Morris Motors Ltd.

Morris Motors Ltd. was formed in 1926 as an amalgamation of the following companies: Morris Motors Limited (formed in 1919), Osberton Radiators Limited, Morris Engines Limited (formerly Hotchkiss of Coventry) and Hollick & Pratt Limited, until then all separately and privately owned by W.R. Morris.

The formation of the new company was marked by the first public issue of (cumulative preference) shares in a Morris enterprise. However, W.R. Morris retained all the ordinary shares in the new company and so remained in sole control of its affairs.

In 1929, the company name was changed to Morris Motors Limited. In due course, the company also took over a number of other companies previously owned privately by W.R. Morris, thus: 1935, Wolseley and MG; 1936, Morris Commercial Cars, Morris Industries Exports (later Nuffield Exports) and S.U. Carburettors; 1938, Riley; 1940, Mechanizations and Aero (formerly Wolseley Aero Engines; later Nuffield Mechanizations). In addition, a number of subsidiary companies were established. From 1937, Morris Motors Limited became the main holding company for all of the Morris and associated companies (previously there had been a holding company, Morris Industries Limited). In 1952, Morris Motors Limited merged with The Austin Motor Company Limited to form The British Motor Corporation Limited (BMC); afterwards the status of Morris Motors Limited as such was that of an operating subsidiary of BMC, and the company ultimately became dormant.

Reference: Anders Ditlev Clausager, BMIHT Archivist.

From the guide to the Papers of Morris Motors Ltd., 1926-1973, (Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick Library)