1929 Morris 1-Ton Tray Truck

Description

William Morris founded Morris Commercial Cars Ltd in 1924 following his takeover of the assets of E G Wrigley & Co. in Birmingham, formerly a supplier of axles and steering sets used in early Morris Oxfords. Located in Foundry Lane, the factory was converted to produce a range of commercial vehicles, beginning with the Type T one-ton truck in the early months of 1924. Most of these vehicles were powered by Morris’ own engines, including the 15.9 hp 2.5-litre side-valve unit developed specifically for the Z-type truck in 1926, which also found its way into the Oxford Empire, a larger car designed for countries like Australia and South Africa. The second Morris Commercial after the T was designated the Type L and featured the Hotchkiss-type 1548cc four-cylinder engine rated at 11.9 hp, a three-speed gearbox and magneto ignition. With a load capacity of 12 cwt, the L was built in both van and truck versions on a standard 9ft 6in wheelbase. Around this time Morris also introduced the bigger 30 cwt R Type lorry, which also used the 1548cc four-cylinder engine. The Morris Commercial Cars operation relocated to the former Wolseley factory at Adderley Park in Birmingham in 1932, with the first double-decker bus and famous C-type range of commercials both produced there. During the Second World War production focused almost entirely on military vehicles, including tanks and componentry for Rolls-Royce Merlin and Griffin engines. Post-war rationalisation saw Morris Motors merged with the Austin Motor Co. and the introduction of the famous and long-running J-type vans, but the BMC merger of 1968 saw the end of Morris Commercial Vehicles Ltd as a separate entity. Today interest in early commercial vehicles remains strong, with owners well catered for by a strong club scene around the world, including the dedicated Morris Commercial Club in the UK and the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club here in Australia.