Description
I've owned this VSCC-eligible four-speed 1932 Morris Minor two-seater for over 14 years (found in 2008, bought Feb 2009) and it's been stored in my garage ever since. I did some re-commissioning work (head skim and gasket, replaced a few valves etc) back then and had it driving up and down the drive, then put it to one side when other projects kicked in and progress stalled.
I recently borrowed a 6v battery, cleaned the points, set up a temporary fuel feed, and it fired right up again and sounded fine with decent oil pressure showing. I think it's time to pass it on to someone who will get it back on the road as I've got too much on and also need the space. It has the sidevalve engine, and four-speed gearbox from a slightly later (c1933/ 34) Minor I believe – originally these had a three-speed 'box.
Original two-seater bodywork, and has a current V5C in my name on its original registration. Other paperwork includes several old MOTs from the 1970s – the last time it was on the road – and an old buff logbook, a fold-out Wakefield Oils lubrication chart specific to the sidevalve Minor (dates to 1939), old AA handbooks, a notebook containing various fuel purchases and mileages, and a couple of old servicing publications.
For years the sidevalve Minors weren't accepted into VSCC competition and events, however a few years back this changed so this two-seat tourer would make an interesting alternative to the hordes of Austin 7s out there.
The original seating was missing when I found it, so I sourced a couple of distressed green seats from an early 1930s Minor saloon which look just perfect I think. I also found a few spare wings which come with the car, as do some old tools that came with it, the dynamo and bracket, starter handle, plus some other odds and ends. The centre strip for the radiator shell, which just clips on, is in the box of loose bits.
Bodily it's as you see in the photos, very original and needing work here and there hence this being sold as a restoration project. A friend made up new “sill” panels below the doors (they need fitting, the originals were held on with panel pins only) and I have a couple of small repair panels ready to go in at the base of the scuttle. It all depends how far you want to go with it, it could be restored/ preserved as an oily-ragger, ie doing enough to make it fully usable while keeping the aged look, or it'd be a good basis for a full restoration given that it's all there and correctly registered with its original registration.
The frame is old but sound, as is the metalwork, albeit all showing age in places, there is evidence of old repairs, touch-ups, dings and so on, as the photos show, but no more than you'd expect of an un-restored project car of 91 years old, overall it's a good starting point for a restoration. Originally it was painted black, and presumably received its green paintjob in the 1950s or 60s by the look of it. The hood frame and sidescreens are all there but want renewing. Same for the small valance panel that fits between the front chassis legs, beneath the radiator.
Small pre-war tourer projects are getting thin on the ground now, this would make for a great little runaround I think once restored. I much prefer these pre-war Minors to the later Morris 8 as there are no hydraulic brakes to deal with. I've described it as best I can, but as with any restoration project best to assume that everything will need something, and you won't go far wrong. Please see the photos as they form part of the description.
*** Cash on collection or bank transfer only please due to the hefty fees with C&C***
. This is a very reluctant private sale so no messers please.
