Highlights
- Upgraded 1098cc A-series engine
- Comprehensively restored
- Genuine 77,795 miles
- Historic status: tax and MOT exempt
The Appeal
There was a time when Morris Minors were everywhere - there was even a thriving fleet of commercial versions, vans and pick-ups, that were the very backbone of Britain’s small businesses in the 50s.
Of course, they’re a rare sight on the road now, and that’s where this charming and unusual vehicle comes in. Having been significantly restored, it makes a great case for itself as an unusual classic daily, or as practical and eye-catching transport for your business.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered February 1955
- 9 owners
- Just 77,795 miles covered
- Full recent restoration, including bare metal respray
- Full record of restoration
- Less than 3,000 miles covered since 2012
- Owner’s handbook included
- Original Workshop Manual
- MOT to 25th August 2022
- Historic vehicle: tax and MOT exempt
- Selling as vehicle is now surplus to requirements
The Interior
- Retrimmed vinyl upholstery
- Discrete sound system
- Well-finished with original fixtures
As part of the restoration, the interior has been refinished and the seats and door cards retrimmed. The results speak for themselves, as the cabin looks very smart with a clean, tidy finish.
The black door cards and tan seats look great together and are in fine condition. There is some evidence of light wear to the seats, but it’s very 'minor'. We’re told by the vendor that the headlining is intact and secure. The black carpets present well, being in good overall condition with no significant wear or damage evident.
All of the internal trim, clocks and switchgear are presented well. Most look to be original items and wear a nice level of patination, showing their age, but still eminently legible and usable. The vendor tells us that all the cabin functions operate as they should. There is some light pitting to the internal brightwork (such as the door handles and window winders), but nothing more than you’d expect from a vehicle that is 77 years old.
The dashboard itself has been finished in a lovely two-tone finish, with the upper section body-coloured and the fascia in a slight contrast colour. It really elevates the cabin above the norm.
The Exterior
- Silver paintwork
- Cream 14” steel wheels with polished hubcaps
- Canvas rear load cover
- Wood-lined rear bed
We think the silver finish of this Pick-up really suits it. With the canvas load cover, cream steel wheels and smart brightwork, it makes for an attractive and nicely proportioned vehicle.
Overall the body is in good order, the panels looking straight and even, with little evidence of damage or corrosion we could see. The paint too looks to have been well applied and the finish is smooth, with just the odd minor blemish or scratch.
There are a few minor spots of surface corrosion beginning to appear on the very edge of the sills, bonnet, grille and lower rear valance. But these are quite minor and would be easily dealt with if required. It should also be noted that the rear window, while very usable, is quite badly scratched.
The load bed at the back is in fine fettle, with a few knocks and scrapes, but nothing significant. It’s clearly been used as intended – to carry things – but has been cared for and not abused. The wooden bed liner is in good order, with no evidence of rot we could discern. The rear load area also contains a cab-mounted spare wheel.
All of the external trim is complete and presented in excellent original condition. There is some minor pitting to the brightwork in places, but much less than you’d expect on a car of this age. In general, we have to say that the trim, brightwork and lenses are all in very good condition.
Underneath, the vehicle is in surprisingly good condition. The floor pans, chassis rails and drivetrain elements we could see look straight, clean, undamaged and in rude health. There’s a minimal amount of surface corrosion, as you’d expect, but overall it’s impressively good.
The Mechanics
- 1,098cc A-series engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Starter handle and toolkit
At some point in this Series 2’s life, the original 803cc engine has been replaced with the heartier and much more usable 1,098cc A-series. The owner assures us that the car runs very well and performs ably, describing it as “a head turner”, “very usable” and able to “keep up with modern traffic”.
The commercial versions of the Minor were a little different to the domestic versions. For starters, they were built as a body-on-chassis design, not as a monocoque. The pick-up also features uprated rear suspension to cope with the extra rear loads – so this has telescopic rear dampers and stiffer rear leaf springs.
Summary
Few cars raise a smile from nearly everyone that sees them, but the Minor is definitely one of those vehicles. This unusual and rare commercial pick-up version just adds a whole extra layer of charm to what is already a compelling package.
The fact that this example has the better engine fitted and has been treated to a comprehensive restoration makes it even more desirable. Whether you want something a bit different as practical daily transport, or you’re after something eye-catching to advertise your business, this fun little pick-up is the perfect solution.
Notice to bidders
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