MORS – year 1903

Company of Electricity and Automobiles Mors, Paris, France.

The period of the so-called. great races between cities practically ended in 1903 year with the tragic Paris-Madrid race, which had to be terminated prematurely in Bordeaux after passing through 552 km. The reason for this was a large number of fatal accidents, in which, among other things, Marcel Renault lost his life. The reason was the open route, speeds disproportionately high in relation to the condition of the roads and a record number 224 participants with a weak level of organizational services.

The winner was Ferdinand Gabriel driving a Mors car, known for its fantastic driving technique. It cannot be stated otherwise, since starting in Paris as 163 came to Bordeaux in fourth place on time 5,19 time., which corresponds to the average speed 105 km/h.

At that time, Mors cars were among the best in the world. The company, founded by brothers Emil and Louis Mors, started producing automobiles in 1895 year. The Mors brothers quickly gained importance also in the field of sports. The victorious white walrus z 1903 year with the bib number 168, designated as type "Dauphine”, was gaining power 51,5 kW (70 KM). The water-cooled four-cylinder engine had cylinders in diameter 145 mm and piston stroke 175 mm, so its total capacity was as high as 11 200 cm3. The inlet valves were now mechanically controlled. The conical clutch transmitted the driving force. Three-speed, the mechanical gearbox was Renault system. The drive was still transmitted by drive chains, the diameter of the drive sprocket being approximately equal to the diameter of the sprockets on the driven rear axle, which made it possible to achieve high speeds. For racing purposes, the flat ladder frame was loaded with many holes in the longitudinal and transverse parts. Rigid axles were suspended on the longitudinal, semi-elliptical springs. A novelty was the use of friction shock absorbers. Mors „Dauphine” he developed an incredible top speed of approx 150 km / h thanks to the powerful engine and the aerodynamic shape of the body. Mastering the driving of such a car with a brake only on the rear axle required quite a bit of courage.

After the main designer, Richard Brasier, left Mors, its prestige decreased to such an extent, that the next races were no longer seen Mors cars. Although the production of cars took place up to a year 1927, but the Mors company never again achieved fame from the first years of its existence.