Highlights

Well presented as a usable classic
Runs well and starts easily
Series V Deluxe with 1098cc engine

The Appeal

Introduced in 1948, the car quickly became one of the most successful UK-built cars of all time, and became the first British car to sell a million units. Designed to help Britain get back on track after the war, the car served as the inspiration for a whole new generation of Morris vehicles.

The Minor was not only technologically sophisticated, including rack and pinion steering and fully independent suspension, but it was also a marvel of packaging design, with wheels tucked into each corner to provide a roomy interior. The car was continuously developed over the next two decades, accommodating more powerful engines, along with improved trim and specifications.

The final incarnation of the Minor arrived in 1962, known as the Series V, the revamped car included the BMC-sourced 1098cc engine which allowed the car to embrace the exciting prospects of motorway journeys. Often placed as an ideal starter classic, thanks to ease of maintenance, excellent parts availability and club support, the Minor makes a lot of sense as a dependable, cheap, and reliable little hack.

This 1967 4-door deluxe is finished in the very attractive Trafalgar Blue colourway with matching grey-blue upholstery. Solid in all the right places, it presents itself as a usable example which could be ideal to bring up to scratch or a straight-out-the-box classic that you won’t be afraid to use.

With no outstanding flaws and what appears to be a well-maintained engine, there’s plenty to love about this example and it could be the ideal car to introduce yourself to the friendly and social world of classic car ownership.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in June 1967 in Norwich as a 1098cc Deluxe Series V model
8 Previous Keepers
Online MOT records show it last had an MOT in 2018
No additional invoices or provenance with the car
MOT and Tax Exempt
Believed to have been used regularly and has been said to have been fitted with a new clutch in the recent past
Originally bought for the current vendor's daughter, but an injury forced the sale

The Interior

The blue-grey vinyl seats have weathered well with little more than surface dirt on the seat covers
Blue carpets and mats show mild signs of age but could be cleaned up well. No dampness noted
Front and rear inertia reel seatbelts installed
Body coloured dashboard is neatly presented with minor marks
The instrument binnacle is in good order
Heated rear screen
All of the switchgear and controls are said to operate
The original steering wheel has a light patina but appears to be free of cracks
The door cards are all intact, with a light scuff noted on the passenger side
Headlining free of damage, aside from an age-related mark upfront
Fitted with heater and passenger sun visor

The Exterior

The engine bay, floorpan and wheel wells appear to be solid and have been treated with a protective coating
The boot floor and chassis rails are in a good state
Some signs of age were noted on the nearside sill, rear wing and door well, but overall presents well
A handful of minor dents were noted on some panels
The body panels are reasonably flush with the body with acceptable shut-line gaps
The doors open and close without effort
Displays a decent paint lustre with mild orange peeling noted on the nearside rear door
The nearside front wing has a colour miss-match, otherwise, the Trafalgar Blue paint finish is even throughout
A few paint imperfections across the body and overspray were noted in the passenger door wells
The paintwork has a few mild scuffs and marks in places but nothing to distract too much
The glass is commensurate with the age of the car but free of significant damage
Door and glass seals are generally in a good state
Some mild perishing on the windscreen seal but appears not to be letting in water
Lenses and lights are in good shape
Age-related pitting was noted on the rear light chrome housing, bonnet hinges and rear bumper
Body trim in decent shape, only missing its boot emblem
The rest of the chrome, particularly the side window and nose area is decent
Cleanly presented steel wheels finished in cream with the original Morris M hubcaps
Nankang tyres are matching and have a good amount of tread, all are under 10 years old

The Mechanics

Powered by the legendary A-Series 1098cc engine
Fires up with no issues, choke operates exactly as expected
Minimal exhaust smoke was noted on tick-over
Engine idles smoothly with no unwanted noises
The 4-speed gearbox operates with no issues
The clutch has a good biting point
Said to ride well with no reports of engine temperature or oil pressure issues
Engine well presented with evidence of decent hoses and ancillaries
Exhaust in good shape with no blowing
Mild signs of age were noted on the rear suspension
No knocking was heard from wheels at low speeds
No issues are reported with the brakes and they stop the car with no grinding or squeals

Summary

Its virtues and appeal don’t need to be over-emphasised, as it is common knowledge that the Minor, particularly in its later guise is perfectly suited as a starter classic. Along with very reasonable running costs, cheap insurance and a reliability record that has never been in doubt, the Minor is not only a truly classless car but one that will always raise a smile.

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.

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