Descrizione
"OPEN TOP CHEESE GRATER MAKES A REAL MEAL OF IT!"
TODAY at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 25 years), we offer a 1954 (same vintage as me!) Morris Minor Series II original factory convertible. This old girl will be 70-years-old next year. Arrgghh!!
Anyway, a Series II as I say, and thus a split screen and an early one which carried over the famous "Cheese grater grille" from the Series 1 otherwise known as the MM. The grille - before the horizontal metal bars came into play - really blends into the look with the split screen plus the early-style interior, small rear lights etc.
She is in delightful order all round. And let me point out at this stage, there is something of huge bonus with her. Chassis number wise, she starts with FC which was a factory convertible with the early models and her engine number (803cc ohv) is 87G9RM47324MH which matches that on the V5. BUT..... on the rocker cover of this BMC Gold Seal replacement unit sits a plate stating that this unit is powered by a WESLAKE conversion. I thought, when I went for a drive this morning, that I had never known a BMC 803cc car to drive with such gusto. I realised why when I got back to base and lifted the bonnet.
While she idled merrily at 50 psi with her engine warm, I spotted the Weslake plate on the rocker cover. No the wonder she drove so well and felt more like a 998 or even some 1098s!
Weslake & Co also known as Weslake Research and Development was founded by Harry Weslake, described as England's greatest expert on cylinder head design with premises in Rye, East Sussex, England. Weslake is most famous for its work with Bentley, BMC, Jaguar and the Gulf-Wyer Ford GT40 Mk. I.
So there's a nice little bonus on top of the fact that this delightful 69-year-old motor car is in super order with great panel work, paint (Old English White I think) and a re-trimmed interior in red leather. Dark red hood, also in super order, contrasts nicely.
So there she is. Punchy to drive and pretty to look at. And what about the early style gold painted dash and 50s steering wheel. Just the job.
I mentioned oil pressure earlier. Well, while we were out on the road and under load she was registering 60-plus psi and at times almost touching the maximum 80psi on the gauge. This is clearly some car. Not to be missed.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 69-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 69-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Martin. the details below
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
