MORRIS ISIS
Series I: 1955-1956
Introduced in July 1955, it replaced the Morris Six (1948–1954). It was based upon the Oxford and Cowley models introduced in 1954, but the wheelbase and front of the car was extended to accommodate the heavier, longer and more powerful BMC 2,639cc C-series 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed manual column change gearbox. It had larger brakes, tyres and clutch compared to the Oxford. It was the fastest and most powerful Morris produced at that time with 86 bhp and a top speed of 90 mph. Initial selling price was £801 (Standard) and £844 (De Luxe), with overdrive as an option.
Some cars saw Police service, and many were exported to Australia and South Africa where the distances travelled required the 2.6 litre engine. One BMC dealer did drive one virtually non-stop from Nairobi to Cape Town and back to demonstrate its strength and reliability.
The only other variant was the Traveller. This had a timbered rear body and only two front doors – but had a third row of “occasional” seats in the back. Later models had a mesh grille and coloured piping on the seats. Body colours were Black, Clarendon Grey, Empire Green and Sandy Beige with either Maroon or Green interiors.
The Series I was phased out in October 1956 with styling upgrades to the whole Isis/Oxford/Cowley range and the Isis Series II was introduced. Only 6,691 saloons and Travellers were produced, so there are very few Isis Series I left despite being the flagship of the Morris range.
Series I Saloon
Series I Traveller
Series II Saloon
Series II Traveller
Note gear change location
Series II: 1956-1958
Consistent with the changes to the related Oxford Series III and Cowley 1500, in October 1956 the Isis Series II was introduced. Restyling introduced a fluted bonnet, a mesh grille and a new badge, the rear wings were squared off with small fins and new rear lights. Side strips were added from the windscreen to rear fins acting as the colour delineator on duotone examples.
Unlike the Oxford, there were no hooded headlights, and the wing names and strips were retained. Internally there was a new black dished steering wheel and dashboard with enclosed glove boxes and a door courtesy light. Wheel rim embellishers and screen washers were standard. The deluxe version had leather upholstery and heater included.
The Series II retained the BMC C-series 2,639cc 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed floor change gearbox where the gear change was moved from the steering column to the right-hand side in front of the handbrake. Mechanically there was little change other than a modified cylinder head late in 1956 with a slight power increase. It was the fastest and most powerful Morris produced at that time with 90 bhp and a top speed of 90 mph. Initial selling price was £911 (Standard) and £961 (De Luxe) with overdrive (£63) and automatic (£172) options extra.
The saloon was available in 7 single colours of Black, Clarendon or Birch Grey, Dark or Sage Green, Pale Ivory and Turquoise. From May 1957 an optional extra was to have a duotone paint finish available in Black/Swiss Grey, Turquoise/Swiss Grey, Dark Green/Island Green, Sage Green/Twilight Grey, Clarendon Grey/Steel Blue and Birch Grey/Red with the first colour being the top half.
The only other variant was the Traveller with the same timbered rear which was unchanged from the Series I.
The Isis Series II was phased out in April 1958 as sales dwindled. The Isis name was never used again. Only 6,414 Series II saloons and Travellers were produced, so very few remain although they were the flagship of the Morris fleet at the time.
The 70th Anniversary of the introduction of the Isis was the theme of the club stand at the 2025 NEC. Click here to see photos of the four stunning cars displayed.