1953 MORRIS OXFORD 1500 4 Dr Saloon

Just being prepared now here at RFH Classics we are delighted to be offering this charming 1953 Morris Oxford MO 1500 Saloon finished in Black with a lovely contrasting Red Leather interior. Now over 70 years old, this wonderfully traditional British saloon is a particularly interesting survivor, retaining much of its original character and accompanied by an unusually comprehensive history file which takes us right back to the day it was first purchased in December 1953. The Morris Oxford MO was introduced in 1948 and represented an important step forward for Morris in the immediate post-war years.

With its distinctive rounded styling, comfortable accommodation and dependable 1,476cc four-cylinder engine, it became a familiar sight on British roads throughout the early 1950s. Today, these early Oxfords are becoming increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples that retain so much of their period charm and have such a well-documented history. What makes this particular Oxford especially appealing is the story that accompanies it.

The car was originally supplied new on 1st December 1953 by Wadham Bros of Southsea, Hampshire, to its first owner, Mrs E. M. Eastabrook of Cosham.

Remarkably, the original sales invoice has survived, recording a purchase price of £783 7s 2d, including the various taxes and charges of the day. This is just one of a number of fascinating period documents accompanying the car, including its original warranty paperwork and early registration records. The car's subsequent history is equally interesting.

By June 2004, when it passed into the hands of a new enthusiast owner, it had reportedly spent at least ten years in storage. Rather than undertaking a complete restoration, the new custodian embarked upon a programme of careful recommissioning and sympathetic improvements, with the intention of preserving the car's originality whilst making it suitable for continued enjoyment. The work carried out during this period was quite extensive and included a replacement wiring loom, attention to the lighting, new overriders, a stainless steel fuel tank and exhaust system, replacement clutch, re-cored radiator, new brake pipes, tyres and inner tubes, together with various other mechanical and cosmetic improvements.

The result was a car that retained its lovely original character while benefiting from considerable expenditure on the areas necessary to keep it usable. The Oxford remained in enthusiastic hands and, rather pleasingly, was selected to appear on the front cover of a Morris owners' club calendar in 2016, another interesting chapter in its history. Inside, the car retains its attractive Red Leather upholstery, which gives the cabin a wonderful period atmosphere.

The dashboard, instrumentation and traditional interior fittings are all very much part of the appeal of these early post-war Morris saloons, offering a motoring experience that is quite different from anything produced today. Since arriving with us, we have decided to undertake a programme of light refurbishment to further improve the car's overall presentation. This includes the fitting of a complete new carpet set, which has already been ordered, together with our usual careful attention to the finer details.

While we await the carpets, the Oxford is being prepared for a fresh MOT test and service, ensuring that it is presented in the manner we would expect of a car offered through RFH Classics. The recorded mileage is relatively modest for a car of this age, although naturally, given that the Oxford is now more than seven decades old, we would not seek to warrant the total mileage covered. More importantly, the car's condition, surviving original features and extensive accompanying documentation help provide a fascinating insight into its life.

For us, much of the attraction of this Morris lies in the fact that it has not lost the character that makes these early post-war cars so enjoyable. From its distinctive styling and wonderfully traditional interior to the simple, unhurried driving experience, it represents a very different era of British motoring. It is also refreshing to find an example with such a personal and traceable history, particularly one where the original purchase paperwork has survived for so many years.

We believe this is a particularly appealing example of the Morris Oxford MO, offering its next custodian the opportunity to enjoy a charming and increasingly uncommon British classic with a fascinating story behind it. The car is currently undergoing preparation, with further photographs and our usual walk-around video to follow once the work has been completed. In the meantime, early enquiries are very welcome.

As a 1953 vehicle, the Morris qualifies for Historic Vehicle status, with the associated exemption from UK Vehicle Excise Duty and, subject to the applicable requirements, MOT testing. Nevertheless, we intend to supply the car with a fresh MOT for additional reassurance. It is also exempt from the London ULEZ charge under the historic vehicle rules.

RFH Classics are Bedfordshire's largest independent classic car dealer, with over 35 years' experience in the motor trade. Our showroom in Upper Stondon, Bedfordshire, is open by appointment, and covered delivery can be arranged throughout the UK. For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact us on 01462 338755 or visit www.rfhclassics.co.uk.