CS8 - C4 PAGE

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The 15 cwt CS8 Morris-Commercial prototype was built in 1934 . The British WO ( War Office )  had a need for a general purpose vehicle of around 15 cwt capacity and MCC,  in co-operation with the WO ,  designed a new truck using many parts from their 1933 civilian C series range .  The new MCC WO truck was to be known as the CS8 ( S meaning 6 cyl and 8 meaning approx. 8 ft wheelbase ) . The little WO truck displayed some innovations , it had a short stubby appearance with a high ground clearance and the semi forward control layout enabled maximum use of the cargo area . The CS8 went on to evolve into the ubiquitous 15 cwt general purpose truck that was eventually built by other British manufacturers such as Guy, Bedford , Commer and Fordson. The 15 cwt range of vehicles were made in large numbers and they  became the backbone of the British army . The CS8 was built in three Mk's until approx. 1942 when a 4 cyl variant , the C4 model replaced it . Until around late 1940 CS8's were fitted with small aero screens and canvas doors but, during 1941 a revised cab appeared with a full windscreen and metal skinned half doors.  During 1942 a 4 cyl variant , the  C4,  replaced the CS8 . The C4  was essentially the same truck as the CS8 but it had a 4cyl engine , it  was  built in two Mk's ( different wheelbases ), and it was fitted with a full windscreen and metal doors like the late CS8's .  The CS8/C4's  were eventually replaced by the 4 cylinder  4X4 C8 quad  models that began production during 1944 , these were based on the earlier quad artillery tractors . The CS8 was powered by the 6 cylinder 25 HP side valve engine as used in the 8 cwt PU . The CS8  was seen fitted with many body types and it was used in many different roles including office, house wireless, water tanker, petrol bowser, 2 pounder portee, compressor. The lengthened CS8 chassis was used as the basis of the CS9 Armoured car . Approx. 100 of these were built . Some served with the BEF in France and others in the Nth African desert where their excessive weight and 4x2 configuration was a drawback. Probably the best known CS8 Morris seen around the world would be the vehicle used in the 1960's U.S. TV comedy  series " HOGAN'S HEROES " . Set in a WW2 POW camp the vehicle appeared in many episodes as a German truck . It was a rather lucky break for the series makers that this was historically correct as many CS8's were captured at Dunkirk and subsequently used by the wermacht . During 1944 the 4X4 C8 appeared , based on the earlier Quad FAT gun tractor it used a steel or wooden GS body  .                           CS8 4X2   1934-42   6 cyl 25 HP side valve engine                           C4   4X2   1942-44   4 cyl 25 HP side valve engine                           C8   4X4   1944-45   4 cyl 25 HP side valve engine CS8 Production figures appear on  the contract cards held at Bovington and the numbers add up to 21,319 vehicles built from 1934 to 1941

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A Mk 3 CS8 of the 1939-40 period . Many of these vehicles were lost during the BEF retreat from France 1940 .   Note the civilian reg plate FHX 487 .

The 4 cyl C4  was produced from 1942 - 44 .  It utilised the revised cab e.g.  metal skin doors and full windscreen also seen on late CS8's .  Compare the cab to the earlier 1934 - 1940  CS8 which had  aero screens and canvas roll up doors . Also note the spare wheel mounted between the cab and rear .The change over to the full style cab was also seen on other 15 cwt class makes such as the Bedford MW and Fordson WOT2 around late 1941 .

A CS8 with aero screens is seen in the Nth African desert . The 4 x 2 configuration had its drawbacks in soft sand . This vehicle is finished in the " CAUNTER " camouflage pattern scheme . This scheme was in use 1940-41 in Palestine and Egypt etc. It consisted of three colours layered in sharp angled pattern . Colours used were usually - Light Stone , Smoke grey and Khaki green . The Census No. Z 3932113 is visible on the bonnet . Also visible is the reg plate mounted on the crash bar with two styles of script Roman and Arabic . This vehicle has a MCC enamelled badge fitted to the radiator surround .

The standard CS8 seen in GS configuration . The factory fitted cargo  tarp was often replaced in service with hoop sticks and a full tilt . The rear wheels have tags fitted , probably for the use of chains to aid the off road performance . A large military type air filter is seen between the seats . If only we could find one in this condition . A small tool locker is located in front of the petrol tank off side . Spade holder is visible .

A restored CS8 GS is seen at a rally in the U.K. Most of the surviving examples out of the 21, 000 produced are located in the UK . Although a few examples have been located in Australia and New Zealand , none have been restored ,  being a pre war design , spare parts availability outside of the U.K is virtually non existant and budding restorers need to be totally dedicated or foolish to take on the task . Average road speed of around 40 MPH means you don't get there in a hurry !  The open cab was known as the pnuemonia wagon in winter time .

The CS8 photo gallery      Air transportable CS8         Australians in a CS8 in  Palestine                CS8 scale model            A CS8 called MONTY   Doris the Morris CS8

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