Morris Major Series II Technical Specifications

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Morris Major Series II

Moris Major Series II Road Test



B.M.C's four cylinder, 50 b.h.p. Morris Major, series II, is indeed a smart performer in every respect.

Last month, by courtesy of the Queensland distributors, Howards Limited, we carried out a roadtest of the vehicle and gained the impression that it lives up to the many claims of the manufacturers.

Engineered and designed for Australian conditions the Major is elegantly finished to provide high class riding comfort with effortless performance.

Both in city traffic and on the open road the vehicle was found capable of answering every demand - acceleration was quick and responsive, particularly in third gear; the braking system showed surprising efficiency; front and rear suspension handled the average rough surface to ensure a steady rise; steering proved to be effortless whilst the overall road holding qualities of the Major left little to be questioned.

In style and finish, the Morris Major is pleasantly new - longer overall by nine inches, increased luggage capacity, adequate glass area for all round vision, ducted fresh air ventilation, dished steering wheel and foam crash padded fascia panel.
The Major's 7.2 to 1 compression ratio o.h.v. engine provides forceful power and boasts of a claimed 30 to 35 m.p.g. consumption.
  • Years of Manufacture: 1959 - 1961 (until release of Morris Major Elite)
  • Number Built: n/a
  • Price at Introduction:
    • n/a
  • Date of Introduction:
    • 1959
  • Chassis/Body:
    • 4 door saloon, with all steel body
  • Exterior Dimensions:
    • Total Length: 13' 5.0 in.
    • Total Width: 5' 10 in.
    • Total Height at kerb weight: 4' 11.0 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 6.5 in.
    • Wheelbase: 7' 8.0 in.
    • Front Track: 4' 20 in.
    • Rear Track: 4' 2 5/16 in.
  • Kerb Weight:
    • 2236 lbs
  • Fuel Tank:
    • 9.0 gallons
  • Economy:
    • 35.0 mpg (approx)
  • Turning Circle:
    • Left: 32' 11 in.
    • Right: 34' 3 in.
  • Transmission (Manual, 3 Speed):
    • Four speed, floor mounted gear stick, synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd gears
    • 1st: 3.636:1
    • 2nd: 2.214:1
    • 3rd: 1.374:
    • Reverse: 4.755:1
  • Clutch:
    • Borg and Beck diaphragm spring, 8 inch diameter
  • Rear Axle Ratio:
    • Hellical spur gears, 4.22:1
  • Maximum Speed:
    • n/a
  • Fuel Consumption:
    • 35 mpg
  • Performance:
    • n/a
  • Engine (BMC 4 Cylinder):
    • Capacity: 1480cc
    • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type with 4 cylinders, single overhead cam
    • Configuration: Front mounted, inline
    • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
    • Fuel System: SU H2 Single downdraft type carburetor
    • Bore and Stroke: 2.875 in. x 3.5 in.
    • Power: 50 bhp @ 4,200rpm
    • Torque: 65.0 ft. lb. @ 3,100rpm
    • Compression Ratio: 7.2:1
    • Firing Order: 1-3-4-2
    • Valve Clearance (Inlet and Exhaust): .015 in.
      • Inlet opens 5°
      • Inlet closes 45°
      • Exhaust opens 40°
      • Exhaust closes 10°
  • Ignition and Electrical:
    • 12 volt 12BST 38
    • Lucas generator
    • Lucas DM2 Distributor
    • Dynamo C39PV2
    • Cntrol Box RB106/2
  • Exhaust:
    • Single tail-pipe
  • Suspension:
    • Front: Torsion bar, shock absorbers (double acting piston type)
    • Rear: Leaf spring, shock absorbers (double acting piston type)
  • Steering:
    • Rack and Pinion
    • Camber: 3/4°
    • Castor 3°
  • Brakes:
    • Lockheed drums, front and rear
    • Front: 8.6 in. diameter, 1.5 inch wide shoes
    • Rear: 6.9 in. diameter, 1.5 inch wide shoes
    • Swept Area Front: 51.6 sq. in.
    • Swept Area Rear: 41.88 sq. in.
  • Wheels:
    • Pressed steel disc wheels
    • 14 x 4J
  • Tyres:
    • Dunlop C41 Cross-Ply Tubeless
    • 5.20 - 14 inch
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