( new?) law called “impeding traffic”, and a LEO can indeed give you a ticket for holding up traffic. I know,,,but that’s what it’s come to. The car is in NH, and by the looks of the other vehicles, an eclectic collection, but should really be back “home”, to be fully appreciated.
what a great platform for an LS swap bigger than the morris so more room to work make a super sleeper even with a v6
These cars are relatively narrow, so RHD is not too bad … this one is an affordable entry into British motoring. These cars were underpowered, even in 50s, but a very tidy example and a great buy at the asking price.
Lots of freeways over there.
The only problem with rhd in a lhd world is passing on a two lane road. You won’t be passing anyone in this Oxford, or my 948cc Minor either.
Would love to add this to my collection. Unfortunately, I’m on the wrong side of the country. I have an Austin A40 and these two would look great as a “couple”.
G’day Tom … I sold my 1950 Austin A40 Devon a few years ago and I agree with your sentiment of your A40 and this Oxford making a great “couple”. Pity you can’t make it happen.
Nothing to stop you buying this Oxford and driving it home as they are VERY reliable cars.
Nothing to stop you buying this Oxford and driving it home as they are VERY reliable cars.
Nothing to stop you buying this Oxford and driving it home as they are VERY reliable cars.
Yep….a good little car – owned a later version and you know these get over 50 miles to the gallon – right ?
Manufactured in India as the “Hindustani” up to 2014. Thousands on India’s roads as taxis.