1974 Morris Marina Coupe 1.5 from Australia and New Zealand
Summary:
A mistake to own. A joy to sell and be rid of
Faults:
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 28th October, 2002
2nd Apr 2004, 01:19
I had three of the old girls and none of them ever let me down. I would also suggest you leave them standard.
8th Feb 2005, 04:53
I disagree with the comments. The Morris Marina may have been an excellent vehicle in the UK, but certainly not on Australia. By 1974 the Marina was somewhat of an industry joke. The six cylinder version, 2.6 litre, was fast, but could not brake or handle. The Marina, bless it, after the tweaks it did all that was asked of it. But, for quality and build, the Japanese vehicles were geared to our market and were far superior.
1st Jan 2003, 16:48
A very harsh review, this car when it is not tinkered about with is economical very roomy, sturdy and mine has been totally reliable doing 70 miles a day for over three years never missed a beat. maybe you tweaked it too much, leave a classic alone, you can't improve what BL spent years developing for you to use. Just relax and Enjoy it and the old girl will ALWAYS serve you well.