Highlights
- Extensive restoration and upgrades conducted in 2003 by leading specialists Charles Ware
- Equipped with a new 1300+ engine and five-speed Sierra gearbox
- Brake upgrade to front discs
- Complete exterior and interior respray
- New leather seats with inertia seat belts
The Appeal
Along with the inimitable Mini, the Morris Minor was devised by the ingenious Alec Issigonis who was inspired by the Citroën Traction Avant’s rack and pinion steering, unitary construction and torsion bar suspension. The Minor proved immensely successful over more than two decades, undergoing a number of revisions as the years went by. Here we have a very early “low light” example which dates from 1952.
While this Morris looks every bit as it did in period, under the skin it boasts over £16,000 worth of mechanical upgrades, making it one of the most usable early Minors in existence. Purchased through Charles Ware its owner (the former Chairman of Chiltern Railways), commissioned a full restoration and a series of extensive upgrades which is fully documented. Gone is the car’s feeble sidevalve engine and in its place we find a cammed 1,300 cc A+ Series engine mated to a Ford Sierra five-speed gearbox. We’re assured that the car performs brilliantly, content to cruise at 70 mph on the motorway - speeds that an original early Minor could never have aspired to. Besides a complete exterior and interior respray, it also boasts modern leather seats, an uprated heater and more modern stereo - making this a ‘50s classic you can be comfortable in.
For those seeking an early Morris Minor you could use almost every day your options are somewhat limited, so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity.
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 24th December 1952
- Purchased by the former Chairman of Chiltern Railways in May 2002 from Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre in Bath
- Extensive restoration and upgrades conducted by Charles Ware in 2003 at a cost of over £16,000
- The work is extensively documented in a series of correspondence, invoices and photographs
- Mileage at first MOT post-restoration was 88,470, current mileage is 94,173
- The car has always been stored in a dry garage
The Condition
- Still looks just like a standard ‘52 Morris Minor on the outside, even down to the finer details
- Period-correct colour scheme
- Smart paintwork and chrome, with no notable blemishes
- Free from any signs of corrosion or damage
- Well presented interior, free from notable wear
Restoration work included:
- New front wings bespoke manufactured and fitted
- New front panel, bumpers, and new chrome
- Boot lid repairs
- New door skins
- New series II bonnet
- New lamps, door seals, badges re-chromed
- Complete exterior paint strip and respray
- Complete interior respray
- New carpets
- New leather seats with inertia seat belts
- Later heater fitted
- Reversing light and fog lights fitted
- Radio cassette player added
- Morris Commercial wheels and tyres
The Mechanics
- New “1300+” engine with stainless steel 3 branch manifold and exhaust
- MG Metro-derived high-lift cam, SU carburettor and inlet manifold
- High capacity radiator
- Five-speed Ford Sierra gearbox
- Alternator fitted
- Halogen light bulbs
- Complete new wiring loom
- Indicators and hazard warning lights fitted while retaining trafficators
- Front disc brakes fitted
- New suspension and anti-roll bar
- Recent work to replace the front brake pistons
- The vendor reports that it drives exceedingly well and will cruise at 70 mph without issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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