Description
The iconic Morris Minor was in production for 23 years from 1948 until 1972, with 1. 6 million sold. This famous and most British of family cars was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis and available in 2 and 4-door saloon variants, a 2-door convertible, the Traveller estate car and commercial panel van and pick-up versions.
Available from the outset as a convertible (or Tourer), production spanned 3 series of cars - the Series MM, the Series II and the Minor 1000. The Minor 1000 series first appeared in 1956 with a 948 cc variant of the BMC A-Series engine and the Series V in 1962 with an enlarged A Series engine of 1098 cc, This raised the power output to a claimed 48 bhp with a useful increase in torque which, mated to a stronger gearbox, pushed the top speed to 77 mph. Other changes included slightly larger drum brakes, the fitment of separate amber indicator lights and some internal cosmetic updates.
The last Tourer was manufactured in August 1969; the final saloon in November 1970 and the Traveller and commercial versions in April 1971. It is estimated that in excess of 1. 6 million Minors of all types were built.
The Minor offered here is a genuine convertible model, first registered in July 1966 in the UK. We have documentary history for the car, which appears to have spent its life in the southwest, in the hands of a single family from 1978 to 2013. There is a history file with the vehicle which lists earlier repair and maintenance work with previous owners, together with old MOT certificates. It was purchased by a Guernsey resident in 2018. Following importation and re-registration in the island, the car has received some mechanical attention whilst being enjoyed, regularly maintained and well cared for.
In recent times the car has received a new radiator; a new alternator in place of the original dynamo; new fuel pump; new battery; new horns and been fitted with five new radial ply tyres. The braking system benefits from a disc brake conversion together with the addition of a servo. The Minor is a very good runner and reliable daily driver.
As might be anticipated, the Tourer has undergone quite a bit of welding in the past, particularly repair work to floor panels and other structural items. This work has clearly been carried out professionally and the structural strength of the car remains very good. The current owner has applied a modern anti-corrosion treatment to the interior of doors, rear panels and boot lid. All brightwork is present and correct – with much having been recently replaced - and the white hood in good condition. Whilst structurally sound and quite presentable, in the owner’s words, the body is “… a bit scruffy in places”.
The current owner stripped out the interior and comprehensively sound insulated the car, replacing items such as the parcel shelf, door cards and seat padding. A new-type multipurpose steering column stalk has been fitted for headlight flash, dip switch, indicators and horn control. Front seat safety belts are fitted.
A genuine Minor Tourer in a generally good all-round condition and driving very well. It could easily be pressed into daily use. Provided with a history file of earlier logbooks, MOT’s and service/ repair works back to 1969.
The car is currently Guernsey registered and the registration mark pictured is not included in the sale. We can assist with shipping (wordwide) and importation processes if required.
