A Grey, 1956, Morris ISIS, taking part in a car club parade, during the 2023 Silverstone Festival
The Series I Isis was launched in March 1955 as a replacement for the Morris Six MS. It featured a 6-cylinder engine, the L (2,639 cc; cu in), 86 bhp (64 kW) 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 four-cylinder Morris 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-six engine, and a "woody" 2-door estate version was also available. 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 only 8,500 sold. he Morris Isis Series II was based on the Morris Oxford Series III body but again with longer wheelbase and differing front wings and bonnet to accommodate the larger, six-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 (67 kW). An automatic transmission option was also added. The manual version had a four-speed box operated by a short gearstick on the right-hand side of the front bench seat. The handbrake lever was just behind the gearstick. Sales remained weak, and the line ended in 1958. A de luxe saloon with overdrive tested by British magazine The Motor in 1956 had a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in seconds. A fuel consumption of miles per imperial gallon ( L/100 km; mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £1025 including taxes. The overdrive unit had added £63 to the price.
Size: 3577px × 2780px
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -speed, 1956, 2023, 2600cc, 4-door, 6-cylinder, 86, bhp, car, carburettor., change, circuit, club, column, engine, festival, gearbox, grey, ii, isis, morris, parade, retro, run, saloon, series, silverstone, single, su, towcester
