1977 Morris Marina Estate Super Deluxe Auto *Sold £6,500*

Description

• 34,000 miles
• Very well maintained
• 1.8 Super De Luxe Auto

The humble Morris Marina. Produced by British Leyland from 1971 – 1980, the Marina superseded the much-loved Minor. Despite proving popular and achieving excellent sales figures during production, the Morris Marina has been unnecessarily bullied for most of its existence. Fortunately, and deservedly so, recent years have seen a resurgence of the love British Leyland built cars once received.

We are delighted to offer this wonderful example of seventies British motoring. TPE 516S has been mollycoddled all its life, never wanting for anything. Finished in what is probably the best colour combination, Brooklands Green with Sorrel interior, surely this must be the finest looking Morris Marina Estate 1.8 SDL on the road today.

The vendor, a retired Morris agent mechanic has owned the Marina since 2017. During his ownership he’s put his skills to good use, maintaining the Marina to a high standard. He goes on to tell us more about the car:

“I’m the Marina’s third owner, it has a recorded mileage just shy of 34,000 miles, it read 21,000 when I purchased it. The history file contains old MOT certificates which appear to back up the mileage. 

The Ziebart sticker in the rear window is proof of the underbody and cavity corrosion preventer being injected when new. I’ve tried to show some of the injection plugholes in the wheel arch on the photos. 

It drives well and I’ve had it MOT’d every year by an independent testing station. All maintenance work has been carried out by me.” This includes:

• Electric fuel pump fitted
• New fuel pipes/hoses
• Accuspark distributor fitted
• New fuel tank sender
• Head gasket replaced
• Radiator reconditioned
• New water pump
• Front brake discs replaced
• Rear brakes overhauled every two years
• New steering rack
• Replaced rear spring shackle bushes
• Brake fluid changed
• Rear hub seals

Until two years ago, the vendor would have been able to testify the Marina Estate hadn’t been welded during its life. Unfortunately, a vehicle reversed into TPE 516S, damaging the near side front wing and the front passenger door. Photographs of the damage can be seen in the image gallery.

The President of the Marina Owners Club, Frank Phillips, came to the rescue, acquired a NOS front wing and carried out the repairs. Looking at the photographs, we think you’ll agree that he’s done a sterling job! A respray from the window bottoms down have ensured there are no mismatched panels. The trim and chrome work are in lovely condition and the British Leyland mudflaps are a nice touch.

The vendor tells us that the 1.8 B series engine has been well maintained during his ownership, runs well and has been upgraded to electronic ignition.

Climb inside the car and you are enveloped in resplendent seventies brown. It’s just delightful. The wonderfully designed curved dash looks to be in great condition, as do the seats, door cards and headlining. A true time warp and testament to the Marinas custodians.

Our vendor tells us: “The salesman at Beech Hill Garage intimated that he bought the vehicle from the estate of a deceased gentleman (reportedly 1 of 50 in his collection). He told me that Morris was the gentleman’s wife’s car. Unfortunately, the service books and vehicle ownership details were lost.”

Our View

This is definitely one to split opinions in the team, but we know the boss love, love, LOVES IT! This handsome, well looked after 1977 Morris Marina Estate 1.8 SDL is ready for action and is begging to be driven to every British Leyland event of 2024.

Maybe a road trip or two? With all that luggage space in the back it would be a shame not to!

Fine examples like this are becoming increasingly hard to come by. Don’t let this one get away. Happy bidding.

Vehicle Location: Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

Have a question about this Morris Marina Estate? Please contact the Evoke team at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.