1969 Morris Mini – Project Profile

Trends come and go and style is subjective but when it comes to classic cars there are a select few models that will never go out of fashion – the perennially popular that just seem to endure, whatever the tastes of the day. One such car is the Morris Mini. A true icon of the automotive world that will still be tweaked, modified and restored long after you and I have shuffled off this mortal coil. It’s an institution, frankly.

One of the great things about the Morris Mini (of which there are many) is that there are quite a few of the things. From track-ready weekend racers to fully restored concours examples (and everything in between) finding one that’s right for you should be a doddle. As a result of this veritable bounty we see a lot of them pass through our classifieds and auction listings and every once in a while one pops up that kicks off a discussion. Whether it be a beautifully restored Cooper or a favourably-priced example there’s always a forum for the baby Brit at Car & Classic and this original Mk II is no exception.

The Morris Mini Mk II appeared in 1967 and was basically the same car as the Mk I with only a few minor changes to the shell, the most noticeable being a re-designed grille and larger rear window. The power and drivetrain remained the same and so there’s not really much in it as far as updates, but as the old adage goes: if it ain’t broke…

What is it? 

This is an original and unmolested 1969 Morris Mini Mk II. It’s a 1000 which means it has the 998cc A-Series inline, four-cylinder motor that has not been modified or altered in any way. This is pretty much how the car left the factory. It’s a two-owner, exceptionally low mileage example that has been cherished rather than used and abused. Originally purchased by an elderly gentleman as a means to get to Watford Football Club to cheer on his favourite team on a Saturday the car has only ever seen light use whilst being carefully maintained along the way, as evidenced by its paltry 20,000 miles and extensive history file.

Why is it a project? 

Whilst the Mini does appear to be mechanically sound and rust free it has spent the last five years of its life tucked away in a barn. Jumping at the chance to pick up a genuine low owner, low mileage Mk II the current keeper (a neighbour of the original owner) purchased the Mini and stashed it, seeing the potential for investment. The car does run and drive but a full service would be in order to ensure that everything is fresh and working as efficiently as possible. Currently SORN it would be a good idea to take this Mini for an MoT too. It is technically exempt from testing but it would be wise to have a professional cast their eye over it to highlight any potential issues that may need to be addressed. Judging by the car’s history and photos, however, we don’t envisage it would be a particularly long or expensive list.

Five things to look for? 

1) Bodywork

A car built by British Leyland in the 1960s is just another term for ‘a boat load of rust’. Fortunately this particular ’60s BL offering appears to have escaped the clutches of the dreaded tin worm. We’re not quite sure exactly how that happened and so it would be pertinent to double check everything and inspect the usual problem areas such as the sills, floor pans and subframes for any signs of rot. There is a small piece of chrome flashing missing from the driver’s side and the bumpers could use a polish but these are easily solvable, small fry problems in the grand scheme of things.

2) Engine

The A-Series engines are some of the simplest motors to work on and parts and support are a non-issue. That being said you still want to know what, if any work will need to be done. Have a look for signs of mayonnaise in the oil filler cap to make sure the head gasket is still doing its job and have a listen for an overly noisy timing chain. Uprated duplex units are a common and easy upgrade. Expect some weeping of oil but any dripping leaks will need to be addressed. This engine has only covered 20,000 miles so should offer many, many more miles before needing any kind of rebuild.

3) Gearbox and Clutch

The four-speed manual transmissions fitted to these cars are pretty robust and should be problem-free as long as the oil has been regularly changed. Check for any grinding when shifting and make sure the car doesn’t jump out of gear, especially second. It’s a good idea to try and pull away in a higher gear too to test the clutch for any slippage.

4) Interior

This is an honest, original and unmolested example and as such, while it hasn’t been abused, it has been used, which is most evident inside the car. There’s nothing inherently bad, missing or beyond repair but the interior does need a little TLC to bring it back to its former ’60s glory. The upholstery on the seats will need repairing and it could do with new carpets so have a good look around and make a list of what needs to be refreshed or replaced. It’s a simple task to refit a Mk II Mini interior though and everything is readily available.

5) Paperwork

From the original purchase receipt in 1971 to more modern invoices there is a wealth of documentation included in the sale detailing the care and maintenance the car has received over the years. Grab a cuppa and pour over every piece of paper to get a feel for how the car has been treated. Check that the engine and gearbox oil have been regularly changed and have a look to see when the last works were carried out to give an indication of how long it’s been since receiving a full service.

What should you do with it?

Such a solid, low mileage example deserves to shine once more and a lot of that can be done with simple elbow grease and a bit of determination. Buff the exterior paint and chrome, tidy up the interior and engine bay and give the thing a damn good service, all of which should easily be enough to bring this Morris Mini back around and honour it’s original owner and the respect he clearly showed it during his tenure. The to-do list should be a relatively simple one and would make a great introduction into classic car ownership for someone. With no welding or metalwork to tackle and no overly-complicated mechanical fettling required it represents an easy, low-cost but inherently rewarding project.