1974 Morris Marina Coupe review from Australia and New Zealand
"A mistake to own. A joy to sell and be rid of"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Those "knee action" front suspension units. Four full sets replaced before 12,000 miles.
Soft engine mounts. Fixed the "engine shakes" with a steady bar a' la Morris Cooper S. That also cured rear axle "tramp".
Poor performance. Fixed that by taking the restrict-or ring out of the carburettor to inlet manifold and re-jetting the Skinner Union carburettor.
Indifferent cornering. Pirelli's all round and a rear sway bar ex Holden GTR solved and adjustable shocks at the rear solved that problem.
Timing chain. Oh the rattles.! A new timing chain every few thousand miles.
What else.? Probably a lot, but the disgrace of a car from Morris turned out to be quite a reasonable means of transport with all the "bugs" taken out and shot.
General comments?
The Morris Marina should never have been released in Australia.
Totally unsuited to our conditions and even in 1974, the Japanese vehicles had a better finish and reliability standard.
Recommended Reviews:
  | This is why we have no car industry left |
| It was a laugh really |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1974 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 20000 miles |
| Previous car | Triumph 2000 |
| Date of Entry | 28th October, 2002 |