Lot details Registration No: BS 9307 Chassis No: 127468 Mot Expiry: May 2007
Despite a glorious early racing history that included victories in the 1901 Paris-Berlin and infamous 1903 Paris-Madrid events, Mors struggled to survive the French Depression of 1908. Restructured that year as the Societe Nouvelle des Automobiles Mors, it found salvation in the managerial talents of Andre Citroen. Surviving World War I, the Rue du Theatre based manufacturer abandoned its own powerplants in favour of Minerva-built Knight sleeve-valve engines which were quieter, lighter and more powerful than many contemporary poppet-valve units. Among the last Mors models produced, the 12/16 CV was based on a beautifully wrought ladder-frame chassis equipped with leaf-sprung suspension, Hartford friction dampers and Perrot-shaft operated front drum brakes. Powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder engine mated to manual transmission, its well stocked wooden dashboard carried a 130km/h speedometer.
Finished in Bugatti Blue over Royal Blue with black upholstery, this particular example is rumoured to have begun life as a Motor Show exhibit. Said to have had its "chassis comprehensively overhauled" as part of a "no expense spared" restoration since entering the current ownership in 1997, the 12/16 has also benefited from a rebuilt engine (new inner sleeves, lightly ground crankshaft, fresh white metal bearings, replacement timing gears etc), relined Mors contracting band clutch and refurbished back axle. Modelled after a contemporaneous Mors design, its racy boat-tailed two-seater plus dickey body is the work of Wilkinsons of Derby. Awash with French sourced accessories, 'BS 9307' sports Marchal headlights, Phares Auteroche taillights, ODA-Paris bonnet locks, a Pare Bise 'Duvivier' windscreen and the correct triple 'SSS' radiator script (a dig at rival Panhard's similar 'SS' or sans soupapes logo). Similarly detailed, its engine bay is home to a Lilor radiator core (No. 42130), Albert Lefebvre water pump, GA magneto, C.T. Weymann 'L'Exhausteur' autovac, finned exhaust manifold, Solex carburettor, Bosch horn and cloth braided wiring. Not yet run-in, the Mors rides on twenty-inch wire wheels clad with polished disc covers. Described by the vendor as being in "A1" overall condition, it comes with current MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax until April 2007. Rarer than the proverbial hen's teeth but somewhat prettier, this Vintage French sports car comes highly recommended.
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