1973 Morris Marina 1.8 TC

Highlights

• Rare TC sports variation
• Recommissioned in 2019 after 18 years off the road, passing an MOT with no advisories
• Interior reported to be all original by the vendor
• MOT history available to verify mileage

The Appeal

The 1960s saw a lot of changes for BMC. The world was moving into a brave new era of mid-sized cars, and yet they were still surviving almost entirely upon the success of Issigonis's straightforward, small cars - the Minor and the Mini. Ford had started bringing in the lines of the Escort and Cortina, and, under the auspices of Morris, they decided to get to work on a new mid-sized car that could suit the familiar market.
The TC brought in a sportier side to the car, with a twin-carb 1.8-litre. It's undeniable that the car made use of some ageing machinery - the suspension largely derived from the now rather elderly Minor - but that meant an eminently attractive price point. As a result, the Marina became one of the most popular cars in Britain, racking up over 800,000 units sold during a time when the economy was beginning to squeeze.

This particular Marina was brought back to life in 2019 after 18 years off the road, undergoing mainly mechanical work before passing an MOT with no advisories. The vendor's father-in-law purchased the car in 2019 but was unwell in his later years and did not use it, so very few miles have been covered since the recommissioning. Since being inherited by the current keeper in early 2024, the car has been started and driven round the block monthly to keep everything turning over.

Key Information

• Mileage: 91,975 miles (indicated)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt as a historic vehicle
• Technical specs: 1,798cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
• Paperwork: V5c, collection of MOT certificates

The Detail

• Drives as expected for a car of its age, according to the vendor
• Bodywork described as fair for age, with age-commensurate wear
• Impressively clean considering the Marina's propensity for corrosion
• Original vinyl top removed and a different colour paint applied to prevent rust; replacement vinyl top not fitted
• This roof paint is a little textured and appears to have been hand-applied
• Interior described as fair for age and all original by the vendor
• Upgrades include electronic ignition, electric fan, CD radio, and Mountney steering wheel

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