Skip to main content

LOT 463

1931 Morris Cowley 11.9hp Folding-Head Saloon Registration no. WO 154 Chassis no. 353755

Sold for £5,916.67 inc. premium
Lot 463

1931 Morris Cowley 11.9hp Folding-Head Saloon
Registration no. WO 154 Chassis no. 353755

1931 Morris Cowley 11.9hp Folding-Head Saloon
Registration no. WO 154
Chassis no. 353755

Odometer reading: N/A
MOT: Exempt


*Believed one of only seven with folding-head saloon coachwork
*An older (1990s) restoration
*Offered for sale by VSCC and VCC stalwart, Paul Tillian


To view a video of this lot please click here

Footnotes

Its present owner, VSCC and VCC stalwart Paul Tillian, purchased this Morris Cowley at Brooks' auction at the Natural History Museum, London in December 1995 (Lot 806). A very rare folding-head saloon, 'WO 154' is believed to be one of only seven completed with this type of coachwork, its patented 'scissors action' enabling the Cowley to fulfil a dual role as either a closed or semi-open car. In its December 1995 sale catalogue Brooks described the Morris as "the subject of extensive restoration including the replacement of much of the wooden frame with seasoned ash. The chassis was re-bushed as required, the engine rebuilt and new radiator core, clutch and brakes fitted. The coachwork has been repainted in deep red livery with black wings and chrome fittings have been re-plated as necessary. The car has been rewired and the interior reupholstered with headlining and carpets replaced and interior woodwork polished".

Much rallied by Paul, 'WO 154' remains in very good condition, is nicely patinated and running very well. Converted to coil ignition, the car comes with its original Rotax magneto and a spare; a spare flat radiator; a Morris Garages jack; handbooks; and old invoices for servicing, MoTs, etc. The car is only offered for sale because Paul's age and arthritis means he is no longer able to enjoy it.

Vendor Score Total: 75 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 15 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 13 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 3

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 3 September 2021, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1980 Ducati 900 MHR
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Ducati 900 MHR

£7,000 - £9,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)
United Kingdom

The Automotor and Horseless Vehicle Journal; 35 bound Volumes 1 to 25 (1896-1920), and Volume 32 (1927)

£7,000 - £8,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000