Thank you for submitting the form. Your reference number is
Love at first sight: Kate Dawson and her 1956 Morris Oxford Series II restoration
How does a twenty year old become the “chick in the Morrie”? Kate Dawson shares the journey of restoring her classic 1956 Morris Oxford Series II during Melbourne’s lockdown period.
Giving new life to old cars can be a labour of love, yet Kate Dawson’s restoration of her 1956 Morris Oxford proves “you can really do anything you put your mind to.”
In 2020, amid Melbourne's pandemic lockdowns, Dawson dedicated her time and energy to restoring the classic Morris – the “Mercedes and BMW of 1956” in her eyes.
Despite the “Morrie” arriving on the back of a tow truck with no interior, a cracked front window and no back window, it was “genuine love at first sight” for Dawson.
“It was due five minutes before I had my shift at McDonald’s,” Dawson explains. “I waited until the very last minute and actually was late for work because I just wanted to see the car pull up in the driveway.”
Although the car was in worse than expected condition, Dawson relished the restoration journey with the help of her dad and partner. In fact, car restorations are a family affair for Dawson, having previously helped her dad restore a 1964 EH Holden.
For Dawson, the experience shared with her dad makes the Morris more than just a car restoration project. “I’ve done a lot of this myself, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without the major support of my mum and dad, and my brother and partner.”
Alternating between the driveway and shed, the Morris Oxford Series II underwent a painstaking restoration including respraying, installation of new parts and refurbishment of original parts. Notably, one of the vehicle’s most unique features, its side trafficators, were still functional as indicators.
After almost two years of work, the vehicle was fully restored, roadworthy and catching the attention of other drivers, in part thanks to its striking blue paintjob.
"The absolute serotonin boost from driving it – it's just so special,” Dawson says. “It’s an indescribable feeling to have such a privilege to drive a really cool car.
“Everyone is going to know me as the chick in the Morrie.”
Encouraged by her experience, Dawson has even started her own car community – Ladies Crusin’ Classics – and hopes to inspire others to take up classic car restorations.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
-
![blue kombi van driving on a road next to a field]()
VolkswagenHow the iconic Kombi van went from kitsch to cool
Though the last of its kind was rolled out more than 40 years ago, the iconic Volkswagen Kombi has become a sought after collectors’ item. -
![man standing in front of orange holden monaro]()
HoldenRestoring a 1969 Holden Monaro GTS 350
A search for some second-hand racing tyres led to two life-long passions for Gary Vogelsang. This is the story of his Holden Monaro GTS restoration. -
![1968 aston martin parked outside]()
MotoringFormer James Bond Aston Martin DBS stars on Melbourne streets
How did a classic sport car from a James Bond movie end up becoming one Melburnian’s pride and joy? Sigi Zidziunas reveals the story behind his original Aston Martin DBS.
