Oxford 15.9
The 2½-litre Oxford 15.9 Empire model was displayed as "a Colonial Chassis" at the Olympia Motor Show of October 1926. A complete car was on display at nearby main dealers. The standard coachwork is a four or five seater body with four doors. The driving seat, the rake of the steering, the positioning of the clutch and brake pedals are all adjustable. Gears are controlled by a central flexible lever operating in a visible gate and there is a catch for reverse.Brakes suspension steering
Steering is carried out through a worm and complete wheel in a box screwed to the frame. New gear positions are available at a low price. The brake pedal operates internally expanding brakes on all four wheels, the handbrake operates at the back using separate shoes. The brake drums are enclosed. Standard fittings include a spare (steel artillery) wheel and tyre. Shock absorbers are provided. There are semi-elliptic springs all round, flat set at the front. The rear springs are underhung. Cross-braced by three direct members the chassis channel-section side members are narrowed at the front and rise over the back axleEmpire size ground-clearance
The car can be driven safely through 20 inches, 510 mm, of water. The ground clearance is 10¼ inches, 260 mm. A full 11 inches, 278 mm, is allowed at the forward running board bracket cross stay. This clearance is now greater than on many American cars. This "falsifies hostile propaganda to the contrary". Equipment includes dipping headlamps for use during fog and to prevent dazzle of other motorists controlled by a lever on the right of the driver. The motoring correspondent of ''The Times'' reported as follows. The car is well finished for £375. For export the finish might be cheaper with less nickel inside. There were draughts at the bottom of the rear doors. The brakes were effective but might respond more quickly. The change-speed was delightful to handle and there could be no complaints about the clutch action. The comfortable maximum is about 55 mph. The chassis alone costs £245, the five-seated tourer £325. The following summer this price was dropped £20. No change was made to Morris's catalogue of the 15.9 for the October 1927 Motor Show Morris's 17.7 hp Light Six was first shown at this 1927 Show.The Motor Show. ''The Times'', Tuesday, Oct 18, 1927; pg. 10; Issue 44715 This Oxford 15.9 was replaced by another four cylinder Oxford, Oxford 16/40.Cars Of 1929. ''The Times'', Monday, Sep 03, 1928; pg. 9; Issue 44988 The website of the International Alliance of Morris owners explains that this car was designed by Morris-Commercial, the part of Morris's empire that made commercial vehicles and their engines and Morris gearboxes and back axles. This 15.9 hp Morris-Commercial engine was intended for a truck.Oxford 16/40
A new version was announced in September 1928 given a new name before the announcement of the 15.9 horsepower Oxford Six. There were minor improvements of appearance but this was no more than a 15.9 with a new name. This 16/40 was replaced by Oxford Six 15.9 hp.References
Footnotes Bibliography * {{Commons category, Morris Oxford