Morris Ital (ADO73 F/L). 1980–4 (prod. 175,276). 2- and 4-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/R, 1275 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1700, 1994 cm³ (I4 OHC). A horrid car in its last appearance before meeting the Grim Reaper. The Morris Marina facelift of 1980 was not designed by ItalDesign, which was contracted to do the productionization (ultimately done at Pressed Steel Fisher); this was a British effort headed by Harris Mann on a shoestring budget of £5 million. However, the car was named after Ital and advertising played up the connection. No new front wings—Mann found a way to give the car a sloping grille for the 1980s. Rear end more upright. Underneath, a simple car with a live rear axle. At least they were cheap, and sold on that basis. Two-litre one step better than Marina, but it was a rough unit; the 1·3 A-series engine, dating back to the 1950s, was underpowered. Suspension improved in 1982, with telescopic front dampers and parabolic rear springs. Small number of Itals left Longbridge in 1984. Two-doors for export.

Manufacturing locations: Cowley, Oxfordshire, England; Longbridge, Birmingham, England

Marque: Morris | Predecessor: Morris Marina | Successor: Austin Montego Mk I

Off-site links

• Austin Rover Online: Morris Marina/Ital development story