Description

Purchased new by the owner’s late father, this Morris 850 was originally used for commuting to work and later as a work vehicle, stripped of seats and filled with tools.

In 1974, it was replaced by an HQ ute, and the 850 was passed down to the current owner. Big plans for restoration followed, with numerous parts sourced from Terry Shiel at Ryde, including wind-up windows. A 1100 engine from the Trading Post was installed, but it eventually blew up. In 1976, the owner acquired a Clubman GT, and the 850 became a “Work In Progress”. Both the 850 and the Clubman GT are currently in pieces, making it quite difficult to photograph, as the 850 is buried in the shed.

The owner still has the original BMC dealer wallet, the Passport to Service book, a BMC Accessories brochure, an extract from Modern Motor featuring an article on the Morris 850, and a personal letter from Castrol Australia to the owner’s father, recommending suitable lubricants.

The period photo is from October 1965, during the car’s better days, when it proudly sat in the driveway as “The Family Car”.

Sale History

• D Lorimer Nuffield Dealers (09/08/1961), Gordon NSW

Plate History

• CKU888 (NSW), registered 09/08/1961, cancelled 09/08/1977

Image credit: M. Gawlas