Three Marinas, three very different stories – and all three are Debutantes at the NEC Classic Motor Show.

First up is the Workhorse, a 1984 Morris Ital 1700 estate. From the very end of the Marina's production story, this practical SLX estate represents the sort of simple, dependable car that was once an everyday sight on Britain's roads. Its higher-spec trim and 1700 O-Series engine made it a more refined proposition, but years of hard work took their toll on many Marinas and Itals. Today, survivors are increasingly rare, making this unassuming estate a fascinating reminder of the cars that quietly kept Britain moving.

Then there's the Cross Country Racer – a 1972 Morris Marina Coupe 1300 transformed into a Group 2 Historic Rally Car. Sharing its A-Series engine with the competition-proven Mini, the Marina has been extensively rebuilt and developed for historic rallying, with upgrades to its suspension and running gear. Having tackled Scottish forest tracks and Welsh quarries, this is its first appearance at the NEC.

Completing the trio is the Show Pony, a 1972 Morris Marina Mumford Convertible. Originally built as a standard 1.8 TC Marina Coupe, it was sent to Devon-based dealer Mumfords to be converted into the distinctive open-top car seen today. Once owned and restored by the President of the Marina Owners Club, this particular example has spent years on the Isle of Wight and has never previously made it to the NEC.

From everyday estate to forest rally car and rare convertible, this trio demonstrates just how many different lives the Morris Marina could lead – and all three are making their NEC Classic Motor Show debut this year.