| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1975 |
| Production Years: | 1975 - 1980 discontinued in 1980 |
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon, produced between 1975 and 1980, is a classic British estate car that combines practical design with the charm of mid-1970s automotive engineering. This generation of the Marina was designed to offer more space and versatility compared to its sedan counterpart, appealing to families and users needing extra cargo capacity. The station wagon variant retained much of the Marina’s familiar styling cues, characterized by its straightforward and utilitarian appearance. Designed during a period when estates were growing in popularity, the Marina II Station Wagon provided a spacious interior for passengers and luggage thanks to its extended rear cargo area. While specific dimensions such as length, width, and height were competitive for the era, the car’s robust construction ensured durability and functionality over flashy design. Its production spanned five years, during which it became known for practicality rather than luxury or high performance. The Marina II Station Wagon is a notable example of British automotive history, offering insight into mid-size estate cars of the 1970s. With its classic silhouette and functional layout, it remains an appreciated model among classic car enthusiasts who value reliable wagon design and vintage motoring experience.
Discover the standout features that make the 1975 Morris Marina II Station Wagon a leader in its class
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The Morris Marina II Station Wagon, produced between 1975 and 1980, has a length of approximately 4,215 mm (165.9 inches), a width of around 1,625 mm (64 inches), and a height of about 1,400 mm (55.1 inches). These dimensions reflect the typical compact station wagon size of the era, balancing interior space with maneuverability in urban environments. The moderately compact footprint made it a practical vehicle choice for families needing extra cargo space without significantly increasing the vehicle's bulk.
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon was designed to offer a practical balance between passenger comfort and cargo capacity. Although precise interior volume metrics are scarce, the wagon layout allowed for considerable cargo space, especially when the rear seats were folded down. This versatility made it an attractive choice for families and owners needing to carry larger loads or luggage while still accommodating passengers comfortably. The car's design prioritized utility, with a spacious rear cargo area accessible through the tailgate, making it highly functional for everyday use and longer trips.
Yes, the Morris Marina II Station Wagon fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of roughly 4.215 meters (13 feet 10 inches) and a width of about 1.625 meters (5 feet 4 inches), it is well within the dimensions of most typical garages, which often measure around 6 meters (20 feet) deep and 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Its height of approximately 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches) also means there are no clearance issues with garage door heights. This makes the Marina II Station Wagon a convenient vehicle for homeowners concerned about parking space.
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon represented an evolution from the initial Marina station wagon model produced from 1973 to 1975. While the original model had similar dimensions, the II generation often had slight design refinements that could marginally affect exterior size and cargo capacity. Generally, the Marina II maintained the compact profile but improved on interior space utilization and practical features. This made the newer version slightly more user-friendly without significant changes to its footprint, maintaining the same balance between city drivability and passenger-cargo versatility.
The curb weight of the Morris Marina II Station Wagon typically ranges between 1,000 and 1,100 kilograms (approximately 2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on specific trim and equipment. This relatively light weight for a station wagon of its time contributed to its nimble handling and reasonably good fuel economy, particularly given the engine options available. The lighter weight improved acceleration and braking response compared to heavier competitors but may have also resulted in a firmer ride due to less mass absorbing road imperfections. Overall, the weight helped maintain a balance between performance and practicality.
Compared to other 1970s station wagons, the Morris Marina II was on the more compact side, emphasizing practicality and ease of use rather than large-scale cargo hauling. For instance, American station wagons of that era were often longer and heavier, offering more interior volume but less maneuverability. The Marina II's modest dimensions gave it an edge in urban environments and for owners seeking a budget-friendly, efficient wagon. However, its cargo space, though smaller than larger models, was still sufficient for most family and everyday needs, making it competitive with other European compact wagons from the same period.
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon measures approximately 1,625 mm (64 inches) in width and about 1,400 mm (55.1 inches) in height. These relatively modest external dimensions aid significantly in urban parking scenarios because the vehicle can fit into tighter spaces common in city environments. Narrow widths help drivers navigate through congested streets and tight parking garages without difficulty, while the low height ensures easy clearance under parking structures and low-hanging obstacles. Overall, these dimensions contribute to the car's reputation as practical for urban drivers requiring station wagon versatility.
The turning radius of the Morris Marina II Station Wagon is approximately 10.8 meters (35.4 feet), typical for vehicles in its class during the 1970s. This relatively compact turning circle allows for decent maneuverability, making it easier to handle tight corners, narrow roads, and parking lot maneuvers. The manageable turning radius complements the vehicle's compact size, enhancing drivability in both city and suburban environments. It also supports safe and confident driving experience, particularly for those unfamiliar with larger station wagons or sedans.
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon was typically offered with several engine options through its production span from 1975 to 1980. Common engines included a 1.3-liter and a 1.8-liter inline-four petrol engine, producing modest horsepower adequate for everyday driving needs. Transmission choices usually included a 4-speed manual gearbox and an optional 3-speed automatic transmission, catering to different driver preferences. These powertrain options emphasized reliability and fuel efficiency over outright performance, reflecting the car’s role as a practical and economical family vehicle during its era.
The Morris Marina II Station Wagon was primarily designed with families in mind, offering a practical estate body style that combined passenger comfort with significant cargo space. Its rear seat arrangements and large tailgate made it convenient for transporting children, groceries, luggage, or outdoor equipment. However, its robust and straightforward engineering also attracted some light commercial users who appreciated the cargo capability and economical operation. Nonetheless, the overall focus remained on providing a versatile and affordable family car, rather than a specialized commercial vehicle.
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