1971 Morris Marina Station Wagon I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The interior of the Morris Marina Station Wagon I was engineered to accommodate up to five passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and headroom typical of early 1970s station wagons. Its cargo area is one of its defining features – the wagon body style provides a practical load space, especially with the rear seats folded down. While exact volume figures may vary slightly depending on configuration, the Marina offered a versatile and functional cargo space that could handle everyday family needs, such as groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. Compared to competitors of its time, the Marina's cargo capacity was competitive, ensuring it catered well to buyers seeking utility combined with conventional car-like handling.

The Morris Marina Station Wagon I typically has a curb weight ranging around 1,060 kilograms (approximately 2,337 pounds). This relatively modest weight contributes positively to both its fuel efficiency and handling characteristics. For a station wagon from the early 1970s, a weight just over a metric ton allowed the vehicle to maintain reasonable fuel consumption levels, especially when matched with its engine options, which generally focused on economy rather than outright performance. The weight also aids handling by keeping the car nimble and responsive on the road, although it is important to note that the station wagon body style might introduce some slight compromises in agility compared to smaller saloon variants.

Yes, the Morris Marina Station Wagon I fits comfortably into a standard garage space. Typical single-car garage dimensions range from around 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) wide and 4.8 meters (15.7 feet) deep, which easily accommodates the Marina’s length of approximately 4.31 meters (169.7 inches) and width of roughly 1.635 meters (64.4 inches). Its height of about 1.42 meters (55.9 inches) also ensures clearance in most residential garages without issue. This makes the Marina convenient for owners who require easy home parking without needing specialized or oversized garage facilities, aligning well with family and urban use.

The Morris Marina Station Wagon I, introduced in 1971, was essentially the station wagon variant of the standard Marina saloon and did not have a direct predecessor in the Wagon format under the Morris brand. However, when compared to earlier Morris family vehicles such as the Morris Minor Traveller, the Marina wagon was longer and wider, reflecting a shift towards more spacious and modern designs. Specifically, the Marina’s improved length of approximately 4.31 meters (169.7 inches) contrasted with the Minor Traveller’s much smaller footprint, emphasizing more interior space and comfort. This comparison illustrates how Morris adapted to growing demands for more versatile, family-friendly vehicles during this period.

In the early 1970s, the Morris Marina Station Wagon I competed in a market segment crowded with similarly sized family wagons like the Ford Cortina Estate and the Vauxhall Viva Estate. Dimensionally, the Marina offered a competitive length and width, with its 4.31 meters (169.7 inches) length situating it well within this category. While the Cortina Estate might have been slightly longer in some variants, the Marina’s dimensions were balanced to offer practicality without excessive bulk. Furthermore, the Marina’s interior space and configurable cargo area made it a solid choice for families seeking an affordable and functional wagon. Its moderate weight and size could appeal to drivers wanting easier handling and parking relative to larger wagons.

During its production from 1971 to 1975, the Morris Marina Station Wagon I was equipped with a range of modestly powered engines designed primarily for economy and reliability. The most common engine was a 1.3-liter inline-four producing around 60 horsepower, adequate for city and highway driving while maintaining good fuel efficiency. Some variants featured a 1.8-liter inline-four engine delivering closer to 77 horsepower, offering a boost in power for more spirited driving or heavier loads. The car’s transmission options were usually a four-speed manual as standard, with an automatic transmission available in select markets. These powertrains were designed to complement the lightweight wagon body, emphasizing a balance of performance, economy, and ease of maintenance.

When the Morris Marina Station Wagon I was introduced in the early 1970s, automotive safety technology was still relatively basic compared to modern standards. Standard safety features included seat belts for front passengers, with rear seat belts becoming common later in the production run or in higher trim levels. The car incorporated basic braking systems, typically front disc brakes paired with rear drum brakes, providing reasonable stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Additionally, the robust steel construction of the body shell helped provide a measure of crash protection. However, advanced safety technologies such as airbags, crumple zones, or anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were not available during this period.

Fuel economy for the Morris Marina Station Wagon I was consistent with other small to mid-sized wagons of the early 1970s, emphasizing economy over performance. Typical fuel consumption figures ranged around 8 to 10 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 23.5 to 29.4 miles per gallon US), depending on engine size and driving conditions. The smaller 1.3-liter engine variants typically achieved better fuel economy figures, making them suitable for daily commuting and city driving. However, factors such as vehicle maintenance, load carried, and driving style could significantly influence the actual fuel consumption experienced by owners. Overall, the Marina was regarded as a reasonably economical choice for families in its class during its production years.

The Morris Marina Station Wagon I replaced earlier Morris estate-looking models such as the Morris Minor Traveller, marking a notable shift in design and size. Compared to the Minor Traveller, the Marina wagon was larger and more modern, measuring approximately 4.31 meters (169.7 inches) in length versus the Minor's shorter length near 3.9 meters (153.5 inches), with a wider body allowing for more passenger and cargo space. The Marina's styling was more contemporary and functional, favoring a boxier but practical form ideal for families. The engineering likewise reflected a change toward greater ease of maintenance and conventional suspension layout versus the older Minor’s technology. Thus, the Marina offered significant advances over its predecessors in terms of roominess and everyday usability.