Kate’s 1956 Morris Oxford (Covid edition)
At the age of 18 (Peak Covid) I made the decision to buy this 1956 Morris Oxford site unseen. Less than two years later with a lot of blood sweat tears (and WD-40). I had the old girl on the road. Despite all the challenges this card brought restoring as well as the challenges I’ve been in a COVID lockdown. I had the privilege of being able to have so much support restoring this car with my father and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
Step 1: Getting the car
It was peak Covid here in Melbourne. Four hours before we were meant to go to Yarrawonga to pick up the car. That day Mr Dan Andrews announced we were going into a lockdown at 6 pm. We thought we would make it and then two hours later he announce it was going to be 4 pm instead which meant effective immediately so that put paid to getting the car ourselves and we ended up getting the car shipped down which was a mammoth effort in itself.
Step 2: Out with the old
First on my list was strip out all of the interior which was completely ruined. There was nothing that could save the inside of this car. Let me tell you the things I found.
Step 3: A fresh coat
Next on the list was many hours of sanding, reshaping and even some fresh panel beating and welding. Which all led to a nice fresh coat of paint
(With the help of a lot of WD-40 to help get rid of some of the dirt and muck)
Step 4: The rebuild
With a new body rebuild must come an engine rebuild and as anyone who’s worked on cars would know a lot of WD-40 was necessary and many rags. Less a month of having this engine in the car within a week my father and I did an engine swap because well…who doesn’t want more power? And I was determined to travel from Melbourne to Mildura for the UtezNVanz Autoshow in support of Chances for Children
Step 5: Final Touches
Plus 1 more
A fresh coat of paint, next I needed an interior to match so off I set on fresh carpet, fresh door trims and seats to match. Many hours of behind the sewing machine and with a pair of scissors in hand.
Step 6: Time to hit the road
And just like that the Victorian roads so were my oyster. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity and to be able to make so many great connections with so many people with the same passion (cars)! Most importantly though I’m so proud that I had the opportunity to build this car with my father. I couldn’t have done it without him.