

Morris Motors began manufacturing motor vehicles in 1912. The company was founded by William Morris, who initially started with bicycle manufacturing before venturing into the automobile industry. Morris Motors quickly became one of the leading car manufacturers in the UK, producing iconic models like the Morris Oxford and Morris Minor.
Early Beginnings
1910: William Morris, originally a bicycle manufacturer, turned his attention to car manufacturing.
1912: Morris Motors was officially registered as WRM Motors Ltd.
1913: The first Morris car, the Morris Oxford “Bullnose,” was assembled in a factory at Cowley, Oxford.
Growth and Expansion
1919: WRM Motors Ltd was dissolved and Morris Motors Ltd was formed.
1926: Morris Motors represented 42% of British car manufacture.
1952: Morris merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC).
Later Years
1968: BMC merged with Leyland Motors to form British Leyland, and the Morris name continued under this new entity.
1984: The Morris name was discontinued as British Leyland’s Austin Rover Group decided to focus on the Austin and Rover brands.
Legacy
Morris cars, such as the Morris Minor and Morris Oxford, became iconic in British automotive history.
The Morris trademark is currently owned by the China-based automotive company SAIC.
POPULAR MODELS BY DECADE |
1960-69 The most popular model from the Morris range of cars between 1960-69 was the Morris Minor. This model continued its success from the 1950s into the 1960s and remained a beloved choice among car enthusiasts. |
1970-79 The most popular model from the Morris range of cars between 1970-79 was the Morris Marina. This model was manufactured throughout the 1970s and became quite well-known during that period. |
1980-89 The most popular model from the Morris range of cars between 1980-89 was the Morris Ital. This model was produced from 1980 until 1984 and was known for its practicality and reliability. |
1990-99 N/A |