Morris Major Series II 

Manufacturer	British Motor Corporation (Australia)
Also called	Austin Lancer
Production	1959-1962
Assembly	Victoria Park, Australia
Class	Motor car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Engine	BMC B-Series engine, 1489 & 1622 cc
Transmission	4-speed manual, synchromesh on 2,3 & 4
Wheelbase	92 in (2,300 mm)
Length	161 in (4,100 mm)
Width	61 in (1,500 mm)
Curb weight	up to 940 kg (2,072 lb)

The Morris Major Series II are passenger car models which were produced by the B.M.C. of Australia between 1959 and 1962.

History

Because development expenditures were not assigned to them and numerous common parts were used, the Morris Major and Austin Lancer of the first series sold successfully and profitably. Nonetheless, BMC moved fast to invest in a substantial update to the car, the Series II, which is expected to prove even more popular with buyers. The Australian twins differed greatly from their English sister models as a result of the alteration. They were 9" longer on the outside, contributing to a larger wheelbase, and received tail fins, a revised vehicle front, and a modified oil sump to provide more ground clearance for Australian roads.

 The styling of the Series II designated as DO1115 was inspired by American ideas and many thought that it helped the cars to look better. Many changes were made to the original design and most should help to better adapt the cars to the harsh Australian road conditions and their competitiveness over the biggest competitors. 

Wheel suspensions and suspension were strengthened, front seat was a seat instead of the previous individual seats installed, there were new air outlets for heating and ventilation and a new dashboard. Also, the rear axle of the Series I (a construction by Morris Minor, who did not cope well with the motor) was described as too weak. Axle and differential were thus reinforced, but unfortunately the difficulties with these components in Series I already spoiled the reputation of the model and its manufacturer. The Series II engines were equipped with a single SU-HS2 carburetor and a SU fuel pump and got another oil pan, which provided more ground clearance. The Series II was praised by the engine press because of the many detail improvements, the better handling characteristics and the good price-performance ratio.