| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1971 |
| Production Years: | 1970 - 1975 discontinued in 1975 |
The Morris Marina Coupe I, produced between 1970 and 1975, represents a unique chapter in the British automotive history as the coupe variant of the well-known Morris Marina lineup. Known primarily for its traditional and straightforward design, the Marina Coupe I delivered practicality combined with a sportier profile compared to its sedan counterparts. Measuring in medium size for its class, the vehicle captured the essence of early 1970s British styling with clean lines and a compact form factor suited to urban and suburban driving. While exact dimensions of length, width, and height can vary slightly between model years and markets, the Marina Coupe typically featured a length around 4,265 millimeters (approximately 168 inches), a width near 1,650 millimeters (about 65 inches), and a height close to 1,360 millimeters (about 54 inches). These dimensions offered a balanced footprint that provided an engaging driving experience while maintaining manageable road presence. The Morris Marina Coupe I's curb weight usually ranged between 950 and 1,050 kilograms (2,094 to 2,315 pounds), reflecting the lightweight design approach common during its era which also contributed to its fuel efficiency and handling characteristics. As a coupe, it carried the appeal of a sportier two-door setup, often attracting drivers looking for style without sacrificing usability. Its production run, dating from 1970 to 1975, positioned it as a notable model during a transformational period in British motoring design, bridging traditional construction with emerging trends. Today, the Marina Coupe I remains a sought-after classic for collectors and enthusiasts appreciative of its period charm and straightforward engineering.
Discover the standout features that make the 1971 Morris Marina Coupe I a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Morris Marina Coupe I, produced between 1970 and 1975, featured a length of approximately 4200 mm (165.4 inches), a width of around 1630 mm (64.2 inches), and a height close to 1380 mm (54.3 inches). These dimensions reflect the compact coupe design typical of early 1970s British vehicles, balancing sporty aesthetics with practical everyday use. The proportions contributed to the car's agile handling and suited narrow city streets prevalent in the era.
The curb weight of the Morris Marina Coupe I ranges around 950 to 1050 kg (2094 to 2315 lbs), depending on the specific trim and optional equipment. This relatively light weight for a coupe of its size contributed positively to fuel efficiency and handling dynamics. The light mass allowed the car to be nimble on the road, which was favorable for its performance, especially considering its modest engine options typical of early 1970s vehicles.
The wheelbase of the Morris Marina Coupe I measures approximately 2540 mm (100 inches). This dimension is significant because it influences the car's ride comfort, stability, and interior space. A 2540 mm wheelbase offers a balanced compromise between maneuverability and cabin roominess, allowing the Marina Coupe to handle well on tight turns while still providing adequate space for passengers inside the compact coupe body.
The Morris Marina Coupe I, with its length of around 4200 mm (165.4 inches), width of about 1630 mm (64.2 inches), and height near 1380 mm (54.3 inches), generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Typical garage dimensions in the UK and many other markets exceed 2.4 meters (8 feet) in width and 4.8 meters (16 feet) in length, providing sufficient clearance for parking. Owners should factor in additional space for opening doors and easy access but overall, the Marina Coupe's compact size makes it a practical choice for most home garages.
The Morris Marina Coupe I offers interior space typical for compact coupes of the early 1970s, with seating generally designed for four occupants but optimally comfortable for two adults in the front and two smaller passengers in the rear. Its cabin design maximizes the available space within its compact dimensions, though rear seat legroom and headroom can be tight compared to larger coupes. Compared to competitors like the Ford Capri or Vauxhall Firenza, the Marina provides competitive passenger space but may fall slightly short in luxury or refinement features.
The fuel tank capacity of the Morris Marina Coupe I is approximately 37 liters (9.8 US gallons or 8.1 Imperial gallons). This size was adequate for the typical engine sizes offered in this generation, ranging mostly from 1.3 to 1.8 liters, providing a reasonable driving range that suited urban and rural driving needs without frequent refueling in the early 1970s British motoring context.
The Morris Marina Coupe I did not have a direct predecessor as it was introduced as a fresh model in 1970 to replace some older Morris models like the Minor and to mark a new direction for Morris in the coupe segment. Dimensionally, the Marina Coupe was larger and more modern than previous Morris small cars, offering more interior space and a more contemporary design compared to the aging Minor series. Its size and style placed it between compact cars and larger family saloons, positioning it as a practical yet stylish coupe choice in Morris's lineup.
Compared to similar compact coupes of the early 1970s such as the Ford Capri Mk1 and the Vauxhall Firenza, the Morris Marina Coupe I is dimensionally competitive but slightly more conservative in styling. The Capri tends to be a bit longer and wider, offering a slightly larger cabin and more elongated profile, with lengths around 4380 mm (172.4 inches). The Marina’s slightly smaller footprint made it nimbler in urban settings but less spacious overall. All three cars targeted similar buyers looking for affordable sporty styling with practical usability.
The Morris Marina Coupe I exhibited typical 1970s coupe styling cues, including a long hood, a gently sloping fastback rear, and clean, straightforward lines. The design aimed to combine sportiness with simplicity, avoiding overly complex shapes. Chrome accents, round headlights, and simple grille designs characterized its front. Its two-door layout and relatively compact dimensions gave it an agile and youthful appearance, reflective of British automotive trends of the period emphasizing practicality along with a pinch of flair for private buyers.
The Morris Marina Coupe I was typically equipped with small-displacement four-cylinder engines, predominantly 1.3-liter and 1.8-liter petrol units. These engines were modest in power output by modern standards, focusing on reliability and economy, suitable for its light curb weight. The car was usually paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, with some models offering an automatic transmission option. Its drivetrain layout was rear-wheel drive, which contributed to its balanced handling characteristics and straightforward mechanical layout in line with contemporaneous British manufacturing.
Morris