Designed by Alec Issigonis, the Oxford, along with the Minor, introduced unit construction techniques such as Unibody construction even though it is not widely recognized as a true unibody car.

Torsion bar front suspension was another novelty and hydraulically operated 8-inch drum brakes were fitted all around.

Under the bonnet, it used a side-valve straight-4 rather than the older overhead-valve unit.

The single SU-carburetted engine displaced 1476 cc and with its output of 40.5 bhp at 4200 rpm could propel the car to a heady 72 mph.

The four-speed gearbox had a column gear change and steering was by rack and pinion.

Interior fittings were reasonably comprehensive by the standards of the time, with a full width shelf under the dashboard and "useful pivoting ventilator panels" (hinged quarterlights) at the front edge of each of the front doors and a rear window blind included in the price.

Instrumentation included an oil pressure gauge, an ammeter and an electric clock, also avai...