First built in 1948, and kept in production all the way through to 1972, the Morris Minor is something of a British motoring icon. From being the first British car to sell a million units, to the fact it was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis prior to his work on the Mini, it's one of those cars that everyone has a memory of. They were built in a huge number of styles and variants too, from saloons and timber-framed estates to commercial vehicles and the convertible you see here.

This particular car is a Series 3 model, one of the last to feature semaphore signals, and is presented in its original specification with very low mileage, having been cherished by the same family for 30 years. Benefitting from a recent and significant restoration, this charming little car is the perfect classic for enjoying sunny weekends in the English countryside.

This car belonged to the current owner’s grandfather and was left to him as part of his estate. So this lovely old car has been in the same family for 30 years in total. Over the last 2 years, the car has undergone extensive restoration and is supplied with a box of receipts/invoices detailing the work carried out. An upcoming house move and lack of space means that the car now needs to find a new home.

With its striking red trim, the cabin of this classic convertible is a great place to be. The carpets and door cards have been refreshed and look splendid, with no evidence we could see of any real wear. Meanwhile, the seats still feature their original red vinyl finish, with the associated patina, but are presented in excellent condition, with no rips, damage or serious wear.

All of the internal trim and switchgear is intact and in fine condition. We particularly love the original central instrument cluster and steering wheel, which look fabulous and wear their age with pride. With the gleaming, body-coloured dash having been refinished when the car was painted, it makes the cabin a great place to spend time.

We're assured by the owner that everything works as it should and that there are no issues with the cabin's functions that they are aware of.

Featuring a new red fabric roof, which contrasts wonderfully with the recently resprayed Yukon Grey bodywork, this convertible cuts a dash and is a genuinely handsome vehicle. The new roof functions well, offering a quick escape from any passing showers. Most of the exterior trim, badges and brightwork have been refreshed or replaced with new old stock items too.

The car rides on original steel wheels that have been painted white and feature chromed centre-caps in fine condition, with nearly new tyres all round. We're informed by the owner that the underside of the vehicle is in exceptional condition, with the floors, chassis rails, inner wings, jacking points, crossmember and sills all having been completely refurbished during the restoration. One of the vehicle's interesting features are the operational semaphore indicators (also known as trafficators). As a late 1960 car, this would be one of the last Morris Minors to feature these before modern indicators were added instead. 

Overall then, the car presents very well externally and the only issues to mention are that the doors need a good slam to engage the locks, the manual roof can be a bit fiddly and there is some light blistering on one of the wings (but this is relatively minor and should be easily resolved). In reality, these are minor things for a 62 year old car, and nothing that would concern us.

As part of the restoration process over the last couple of years, the little A-series powerplant has been stripped, checked and rebuilt, with fixes and upgrades carried out as needed. One of the upgrades the owner made was to fit an unleaded cylinder head to allow the car to run on modern fuels without the need for any additives.

While the gearbox and engine are the original items, a number of new parts have been added. The fuel tank and lines were replaced as were the wiring loom, switches, dynamo, starter, clutch, fuse box, battery and much more. The box of receipts that comes with the car details dozens of new parts that have been fitted to bring the vehicle up to its current standard. As well as the overhaul of the car's engine, the owner tells us that the suspension and other drivetrain elements were refurbished. New bushes have been fitted throughout, as well as new track rods, leaf springs, tie rods, a complete new braking system, new door seals and new roof seals. The only minor mechanical issue the owner mentioned was an occasional drip from the timing chain cover, although we saw no evidence of this.

We're assured by the owner that the car goes, turns and stops "just as a Minor should". With the list of works carried out, and the quality of the restoration, we're sure that's the case.

Having benefitted from being lovingly cared for by the same family for 30 years, and recently being treated to a comprehensive restoration, this must be one of the nicest Morris Minor convertibles you'll see. We love the colour scheme, which is both original and eye-catching. That contrasting red roof really does pop in the sunshine, and the original red interior with it's delightful level of patina on the seats and instrumentation, is a lovely place from which to enjoy a weekend drive in the country.

The Morris Minor's place as an icon of British motoring is already assured, this is your opportunity to become a part of that story. It makes for a reassuringly easy ownership proposition too, with the A-series engine and other parts still widely available and technical expertise readily on-hand, we think it's a perfect first classic, or maybe a car for someone who would love a classic but doesn't want to undertake a restoration themselves.

Carefully and sympathetically restored, with a great history and genuinely low mileage, this is one 62 year old classic you can buy with your heart and your head.