n 1964, around a year-and-a-half after its UK launch, a locally-built (but otherwise fairly standard) version of Morris 1100 was launched in Australia, where it was sold alongside the Mini and Austin A40 Farina. In August 1967 the 1100 was joined by the 1100S, which actually had the 1275cc A-series engine of the UK's 1300 models.
Both these models were replaced in mid-1969 by the Morris 1500. This was effectively a hybrid car developed (in the UK) specifically for the Australian market, and using a lightly-modified MkII ADO16 bodyshell but with the 1500cc E-series engine of the Austin Maxi. Interestingly, the automatic version of this car retained the 1275cc A-series engine, as was thus known as the Morris 1300.
However, the most intrguing of the Australian ADO16 models was the Morris Nomad, a six-light version of the 1500 with a Maxi-like rear-end – including the all-important hatchback. The 1500 and Nomad were updated over the years to comply with the progressive requirements of the Australian Design Rules (which governed car safety), before being phased out in 1972/73, in favour of the new Morris Marina.
The Longbridge-developed mock-up (above) for project YDO15, the Morris Nomad; and below, some images from the sales brochure for the production version.
