Concepts and prototypes : Morris Marina

AROnline Calendar IconJuly 26, 2011 · AROnline Card IconKeith Adams · AROnline Comments IconNo Comments

In 1967, Joe Edwards of BMH managed to secure the services of Roy Haynes from Ford as a stylist at the new BMH/Pressed Steel styling studios at Cowley in Oxford. Haynes had previously successfully styled the Ford Cortina MkII and he applied the style of this design to his new project, ADO28 – what was to become the Marina.

Below are some fascinating pictures that show the cars BLMC turned down – and the proposals by Haynes that won over Harry Webster, George Turnbull and Donald Stokes.

Earliest thoughts

The Italian contributions

This proposal by Michelotti was favoured by Harry Webster who being ex-Triumph could be forgiven for harbouring this view as the Italian styling house had successfully created the Herald, 1300, Toledo, 2000 and Stag. It was eventually turned down because of the fear of it costing too much to build.

This proposal by Michelotti was favoured by Harry Webster who being ex-Triumph could be forgiven for harbouring this view as the Italian styling house had successfully created the Herald, 1300, Toledo, 2000 and Stag. It was eventually turned down because of the fear of it costing too much to build.

Pininfarina put forward this proposal, which was turned down because it was considered too glassy - and therefore would cost too much to build. Harry Webster supposedly said of this, 'it's like sitting in a bloody goldfish bowl'.

Pininfarina put forward this proposal, which was turned down because it was considered too glassy – and therefore would cost too much to build. Harry Webster supposedly said of this, ‘it’s like sitting in a bloody goldfish bowl’.

Marina takes shape…

Haynes championed the cause of the 2-door fastback... judging from this model, it certainly is easy to see its appeal, with its wide Rostyle wheels and clean lines.

Haynes championed the cause of the 2-door fastback… judging from this model, it certainly is easy to see its appeal, with its wide Rostyle wheels and clean lines.

This picture of the saloon also reveals it to be a vastly more appealing car than the Italian proposals. The design would make it into production with remarkably few alterations - there would be quarterlights on the side windows (to reduce costs), the rear screen was given more wrap-around and the rear side windows were given their characteristic kink at the shoulder line (October 1969).

This picture of the saloon also reveals it to be a vastly more appealing car than the Italian proposals. The design would make it into production with remarkably few alterations – there would be quarterlights on the side windows (to reduce costs), the rear screen was given more wrap-around and the rear side windows were given their characteristic kink at the shoulder line (October 1969).

Picture supplied by John Capon

Finishing touches

And a later development of the same car (November 1969). Note that on the far side of the car, the window line is standard Marina, indicating that this car was in fact double sided mock-up for the benefit of back to back comparison.

And a later development of the same car (November 1969). Note that on the far side of the car, the window line is standard Marina, indicating that this car was in fact double sided mock-up for the benefit of back to back comparison.

Picture supplied by John Capon


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