Description
Very solid car in, what I believe to be, very original condition. It has undergone some mechanical improvements from the previous owner and myself. Bodywork is finished in the original spruce green paintwork which has had some parts of the lower areas resprayed at some time in the past with the majority of the rest being the original factory paint. The finish has some imperfections commensurate with age, but has been sensitively maintained in her original form reflecting the originality. There are a number of small marks and paint corrections that are historic but the overall appearance is very good for a 68 year old. The chrome is generally good however the rear bumper has some small areas that have peeled.
The body panels are in excellent condition and appear to be the originals. The underneath is 95% original with only a couple of small non structural repairs, the chassis and floorpan still have a painted finish in parts and shows it's original condition.
The interior is mostly original but the carpets look like a quality replacement set, the seats are original with a couple of seam repairs to the drivers side, the rest are in good condition. The headlining looks original, still in place with no sagging but is showing it's age with some discolouring. All door locks work, the windows slide well with original clear blocks. As a deluxe model it has twin ashtrays and opening rear side windows!! All electrics work correctly. Boot floor is solid and still has, what I think is, the original rubber mat.
Previous owner fitted new poly bushes replacing the worn rubber bushes. The steering joints have had some new rubber boots fitted replacing perished ones. Rear shock absorbers have been filled with fresh damper oil. Front dampers have been replaced with good NOS ones. Originals included in sale.
Previous owner stated the rear half shafts have been upgraded to the stronger mg midget ones ( the originals will accompany the car) and new rear wheel bearings fitted at the same time.
The front brakes had historically been upgraded to Morris minor/ A40 drums with new cylinders/ flexi pipes etc. giving better stopping power. All tyres including the spares are good with plenty of tread.
Previous owner had the original 948 engine stripped, thoroughly cleaned and painted green. The rebuild included new mains, big end bearings and thrust bearings (std. size), lightly honed bores with new piston rings (std. size), new water pump and timing chain/ tensioners. The cylinder head is a replacement from a Morris minor which gives slightly larger inlet valves, it was skimmed to give a std A35 compression ratio and converted for unleaded use, the ports were lightly gas flowed to improve performance. A new stainless bypass stub pipe was fitted at the same time. The original leaded head will be supplied in the sale. The clutch had been changed prior to my ownership and was said to have been in as new condition.
The original Zenith carburettor although in good condition was replaced with a barely used HS2 SU on a Morris minor manifold which improves the drivability/ power. This change is easily reversible should it be desired. The old carb/ manifold and air cleaner will be supplied in the sale.
The gearbox appears to have been rebuilt in the past with a receipt in the files. I bought this particular car due to it's honest and genuine unadulterated condition which had not seen the ravages of time and salt. The low mileage appears consistent with it's appearance and overall condition. Brake master cylinder was replaced last year and a spin on oil filter kit fitted for ease. Original units are included in the sale and can easily be refitted if required.
I tend to MOT my cars, second pair of eyes and all that, MOT on this one runs to August 2027.
