Highlights

Extensive restoration and upgrades conducted in 2003 by leading specialists Charles Ware
Equipped with a new 1300+ engine and five-speed Sierra gearbox
Brake upgrade to front discs
Complete exterior and interior respray
New leather seats with inertia seat belts

The Appeal

Along with the inimitable Mini, the Morris Minor was devised by the ingenious Alec Issigonis who was inspired by the Citroën Traction Avant’s rack and pinion steering, unitary construction and torsion bar suspension. The Minor proved immensely successful over more than two decades, undergoing a number of revisions as the years went by. Here we have a very early “low light” example which dates from 1952.

While this Morris looks every bit as it did in period, under the skin it boasts over £16,000 worth of mechanical upgrades, making it one of the most usable early Minors in existence. Purchased through Charles Ware its owner (the former Chairman of Chiltern Railways), commissioned a full restoration and a series of extensive upgrades which is fully documented. Gone is the car’s feeble sidevalve engine and in its place we find a cammed 1,300 cc A+ Series engine mated to a Ford Sierra five-speed gearbox. We’re assured that the car performs brilliantly, content to cruise at 70 mph on the motorway - speeds that an original early Minor could never have aspired to. Besides a complete exterior and interior respray, it also boasts modern leather seats, an uprated heater and more modern stereo - making this a ‘50s classic you can be comfortable in.

For those seeking an early Morris Minor you could use almost every day your options are somewhat limited, so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity.

History and Paperwork

First registered on 24th December 1952
Purchased by the former Chairman of Chiltern Railways in May 2002 from Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre in Bath
Extensive restoration and upgrades conducted by Charles Ware in 2003 at a cost of over £16,000
The work is extensively documented in a series of correspondence, invoices and photographs
Mileage at first MOT post-restoration was 88,470, current mileage is 94,173
The car has always been stored in a dry garage

The Condition

Still looks just like a standard ‘52 Morris Minor on the outside, even down to the finer details
Period-correct colour scheme
Smart paintwork and chrome, with no notable blemishes
Free from any signs of corrosion or damage
Well presented interior, free from notable wear

Restoration work included:

New front wings bespoke manufactured and fitted
New front panel, bumpers, and new chrome
Boot lid repairs
New door skins
New series II bonnet
New lamps, door seals, badges re-chromed
Complete exterior paint strip and respray
Complete interior respray
New carpets
New leather seats with inertia seat belts
Later heater fitted
Reversing light and fog lights fitted
Radio cassette player added
Morris Commercial wheels and tyres

The Mechanics

New “1300+” engine with stainless steel 3 branch manifold and exhaust
MG Metro-derived high-lift cam, SU carburettor and inlet manifold
High capacity radiator
Five-speed Ford Sierra gearbox
Alternator fitted
Halogen light bulbs
Complete new wiring loom
Indicators and hazard warning lights fitted while retaining trafficators
Front disc brakes fitted
New suspension and anti-roll bar
Recent work to replace the front brake pistons
The vendor reports that it drives exceedingly well and will cruise at 70 mph without issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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