12-06-2020, 07:48 AM
Hi Colin,
I owned a Series E for many years and was able to compare directly with an Austin Ruby. The Morris is quieter, smoother easier to drive and generally more civilised than the Ruby. It does have gearing that makes steep hills difficult (I had to ask passengers to walk more than once) and is much less engaging than the Ruby. It generally feels more modern but a lot less fun.
At the time I owned my Morris (30 years ago) the spares situation and club scene was far better for Austins and the owners far more active and youthful (yes really!) than for the Morris. When things went wrong I found myself asking for help from the Austin owners I knew and eventually decided the Morris wasn't worth all the work. I'm still driving the Ruby and I love it.
I agree you need to try before you buy, with the caveat that Sevens feel much better if you drive them frequently.
Peter.
I owned a Series E for many years and was able to compare directly with an Austin Ruby. The Morris is quieter, smoother easier to drive and generally more civilised than the Ruby. It does have gearing that makes steep hills difficult (I had to ask passengers to walk more than once) and is much less engaging than the Ruby. It generally feels more modern but a lot less fun.
At the time I owned my Morris (30 years ago) the spares situation and club scene was far better for Austins and the owners far more active and youthful (yes really!) than for the Morris. When things went wrong I found myself asking for help from the Austin owners I knew and eventually decided the Morris wasn't worth all the work. I'm still driving the Ruby and I love it.
I agree you need to try before you buy, with the caveat that Sevens feel much better if you drive them frequently.
Peter.