Description
A wolf in sheep`s clothing. Looking for something that`s nippy, fun and won`t break the bank this Spring? Look no further! This little Minor in Smoke Grey has just arrived at Shore Classics and I`m sure it`ll be gone in a heartbeat. Running a healthy 1275cc reconditioned engine, MG Midget brakes and boasting a contemporary sports interior with inertia belts, the car appears totally stock and that`s very much part of its appeal. A “sleeper” some may say. With scope for some cosmetic improvement, the Morris comes with very recent bills for over £1200 to include a new clutch and all new tyres. What`s not to like.
A classic of automotive design, the Morris Minor was a product of Sir Alec Issigonis`s leadership and went into production in 1948 with a run spanning 23 years. The first British car to sell over one million units, it was available as either a 2 or 4-door saloon, convertible (Tourer), estate (Traveller) and in small commercial form as a van or pick-up. Issigonis wanted to create a practical, economical and affordable car that was easy to drive and its popularity today only goes to prove that the brief was met. From 1962 onwards, the Minor had developed to earn its own development number - ADO59 - with engine capacity increased to 1098cc, stronger gearbox, bigger drum brakes and revised interiors.
Our car was registered in March 1963 and carries its original and transferable Devon (Exeter) registration of 519 NUO. We sadly know very little of its history, but it is highly likely that the car remained local for most of it`s life, first being recorded around 20 years ago living in Plymouth. From here, it moved to Newquay on the North Cornish coast in 2015 and more recently, in June 2023, to a village near Perranporth. The bills and invoices start at this point when it as acquired by a 17-year-old lad as his first car. New copper fuel lines, exhaust parts, a steering rack gaiter, various oils and bulbs feature on the initial receipts, whilst in the past 3 months, bigger expenditure is documented to include a clutch kit and fitting, four new Nankang tyres, two new brake cylinders, rear brake shoes and pipes, a replacement floor dip switch and manifold gasket. Now at University, our young keeper has purchased a more modern car and hence the reluctant sale of his beloved Morris. Since acquiring the car, we have done little but put fuel in, polish-up and enjoy.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. At some point, it has benefitted from being restored and repainted which helps to explain the general condition of both shell and underside. The front half of the Morris is generally excellent with bright paintwork, good chrome and just a couple of age-related blemishes. The rear too presents well with just a few light scratches and stone chips evident. Both driver and passenger doors have been historically repaired and painted and now do display some light cracking of repaired areas and a little bubbling under the paint. But the overall picture is pleasing and reflects an honest example with nothing to hide. Inside the cabin, the most obvious upgrade is the contemporary sports interior in grey cloth (front and rear seats) together with front inertia seatbelts. All is very tidy and fits well; the front bucket-style seats providing much greater comfort and support than the originals. Other than the seating, the remainder of the interior is very original with clean door-cards, a smart headlining and iconic dash with additional water temperature gauge. Under the bonnet, the Minor boasts a later, Silver Seal (RKM code) 1275cc A-Series engine with alloy rocker cover and single SU carburettor. Eminently tunable, this upgrade will undoubtedly provide at least 20BHP over the standard 1098cc and is certainly noticed on the road. Back in the cabin, turn the key, pull the starter and the Morris fires up immediately sounding healthy and purposeful, settling down quickly off-choke to a low burble. On the road, the little car accelerates strongly moving up quickly through the gears to reach 50MPH in no time. In terms of performance, it is definitely quick for a Minor and allows the car to be driven on the open road without embarrassment. On a sunny early Spring afternoon, I took the car for a blast across the West Dorset Downs out towards Maiden Newton. With upgraded Midget discs brakes at the front and new brakes to the rear, the Morris will literally stop on a sixpence if required. These were more than tested on my test run as rounding a corner close to the legal limit, a tractor appeared and on went the anchors! Other than that, road manners are very typical Minor with positive steering, a comfortable ride and balanced handling.
The Morris comes with some old Registration Documents, bills and invoices from 2023-2026 documenting work as outlined above, an original Handbook, a Haynes Manual, a large boot-load of spares plus spare wheel, jack and tools and 2 sets of keys. Classes as Historic, it is naturally both MoT and road tax exempt and is correctly registered as a “1275” on the current Registration Document.
A very honest and subtly upgraded Minor offering classic motoring at a great price. Huge fun too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
Reservation fee now taken.
