The Nuffield side of the British Motor Corporation this week increased its range by the method (now old) of using the same body, installing in it two different engines and calling the result two different cars.

There is no reason why this policy, which has produced the Morris Cowley out of the Morris Oxford, should not succeed; and little reason why the Cowley should specifically be regarded as underpowered as a result.

Same body, but two cars. The Morris Cowley is pictured.

The policy is one successfully followed by the Vauxhall concern, which produces Wyvern and Velox cars, which are in all essentials the same car with two different engines.

I raise this question of the relation between engine power and overall weight because it was the first question raised by another motoring enthusiast (a potential Cowley buyer) when he and I looked at a Cowley yesterday.

As I have said the Cowley and the Oxford have basically the same bodies although there are certain minor refinements on the Oxcord that are missing from the Cowley.

Both are quoted as having a dry weight of 22cwt. Both are six starters.

The Oxford's 1,489cc overhead valve engine is said to develop 50 brake hp at 4,800 revolutions per minute, and to have a maximum torque of 74lb, feet at 2,600 rpm.

The Cowley's 1,200cc overhead valve engine is rated at 42bhp at 4,500 rpm, giving its maximum torque of 58lb, at 2,400 rpm.

Immediate differences are slight. The Cowley has no overriders, and the quarter lights do not open. The internal layout and mechanical details, apart from engine and transmission, are identical.

What is more difficult fore me to understand is the value of producing two such cars with a price difference of only £42, the Oxford being the dearer at £744.