1939 Morris CS8
This is truly a charming vehicle with unique, characteristic elements found only in English car designs, like the aero screens. This particular model is an extremely rare early Morris CS8 Mk I, equipped with the 6-cylinder engine. Sadly, many of these Morris CS8s were left behind on the beaches of Dunkirk and seized by the Germans. So only a handful remain today— therefore a true gem to own!
Location
Saint-Sauveur, Belgium
Year of construction
1939
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Morris Commercial Cars
Type
CS8
Condition
Older restored but still in great condition
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
€ 38.494,-
Ex. Vat. Incl. commission
Details
Conditions
Owner history
During 1982 it was found lying in an orchard near Coventry, in a very poor condition, still owned by the person who bought it at the end of the war. It was sold to a garage owner in Banbury who started to restore it, but lost interest.
It was than purchased by an enthusiast in Coventry who finished the rebuild, which is to the original specifications using many of the original parts.
The next owner ran it for 8 months, mainly to Historic Vehicle Shows.
In may 1993 it was sold to someone who did reconditioned all four shock dampers and fitted heavy duty Rear Springs and carried out some other minor work such as refurbishing of the instruments.
In 2018 it was again sold to an enthusiast from Belgium who enjoyed taking it to Historic WWII events and commemorations. Beside adding a fuel pump, nothing has changed to the vehicle and so it is in the condition it is today. The Morris includes two canvas tops, as shown in the photos.
Note: Although the photographs were taken just after restoration in 2017, the vehicle has since been owned by several collectors and participated in various events, yet it remains in good condition. To ensure the Morris meets your expectations, we recommend inspecting it during our viewing day on November 23, 2024.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Morris Commercial Cars
- Model
- CS8
- Type
- Mk I
- Manufacturing date
- 1939 (rebodied in 1940, current state)
- Chassis number
- 161CS89590
- Length
- 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m)
- Width
- 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
- Height (top up)
- 7 ft 5 in (2,26 m)
- Weight
- 4.280 lb (1.94 t)
- Max. speed
- 40 mph (64 km/h)
- Drive
- 4x2
- Operational range
- 600 mi
- Engine
- 212.7 cu in (3,485 cm3) 6-cylinder, petrol 60 bhp (45 kW)
- Crew
- 2 +(6 in troop configuration)
- Production numbers
- 21.319 (all models)
- Road registration
- Yes (Belgium)
History
The Morris Commercial 4WD 15 cwt CS8 was the most prolific light truck of the British Army in 1939. The prototype was built in 1934 as the British War Office had a need for a general purpose vehicle (15 cwt capacity). It was done quickly, reusing many parts from the 1933 civilian C series range. The acronym CS8 wad composed of "C" for Morris (Army code), "S" for 6 cyl and "8" for 8ft wheelbase. It had innovations like its short stubby appearance, high ground clearance, semi forward control layout for a larger than usual cargo area. The army in 1939 selected it as the 15 cwt "general purpose" truck ordered en masse to Guy, Bedford, Commer and Fordson. This range soon became the backbone of the British army until 1942-43 when new models were introduced.
The CS8 was produced with a number of bodies, the majority were the 'General Service' cargo variant but there were also water bowser, fire tender, wireless truck, fuel tanker, compressor truck and command post ("Office") truck bodies. Additionally there was also a variant that carried the 2-pounder (40mm) anti-tank gun 'portee' on the rear body.
Service history
In the years leading up to the Second World War the CS8 was the most numerous 15-cwt truck in British service, it was used by all branches of the British military and supplied to Commonwealth countries. A large number of CS8s were left in France after the Dunkirk evacuation and captured by the Germans, in Wehrmacht service they were sometimes fitted with new bodywork,the same happened in North Africa with the Regio Esercito capturing a few and mounting on them the 65/17 cannon.
In 1941 Morris ceased production of the CS8, in favour of their C4 model which used a 4-cylinder engine.
About this specific vehicle
This vehicle was build in 1939. During 1940 it was rebodied with the present body by Metro-Cammel of Birmingham. It was than posted by the 11th Anti-Aircraft Division who formed part of the defense during the "Blitz" on that city.
It is one of a small number of 15 cwt. vehicles commissioned by A.A. Command's Operational Research Group (ORG). - formed early in 1940 under a professor Blackett - as a recording van. Their purpose was to monitor and record the detailed operation of the radar predictor etc. on a select H.A.A. Gun Site, usually over a short period of time.
It was manned by a young civilian scientist - who kept himself very much to himself - he slept, ate and worked in the vehicle. The vehicle's activities were controlled entirely by ORG HQ under their own dispatching arrangements.
A.A. Command itself had extremely good relationships with a number of prominent companies and one can assume that Metro-Cammel rebodied the vehicles under some ad. hoc. arrangement discovered from the normal War Office contractual requirements.
After the Blitz, this vehicle remained in the coventry area for the rest of the war.
Note to buyer
BUYER’S PREMIUM
On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.
PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA
Spare parts, accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.
VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.
ARMS & WEAPONS
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer in full.
If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only!
MARGIN/ VAT
However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com
COLLECTION
Parts, accessories, and militaria
The collection of the lots, subject to payment, is by appointment only. The date and time for collecting the goods will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Vehicles
Vehicles can be picked up, subject to payment, by appointment only. The date and time for collecting vehicles will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Handling costs for the removal of the vehicles will, when applicable, be applied at cost.
Arms & weapons
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed - have been supplied in full. If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only.
IMPORT & EXPORT
Depending on the destination and content of the Lot the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this. The applicable costs will be charged to the successful bidder. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.
DELIVERY
Removal of lots must be completed:
After full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements.
Within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024). No storage fees will be applicable until that date.
Shipping and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that.
STORAGE
Lots not picked up by Buyers within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024) will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applicable. Contact Tracks & Trade for costs and conditions.
NOTE
If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website.
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.
Transportation
After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.
Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair, service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).
Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.
Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.
Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Feel free to get in touch
