MEET THE OWNER – JAMES EBDEN AND HIS MORRIS MARINA SUNTOR

The year is 1982. Adam Ant’s solo record Goody Two Shoes is topping the charts, and the tabloid press is ranting how a forthcoming BBC programme called The Young Ones will cause the end of civilisation. Meanwhile, a holiday in Weymouth awaits, and your home from home is a Morris Marina 575 Suntor. James Ebden’s rather stunning example is a reminder of this camper’ popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The first vehicles converted by Torcars of Torrington were the Austin/Morris A60 “Half Ton” in 1968, followed by the Commer PB, the Leyland Sherpa, and the Toyota Hi-Ace. Meanwhile, the light commercial version of the Morris Marina debuted in 1972, a year after the saloon. BL intended it to replace both the A60 and the Minor Van.

Customers had a choice of 1.1-litre 7 cwt and 1.3-litre 10 cwt versions with standard or De Luxe trim levels. The line-up had a facelift in 1978 as the 440 and the 575 and gained the A-Plus engine two years later. By 1982, the commercials gained the Ital’s front, meaning the Ebden Morris is one of the last to feature the Marina-style grille.

By 1973, advertisements promoting “The New Suntor Marina Motor Caravan with saloon car performance” began appearing in the press. The Devon firm went on to offer two versions, with the Suncamper for the budget-minded holidaymaker. The equipment included a removable sink and cooker, a two-gallon water carrier and a standard roof. You could also camp in the field beside the Torcars factory for 50 New Pence per night.

As for the Suntor, it came with Dunlopillo cushions, an underfloor water tank with a pump, built-in cupboards, fitted carpets, tailored curtains and an elevating top. On both campers, the front and rear seats converted into a double bed, while the upmarket model featured an interior reminiscence of George and Mildred’s living room.

Publicity of the period claimed: “With the quality of finishing that Torcars are renowned for this is a 5-berth motor caravan that gets you there and back in comfort”. It was a fair statement, as the Suntor is a genuinely well-planned camper. By 1979 the brochure proclaimed it was “Six times winner of the Canterbury Shield for the best conversion in its class”.

Torcars ceased trading by the end of that year, and in 1980 the concern was acquired by the Nottingham firm Brownhills Ltd. December of 1981 saw the announcement of a new Suntor based on the Marina 575 and production ceased in early 1984. James came by his example four years ago and has ‘upgraded front seats that are original, although I always think they look aftermarket!’.

Mr. Ebden finds the Suntor “okay to drive - no power steering though, so that he can be a little heavy at load speed manoeuvres, but once on the open road, it’s fine”. The Morris currently has new curtains and cushion covers being made “so it will look really smart when done”. In fact, the Morris looks splendid full stop – and it more than fulfils Torcars’ promise of “Touring Made Easy”.

With Thanks To: James Ebden and Jim Westwill

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