1959 Morris Minor 1000- Project Profile

You’ve decided you want a classic car, and more than that, you have decided you want something that you can work on and bring back to life yourself. But where do you start? The world of classics can be overwhelming. There are so many to choose from, so many wonderful options winking at you from the classifieds here on Car & Classic, teasing and tempting you with their chrome and their retro charm. The trick, we think, is to buy something that has a support network. Something that’s popular, and that has a massive network of specialists and enthusiasts behind it. Something like this rather adorable 1959 Morris Minor 1000, then.

Now, you might look at it and think ‘but I don’t want a classic like everyone else has, I want something unique’. That, dear reader, is where a popular classic makes sense. You’d think that popularity would mean every example still running looks the same, but that’s not true. Look at the original Mini, the Beetle and anything made by Ford. They’re popular, but they’re all different. The aftermarket is awash with parts that will allow you to build the classic that best suits you. While also ensuring that finding parts, advice and anything else you might need is a doddle. You could buy something far more rare than a Morris Minor, but that could be full of pitfalls. Not being able to find parts or information can suck the fun right out of any project let alone your first. So let the popularity of the Morris Minor do the heavy lifting, and get yourself on the classic car wagon.

What is it? 

What we have here is a 1959 Morris Minor 1000. That would make it an early… ish, Series 3 model. The Series 3 was a more basic affair than the models before it, with fewer options and colours. This was because BMC wanted to build them quickly and cheaply in the hopes of gaining a bigger market share at a time when the notion of car ownership was exploding. And it worked, the Minor continued to be a sales hit for the company, and a firm favourite for the UK motorist. This car, which has been with its most recent owner since 1988, is a tad down at heel, but it’s not a lost cause. Crucially, it’s a runner, it’s original and unrestored and as such, should be the great basis for a project. While the advert doesn’t clarify, we’d assume the engine is the same 948cc A Series inline-four it came with, mated to a four-speed manual transmission with taller gears than the previous models. It’s a cute, clean, honest little car, and it could be yours for a mere £2,600.

Why is it a project? 

It seems that time has caught up with this Morris Minor, nothing more, nothing less. It’s only had two owners, and they have obviously enjoyed and cared for it. However, as with any old British classic, the corrosion has moved in, the paint has faded and the chrome doesn’t twinkle quite as keenly as it once did. But while it needs work, the selling point here is that you would be the first to do it. The car doesn’t seem to have been restored prior, and as such, you won’t have to unpick anyone else’s poor attempts. This could be a very simple restoration, and one that you can complete knowing it’s been done once, and done right – by your own hand. The sills look a bit past it, but repair panels are available. The interior needs some love, but it’s all there. As for the engine, it runs, drives starts and stops. Restoration projects don’t come more perfect, or willing, than this.

Five things to look for: 

1) Rust

It’s an old, British car so rust is going to be an issue. We salt the roads, yet we used to build cars with almost no rust protection. Baffling, really. Anyway, you need to check this Morris Minor for any serious rust. Door bottoms, wings, floors, sills, boot floor, suspension mounting areas – check it all. The sills do look a little questionable, so a good look is required there. However, don’t fret, as reproduction panels are readily available.

2) Trim

Like panels, replacement reproduction trim is readily available. Used, good condition stuff is pretty common too. However, it’s always worth looking before you buy, because if what’s there is good, that’s one less thing you need to fix or spend money on. The interior looks pretty good, all told, so fingers crossed this is all reusable.

3) Engine

This little Morris Minor is being sold as a running and driving car, which is a good thing. However, you still need to check the engine and running gear. How does it sound, does it start easily, is there any smoke, does it get hot? The good news is that the A Series engine (the same as the Mini) is no more complicated than cheese on toast, and parts are more than readily available.

4) Suspension

You need to look at two things on the suspension – the metal and the rubber. In terms of the former, how do the suspension components look? Is there any heavy corrosion, does anything look like it’s going to need replacing? As for the latter, the bushes – unless changed – are almost certainly going to be shot. But it still pays to have a look at how bad things are before buying. If someone has been ignoring worn bushes for a long time, there could be damage to the metal that secures them.

5) Electrics

As with any old car, check the electrics. You want to look for two things; evidence of any small critters eating the wiring for lunch, and any evidence of previous bodgery. If someone has tried to fit extra lights, or a stereo, or if they have tried to carry out repairs – it could all make for a small disaster. Happily, the wiring on a Morris Minor is refreshingly simple, so don’t let it be a deal breaker.

What should you do with it? 

Whatever you want. There is no limit with this 1959 Morris Minor. You could, if this is indeed your first classic, go down the route of a basic restoration. There would be a lot of fun to be had in the pursuit of taking it back to fresh, original condition. If that doesn’t do it for you, you could look at modifying it. Not with chrome wheels and flames down the side (though if you want to, we can’t stop you). No, instead, you could make this Minor a little more modern and usable. A K Series engine swap is reasonably simple, throw in some better brakes, some better tyres and a more modern interior and you’ll have one heck of a cool daily driver. Or you could drop a V8 in it with Jaguar independent rear suspension, slot mag wheels and metal flake paint – full ’70s custom style. Basically, it’s a Morris Minor. The only thing holding you back is your imagination.

If you’re looking for a popular classic to give a new lease of life to, here’s where you can find a Morris Minor for sale.