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1982 Morris Ital 2.0 HLS

Sold Price

£3,392

  • Mileage~36,807
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationColchester, Essex

SOLD

1982 Morris Ital 2.0 HLS

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

It has an appeal to those who are captivated by the unexceptional - and in 2.0-litre form, this Ital is actually exceptionally rare.

Is the Morris Ital a hard sell? Perhaps on the surface. Yet as a car created for a conservative fleet market, it actually offered a lot more than its reputation suggests. Often described as a facelifted Marina with a different front and rear end, the Ital is also roomy, practical and cheap to maintain. With its proven mechanics, the car is also reliable and obtaining mechanical parts is a straight forward task, backed up by a passionate and helpful owners' club. It’s clear that the Ital is not going to be a distraction for those looking at the high achieving sports saloons of the era, but as a part of a fascinating story of the British car industry, it’s novelty rarity factor is going to turn more heads than a similarly aged MGB!

Fitted with the smooth OHC 2-litre engine, only the top of the line HLS models were fitted with them and just sold in automatic form, making this 1982 car a rather rare example. This example also benefits from the revised interior, with improved seat fabric and extra trim to the bumpers. It comes with a remarkable low mileage of just under 37,000 miles since new and has seen renovation work in the past, which includes suspension work and a respray. This particular car has been in dry storage for five years and just needs light recommissioning to get ready for show season.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Mel the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

This Ital was often seen at classic car shows, the Ital was always subject to attention!

The Ital is the second of two Morris' Mel has for sale, this one belonged to her late Father and was kept for sentimental reasons until a recent decision was made to find a new enthusiast. Mel is keen for the car to end up in the right hands, as it was well known is BL show circles.

Mel
Vehicle Owner

Mel saved £0,540* when they
sold their Morris with us.

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Exterior

Condition as they say is everything, and the Ital has seen a high level of care.

Wheels and Tyres

The front tyres have deteriorated somewhat, with cracks appearing on the sidewalls of the near-side tyres. It would be advisable to replace both front tyres. The rear Runway tyres appear to be better. The steel wheels are in reasonable condition, with the plastic wheel covers not showing too much wear. The car has only two chrome ring embellishments.

Bodywork

The body is straight with no significant issues evident, the panel gaps and fits are good. The body is remarkably free from corrosion, with no issues observed under the bonnet, boot or roof. The near-side sill and lower rear arch appear to have had repair but the overall finish and quality look good.

Paint

The paint finish has been finished to a high standard, although there were signs of overspray evident, mostly seen on the front bumpers. The paint coverage is good, with no flat spots and the lustre retains a good shine. There are no issues with chips, scuffs or blemishes at all.

Glass and Trim

No major flaws were spotted on the glass of the car, with no significant scratches, chips or hazing noted. The rubber trim is in good condition, with plastic body trim in decent condition. The bumpers were straight and have been well kept. The vinyl roof is in good condition with no tears or damage, just minor signs of age. The car has been retained to its original factory spec.

Interior

The cars low mileage tallies up with the interior condition, it looks like it has only recently left the Cowley factory.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been well preserved and all are in good condition with a typical amount of wear seen on the seat cover material. The carpets have also been well looked after and show no problems with damage. The door cards show similar signs of care, with a small amount of ageing evident.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent condition, with no signs of wear. The facia is uncracked and the switches, dials and controls are in decent condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Reflecting the cars low mileage, the amount of wear seen on the steering wheel and gear lever is low and shows almost no signs of age.

Mechanics

The car has not been used in 5 years, but the low mileage and previously well-maintained condition should not cause too many issues.

Engine and Gearbox

The car has been standing unused for around 5 years, but the presentation of the engine still holds up.

During our visit we quickly tried the basics to get the car going, i.e. fuel and battery, however, there was no spark, so it's most likely a coil on this simple engine. The spark plugs looked ok, i.e. no deposits and we think a new coil and fresh fuel would get the car going, but of course we can't guarantee it and it's just our assessment after spending a bit of time with the car.

Update 05/03 - the car is now running after a local mechanic took a look - it was just the distributor and points that needed clearing - here's a video: https://youtu.be/sDDV13Aa5jE

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension and braking components appear to be visually good but would require a basic check to test their functions for the open road.

The Drive

The Ital is basic transport for a specific purpose. Clearly then, not aimed at those who want a spirited drive but as an occasional show car with genuine rarity, it will not disappoint. The Marina running gear was improved over the years and the added refinement and build quality to the Ital helped the comfort and ride of the car.

Electrics and Other

As the battery couldn't hold a charge, the car couldn't be verified for electrical functionality. However, judging by its low-mileage and its fully working status as a show-car prior to it being laid up, suggests that any issues can be resolved without too many problems.

History and Paperwork

The car has only covered around 7K in almost 25 years.

The car has seen a surprisingly high number of owners considering its mileage, but each keeper has made sure that it has been maintained to a high standard. Mel's late father treated the car to a body restoration in 2011, which has been documented by photos.

The car has also received the expected amount of servicing and upkeep over those years, and until it was placed into storage in 2016, the car had been subject to yearly MOTs. It was also seen at several classic car shows, winning commendations in the process.

The car will be MOT and road tax-exempt next year.

We've actioned our usual checks on this car; Seller ID, V5C, HPi check.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03-09-2016 MOT 36,797
17-08-2015 MOT 36,786
20-07-2014 MOT 36,250
25-07-2013 MOT 35,942
13-07-2012 MOT 35,062
25-07-2011 MOT 33,910
30-07-2010 MOT 32,988
02-06-2009 MOT 32,326
20-06-2008 MOT 32,001
01-05-2007 MOT 30,983
02-05-2006 MOT 30,714
21-07-1998 MOT 30,685
03-07-1997 MOT 29,995
Key Details
  • ModelItal 2.0 HLS
  • TransmissionAuto
  • Reg. Date1982
  • CC1998
  • Mileage36,807
  • ColourBiege / Brown
  • Interior ColourOrange / Brown
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #SAMMAFLT3AM677462
  • Engine #0001021
  • RestoredPartially
  • MOTExp. 03-09-2016
  • MOT ExemptNo - in 2021
  • Road Tax ExemptNo - in 2021
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers10
  • Tyre BrandMixed
  • Tyre AgeOver 15 years
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned5 years
  • Key FeatureRarity







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Ask Questions
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6 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
3 years ago

GOOD NEWS! The car is now running after a local mechanic took a look – it was just the distributor and points that needed clearing – here’s a video:

https://youtu.be/sDDV13Aa5jE

RoyF
RoyF
3 years ago

Hi Mel, looking at your Ital’s driver’s footwell, the rubber floor mat appears to be dark in shade next to the gearbox tunnel under the dash. Is that from a damp patch which may be a heater matrix water leak, or is it something else or nothing at all? Thanks

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  RoyF
3 years ago

Hi Roy, we’ve heard back from Glyn who confirmed the mat was not wet or damp, just discoloured. Also, there was still coolant in the header tank, and so you’d had thought if it was leaking that the tank would have drained somewhat over time. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

RoyF
RoyF
  Mel W
3 years ago

Thank you Mel

RoyF
RoyF
  Kulraj Salh
3 years ago

Thank you Kulraj

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Vehicle Location

Colchester, Essex

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