A Century on the Road
A remarkable Ayrshire-owned Morris Oxford Bullnose offers a glimpse into the early days of motoring
Ronnie Russell
If we could turn the clock back a century, the world would feel almost unrecognisable. The early 1920s marked a turning point in everyday life, with the arrival of the motor car beginning to reshape how people travelled, worked and lived. What was once a novelty quickly became a symbol of progress, independence and innovation.
Fast forward to today, and we live in an age of electric vehicles, driver assistance systems and technology-packed interiors. Yet, in the midst of all this modern convenience, there is something undeniably captivating about stepping back into the origins of motoring.
That sense of history is alive and well in Ayr, thanks to a beautifully preserved 1924 Morris Oxford Bullnose 4-Seater Tourer, owned and maintained by local enthusiast Dennis Nutt. It is a car that not only represents a bygone era but also tells a story of craftsmanship, engineering and endurance.
Built by W.R. Morris Ltd, the Morris Oxford Bullnose was introduced as a premium offering of its time. Powered by a 1,802cc four-cylinder engine producing 14.9 horsepower, it may seem modest by today’s standards, but in 1924 it was considered both capable and dependable. The car quickly gained a reputation for reliability, helping it stand out among its contemporaries.
One of its most recognisable features is the distinctive rounded “bullnose” radiator, a design that has become synonymous with early Morris models. Combined with its elegant proportions and open-top touring style, it remains a striking example of vintage motoring design.
However, while it may look charming, driving a car like this is a very different experience from anything on the road today.
Dennis, who has owned the car for the past 15 years, is quick to point out that modern driving habits don’t translate easily to a vintage vehicle.
“You can’t just jump in and drive off like you would with a modern car,” he explains. “Everything takes a bit more thought and effort.”
The steering, for example, requires real physical input, particularly at lower speeds. Then there is the gearbox – a three-speed crash manual, meaning there are no synchromesh gears. Smooth gear changes rely on a technique known as double de-clutching, something Dennis has been familiar with since he was just 12 years old.
Even the pedal layout is unconventional by modern standards, with the accelerator positioned in the middle – a detail that can catch out even experienced drivers.
Braking is another area where the car reflects its age. Equipped with rear drum brakes, stopping power is limited, particularly in wet conditions. As a result, this is very much a car for fair-weather driving, best enjoyed on dry days with open roads ahead.
And that, perhaps, is exactly how it was intended to be experienced.
Dennis prefers to drive with the hood down, embracing the simplicity and joy of open-air motoring. At a steady cruising speed of around 30 to 35 miles per hour, the journey becomes less about getting somewhere quickly and more about enjoying the experience itself.
“It’s a completely different pace of life,” he says. “You take in everything around you.”
Despite its age, this particular Bullnose has an impressive history of its own. One of its previous owners drove the car from Ayr across Europe and over the Alps – a remarkable feat for any vehicle, let alone one now over 100 years old.
Fuel economy sits at around 22 miles per gallon, with a modest five-gallon fuel tank. Practicality may be limited, but that is hardly the point. Cars like this were built to be driven, maintained and, above all, appreciated.
While there are relatively few Morris Oxford Bullnose models remaining in Scotland, a strong community of enthusiasts exists across the UK, supported by organisations such as the Morris Oxford Club. Parts remain surprisingly accessible, and with careful maintenance, there is every chance this car will continue running for decades to come.
Its enduring appeal has not gone unnoticed beyond the classic car community. Vintage vehicles are often in high demand for film and television work, and this particular Bullnose has already made its mark on screen. It has featured in a recent production of The 39 Steps and was also part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of Cadbury, a brand with roots stretching back to 1824.
Later this year, the car will take pride of place at one of Ayrshire’s most popular motoring events – the Ayrshire Classics Culzean Autoclassica, held within the stunning grounds of Culzean Castle and Country Park near Maybole. Scheduled for Sunday 9 August 2026, the event is already shaping up to be a major draw, with over 300 vehicles booked as early as March.
From vintage classics to modern performance cars and American icons, the show promises to celebrate automotive history in all its forms. Yet it is cars like Dennis’s Morris Oxford Bullnose that truly capture the imagination.
They remind us of a time when driving was a skill to be learned, not a convenience to be taken for granted. A time when every journey was an event, and every mile told a story.
In an age where cars are becoming increasingly automated and, in some ways, interchangeable, there is something refreshing about a machine that demands involvement and rewards patience.
Looking ahead, it raises an interesting question. Of the thousands of vehicles produced today, how many will still be on the road in 100 years’ time?
The Morris Oxford Bullnose has already answered that question for itself.
And thanks to the dedication of owners like Dennis, its journey is far from over.
