LOT 554

1912 Mors 12/15hp Model NX Roadster Registration no. BJ 4471 Chassis no. 120595 Engine no. 120595

Sold for £18,975 inc. premium

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Lot 554

1912 Mors 12/15hp Model NX Roadster

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|10 September 2022, 14:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1912 Mors 12/15hp Model NX Roadster
Registration no. BJ 4471
Chassis no. 120595
Engine no. 120595

• Pioneering French make
• Right-hand drive
• Present ownership since 1994
• VSCC Eligibility Document

Footnotes

Mors, founded at the end of the 19th Century by Émile Mors, was one of France's most prominent makes of the Edwardian era having forged its reputation in the heat of competition. Mors was a firm believer in racing's technological and promotional benefits, and the company participated in many events in its early years. In 1901 Henri Fournier won both the prestigious Paris-Berlin and Paris-Bordeaux long-distance races driving a 10-litre 60 horsepower V4-cylinder Mors, which by then had been equipped with pneumatic shock absorbers. The company survived near bankruptcy in 1908 and began to prosper again under the management of André Citroën. Under Citroën's leadership sales doubled between 1909 and 1910 thanks to the introduction of smaller and less expensive models, which gradually supplanted the chain-driven leviathans for which Mors is best remembered. Sadly, by the early 1920s Mors' star was fading fast and in 1925 the company went into liquidation, its factory in Paris being taken over by Citroën.

This rare example of one of Mors smaller pre-WWI models is powered by a 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine driving via a three-speed gearbox. The engine is reported to be in very good order, starting readily on the handle, running quietly and pulling very well, while the relatively high top gear makes for quiet and comfortable cruising. Particularly worthy of note is the Mors band-brake clutch, which is so much better than the cone clutches widely used at the time. The clutch action and steering are both said to be light, the ride good, and the brakes typical for a car of this period. The coachwork appears sound, likewise the paintwork and upholstery, while the hood is in very good condition. The car has been in regular use over the years, acquiring a delightful patina of age. The only notified deviations from factory specification are electric lighting, a scuttle-mounted fuel tank (moved from under the seat) and Sankey metal wheels (previously wooden).

Accompanying documentation includes an old-style buff logbook dating from 1930. The first owner listed therein kept the Mors until 1977, and there is related correspondence on file dating from the 1960s. The current owner purchased the Mors in 1994 and has corresponded with the granddaughter of the person who owned it in 1930 (see letter and photographs on file). Additional documentation includes a Veteran Car Club Dating Certificate (number '905', issued 1961) and an old VSCC 'Blue Form' and current Eligibility Document enabling participation in their Light Car and Edwardian Section events. The car also comes with a V5C Registration Certificate and photocopies of marque-related literature. In short: this is a rare, distinctive and eminently useable Edwardian motor car eligible for all sorts of enjoyable events.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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