Eight (United Kingdom, 1934)

It has been said many a time that most pre-war 8hp cars were either inspired by Ford's 1932 Y-series, with the Singer Nine and Morris Eight in particular appearing to share a fair amount of its DNA.

This may or may not be so, but it is arguably the Morris Eight that  stands above all other contemporaries as the definitive 1930's small car. Indeed, it was to become the company's saviour from potential bankrupcy. Head along to any vintage car rally in Britain or one of its major export markets, and chances are that the pre-war small car attendance will be dominated by the little "Morrie".

Like the bodywork, the Morris 8 mechanicals mirrored those of the Ford Y to a significant degree, yet were improved in specification. A 918cc side-valve, three-bearing engine was mated to a three-speed gearbox, electrics were six volt, and "Magma" wire spoked wheels were fitted up until the arrival of the Series II at the end of 1937. There were ...