This is the first Oxford with the Farina body style. These were also known as the Oxford Series V and VI. From this point on BMC used the same body for Austin Cambridge. The brochure caption says the car was built in Holland.
Morris Oxford Series V
The Morris Minor MM was the first of many versions. Distinguiishing features of this early model are the spilt windscreen and the location of the headlamps in the grille. When the 4-door model came out, the headlamps moved to the wings. It was very much Britain’s answer to the VW Beetle. Production lasted from 1948 till 1971.
1948 Morris Minor MM
The engine was a 918 cc side-valve unit carried over from the Series E. The 4-door was fitted with the 803 cc engine from the Austin A30.
The ADO16 – Morris 1100 (and its sister car, the Austin 1100) were very popular in their day. They shared the concept of hydrolastic suspension with the mini but were a larger car altogether. In Holland the car was known as the ‘Glider’ (at least the Austin version was) and in Denmark, as the above advert from a Danish newspaper shows, it went by the name of Marina. British Leyland later used the Marina name for the 1100’s successor. The Morris 1100, two and four door models, were launched on August 15th 1962 . The Morris 1100, like its smaller sister, the Mini, was designed with a tranverse engine and front wheel drive, which gave the car lots of space for the passengers and their luggage, and of course great roadholding. In October 1962, the MG 1100 two door and four door versions were announced. Fitted with a twin-carburettor version of the 1098cc A series engine, this model featured the traditional MG front grille and more luxurious trim. Other variations included the Wolseley Wasp, Riley Kestrel and VandenPlas Princess 1100 models. Innocenti of Milan also produced a version of the 1100. The Austin 1100 models, introduced in September 1963, differed from the Morris version only in that the typical Austin grille (eight bars) and a different facia panel layout were adopted.
The 230 was the successor to both the 190 SL and the 300 SL and was perceived by many as a bit of a compromise. Its unusual roof -lower in the centre than at the edges- soon earned the car the epithet ‘pagoda roof’ because of its similarity with oriental temples.
The W113 SLs were built from 1963 to 1971, starting off as the 230 SL. The 250 SL was introduced in 1969 and the series ended as the 280 SL in 1971.
Specification
1963 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL
Engine
Straight 6, 2281cc
Power
150 hp @ 5500 rpm
Transmission
4 speed manual
Chassis
Unitary construction
Top speed
200 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 11 s
Overshadowed by the 300SL, the four-cylinder 190SL is a fine car in its own right. It was built from 1955 to 1963.
The 190 SL was available as a roadster, coupé and a combination: coupé/cabriolet. Mercedes-Benz also offered a sports roadster version, of which only a few were sold.
Engine
Straight 4, 1897cc
Power
105 hp @ 5700 rpm
Transmission
3 speed automatic
Chassis
Unitary construction
Suspension
Independent front, swing axle rear
Brakes
Top speed
175 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 14.5 s
MG is famous for its sports cars, but the saloons have always had a fair following. Most of them are badge-engineered models from the BMC stables (see Austin, Morris, Riley or Wolseley for similar vehicles).
1957 MG Magnette
The MG Magnette ZA was introduced in October 1954. Easily recognisable by the curved chrome moulding on the front wing.
In 1956 the ZA was replaced by the ZB. It gained more power (twin 1.5 inch SU carbs and 64 bhp compared to twin 1.25 inch SU carbs and 60 bhp of the ZA ) and can be identified by the straight chrome moulding on the front wing.
1958 saw the advent of a new version of the ZB with a large panoramic rear window and a two-colour paint scheme, known as the ZB Varitone. A chrome strip all along the side of the car separated the two areas of colour.
MG Magnette ZB
Production of both ZB models came to an end late 1959 when the MkIII was introduced. Not designed by BMC themselves this time, but by Pinin Farina. Engine and other mechanical components were carried over from the ZB, but it was now very different style of motor car, built on the aging Austin A55 platform. Certainly not what you would call a “Sports saloon”.
MG Magnette MK 3
MG Magnette MK 3
In 1961 the MkIV was introduced. It had a more powerful engine anad improved suspension, which gave it roadholding capabilities that were comparable to the ZB.
The most obvious difference between the MkIII and the MkIV is the detailing of the wheels.
The MkIII had steel rims whereas the MkIV was fitted with wheel trim.
(Based on information kindly supplied by Gerard Jansen)
MG A (1955-1962)
The rubber bumper (‘bra’) models are less popular than those with chrome ones.
Photo taken at Salon Rétromobile 2024 of a cutaway MGB GT:
Lotus Elan (1962-1973)
Autobianchi / Lancia A112 (1969-1986)
From 1983 onwards the Autobianchi A112 continued in many countries under a Lancia badge.
