The Morris Isis name was first briefly used by Morris Motors LImited on a six-cylinder car made from 1929 to 1931. It was resurrected on a new six-cylinder midsize car from the British Motor Corporation in the 1950s to replace the Morris Six MS.

The name died out in 1958.

Morris Isis (1929–1935) and Twenty Five (1933–1935) [edit]

The Isis was a revised version of the 1927 Morris Six (JA series) and used the same 2468 cc engine and 3-speed gearbox. It had an all-new chassis, and the steel body had an American look, not surprising, as the body pressing dies from Budd were shared with some Dodge models.^[3]

It was the first Morris to have hydraulic brakes and chromium plating replaced the previous nickel finish on brightwork.

The car could exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) and return 28 miles per imperial gallon (10 L/100 km; 23 mpg_-US).

After 3939 of the original Isis model had been made it received a facelift in 1932. The steel panel body was replaced by the traditional wood frame construction. Mechanically the car was similar but the gearbox received a fourth speed. The chassis received additional cross bracing in 1934 and an automatic clutch and freewheel were fitted to some models. 3467 of the new Isis were made (including Twenty-Five models).^[1]

Morris Twenty-Five [edit]

A de-luxe version, the Morris Twenty-Five was launched at the 1932 London Motor Show with larger 3485 cc engine.

Isis Series I (1955–1956) [edit]

Morris Isis Series I

Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1955–1956 8541 made[4]
Assembly	United Kingdom Victoria Park, Australia [5]
Predecessor	Morris Six MS
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door estate car
Engine	2.6 L C-Series Straight-6
Transmission	4-speed manual optional overdrive
Related	Morris Oxford Series II

The Series I Isis was launched in 1955 as a replacement for the Morris Six MS. It featured a six-cylinder engine, the 2.6 L (2639 cc/161 in³), 86 bhp C-Series unit from the Austin Westminster. Unlike the Westminster, the Isis had a single SU carburettor. The four-speed gearbox had a column change and was available with an optional Borg-Warner overdrive unit.

The car was based on the 4-cylinder Oxford Series II, sharing its almost-unibody shell and torsion bar front suspension. The wheelbase and front end were lengthened to accept the larger straight-6 engine, and a "woody" 2-door estate version was a novelty. With the strong engine, the Isis could reach 90 mph (145 km/h).

Unlike its sister car the Austin Westminster, which enjoyed moderate success against the volume-selling Ford and Vauxhall sixes of the time, sales were poor, with just 8,500 sold.

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  Morris Isis Series I

• 

  rear of Isis Series I

Isis Series II (1956–1958) [edit]

Morris Isis Series II

Manufacturer	BMC
Production	1956–1958 3614 made[4]
Successor	line discontinued
Body style	4-door saloon 2-door estate car
Engine	2.6 L C-Series Straight-6
Transmission	4-speed manual, Overdrive optional, Automatic available
Wheelbase	107.5 in (2,731 mm)[6]
Length	178 in (4,521 mm)[6]
Width	65 in (1,651 mm)[6]

The Morris Isis Series II was based on the Morris Oxford Series III body but with longer wheelbase and front wings & bonnet to accommodate the 6-cylinder engine.

In line with changes to the corresponding Oxford line, BMC redesigned the Isis for 1956 with updated styling including a more elaborate mesh grille, chrome side strips and small fins. The engine power increased to 90 bhp. An automatic transmission option was also added. The manual version had a four-speed box operated by a short gearstick located on the right-hand side of the front bench seat. The handbrake lever was located just behind the gearstick. Sales remained weak, and the line ended in 1958.

A de luxe saloon with overdrive tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 17.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 26.2 miles per imperial gallon (10.8 L/100 km; 21.8 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £1025 including taxes. The overdrive unit had added £63 to the price.^[6]

• 

  Morris Isis Series II with long bonnet

• 

  Morris Isis Series II head-on view

References [edit]