BMC in Australia

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The Cars - Page 1 - Major & Lancer (1958 to 1964)
Morris Major Series IIntroduced in April 1958 the first Majors and Lancers were mechanically identical to the English Wolseley 1500 which was also produced in the same factory. Here, one of the first production Morris Majors drives out of the factory on launch day. Vehicle launches were kept separate as there were still both Austin and Morris franchised dealers.

The Major sales brochure had some very garish colour schemes, most of which fortunately never made it into production.

Morris Major Series I       Morris Major Series I

The bonnet and complete front body section and grille was totally unique to the Morris, whilst the Austin shared a body shell with the Wolseley 1500 it also had different grille and body mouldings.

English Wolseley 1500          Austin Lancer Series I

Morris Major Series IIThe Series II introduced a new common body-shell  for the Austin and Morris in October 1959 and the Wolseley 1500 was gone. Longer wheelbase, bigger boot, same interiors - only the grille and badges were different. Also more power from the 1500 cc 'B' series, different gearing plus bigger wheels and tyres - now uniquely Australian and more of a "family car".

 

 Major & Lancer interior    Austin Lancer Series II

 Morris Major Series II  Major & Lancer boot space

By April 1962 there were now only "BMC" dealers and two makes were no longer necessary and the final version was the Morris Major Elite. Now with a 1622 cc engine, stronger drive train, revised suspension, new 'big mouth' grille, rocket tail fin flash and updated interiors.

Morris Major Elite 
The 100,000th "Australian" vehicle built was a Morris Major Elite. Here it is at the end of the CAB1 production line with all the top brass.