∙Great condition ∙Has the potential to be used as a filming car
The Background
Revealed to the world at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948 the Morris 1000 would be manufactured between 1948-1972, in this time there would be around 1.6 million units made, the first British made car to sell over a million units.
The Morris was a cheap way to get Britons back on the roads after the end of the Second World War. Alec Issigonis was the lead designer involved in the Morris Minor 1000 programme, his involvement in the follow up car to this (the mini) ultimately spelled the end of the Morris 1000 and in 1972 production finally stopped. This specific example would be one of the last to come out of the factory and went to the Camden police force as a Panda Car.
The History
The seller informs us that the car's historic past started out with the Camden Police where it spent the first bit of its life as a beat car for the policemen of the time. After it left the police force the trail went a little bit cold, but it now resides in the Essex area with the current owner where it is stored inside an industrial unit, so it is not at the mercy of the English weather.
The Paperwork
There isn’t much paperwork per se but there are little bits and pieces in the boot. Like old Moss of Europe catalogues, original Morris Minor workshop manuals, technical manuals and other little bits and pieces.
The Interior
As you’d imagine for a car of this age the interior is pretty sparce. But with this lack of equipment comes the ability to appreciate the little things, like the body colour dash, huge Smiths speedo and the other little buttons and switches. There is a little issue with the zip within the headliner, it seems to be broken. However, the black vinyl seats are in good condition too, with the folding forward mechanism in all working order allowing you to put anyone in the back.
The Exterior
From the exterior there is no mistaking the previous use of this car. The baby blue and white two-tone paint is in great condition and the police decals really set the whole car off. With the great little features like the blue lights in the grill, the police stop sign on the roof and the light outside the drivers side it is a true head turner. Wherever you park the car up it will always get a look from someone.
The exterior of this Minor would make it the perfect prop for a period drama, with the correct livery and little bits to make it look as authentic as possible; it wouldn’t look out of place in an old-fashioned police drama.
The Mechanics
There’s not really that much to the 1098cc unit that is in the Morris Minor, from factory it would’ve produced an eye watering figure of 48 HP. But when you consider the weight this modest power would’ve been more than enough to propel this car at the time.
This Morris is a great runner, once you turn it on it sounds smooth and has no issues when driving.
The Appeal
This little Morris is a great car whether you just want to go for a Sunday drive or display it within your garage it will be a great companion to do just that. The Morris 1000 definitely has a big fan club within the UK and if you ever pass one on the roads then you can’t help but smile. There is the added bonus that this car can fit 4 adults in relative comfort with enough leg and head room.
The fact that this version is ex-police and has such an iconic livery makes it turn heads. And with this ability comes a truly unique opportunity to own a rare classic car.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1971 Morris Minor Police Car
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