Morris 2200

As successors to the Mini 1100 and 1300, Morris introduced the 1800 and 2200 (codename ADO17) models, which were designed in a similar manner with a transversely mounted engine, front-wheel drive, and a spacious interior in relation to their compact external dimensions.

Interior of a Morris 1800

The 1800 was originally released as the Austin 1800 and later also as the Wolseley 18/85. The 1800 and 2200 were supposed to become the third success story for designer Alec Issigonis in the line of front-wheel drive BMC models, but that did not happen, and this was due to the construction of this model around the MGB-tuned B-series engine, which Issigonis used to build a larger car around than necessary. The balance between the power of the four-cylinder engine and the oversized body was lost, and the car was actually too heavy. As a result, Ford gained a foothold in the British market with the Ford Cortina.

Morris 2200

Despite the 1800 being named Car of the Year in 1964, sales figures were disappointing. The model was not technically sound, had mediocre suspension, and an unattractive design combined with a spartan interior meant the car did not become the hoped-for third success. In 1972, the last new variant was launched in the form of the six-cylinder 2200, which was actually a very acceptable car.