It is impossible to overstate the importance of the British Motor Corporation’s ADO16 family to automotive history. When the original Morris 1100 made its bow in 1962, no other car in its class had the same combination of frontwheel-drive, transverse engine and Hydrolastic suspension. The ADO16 immediately made its rivals appear dated, yet its narrative is frequently one of lost opportunities.
The origins of the ADO16 date from 1958, when BMC initiated Project XC9002. This front-drive saloon would bridge the gap between the Corporation’s 1.5-litre products and its smaller models. Development took place under the auspices of Alec Issigonis, and by July 1959 the project was known as ADO16. The styling was by Pininfarina, following their work on the 1958 Austin A40 – Issigonis subsequently remarked: ‘I couldn’t get it right.’
BMC planned for the Morris Minor’s 948cc engine to power the ADO16, but it lacked sufficient torque. Another option was a Lanciainspired 1.1-litre V4, but Issigonis later stated this did not work in a transverse layout. The solution was to expand the A-series to 1098cc. This was married to a four-speed gearbox, with the somewhat mercurial Issigonis observing: ‘I don’t like synchromesh on bottom gear. I find that it is difficult to get into gear with it.’ He further objected to the ADO16’s braking, saying: ‘I was not particularly in favour of them, but the management suggested our having front disc brakes, even though it was a more expensive thing to do.’ Nor did Morris Motors Chief Engineer Charles Griffin’s decision to use Hydrolastic suspension immediately find favour with Issigonis, who was a man of very firm views!
Nevertheless, production commenced at Cowley in March of 1962, and on the launch date of 15th August, BMC
