1954 Morris J-Type Van

Description

The Morris Commercial J-type was produced between 1949 and 1961. The half-ton van followed the emerging trend for commercial vehicles of having forward controls and sliding doors on each side. The J type was fitted with a 1476cc four-cylinder side-valve engine, with drive to the rear wheels via a three-speed gearbox and initially a spiral bevel gear type rear axle, later replaced by a hypoid type. The Morris J-type van was manufactured in both left and right hand drive versions and, as well as complete vehicles, the J-type was also supplied in chassis form to external body makers and it appeared, among other uses, as a utility, tipper, ice cream van and milk float. The J-type was updated to the JB model in 1957 when an overhead valve 1489cc, BMC B-Series engine was fitted along with a four-speed gearbox. An Austin version of the J-type van appeared in 1957 known as the Austin 101 and differed from the Morris only in badging and radiator grille styling. Production of the Morris J-type ceased early in 1961 after over 48,600 had been made. It was replaced by the Morris J4, although a similar but slightly larger van, the J2, had also been on offer since 1956.