Designed under the leadership of Sir Alec Issigonis, the Morris Minor is a British car which made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. Originally, the Morris was available as a two-door saloon or a two-door tourer. In 1950, a four door was introduced, which was only available for export and was the first model to have the headlights set in the wings, as opposed to low down, either side of the grille to meet the US safety standards.
In 1952 another change was on the cards, with the merger of Morris’s parent company and Austin Motor Company, to form the British Motor Corporation. This is when models such as probably one of the most recognisable Minors, the Traveler, was introduced, an estate version with an Ash wood external frame for the rear structure. Then of course there were models such as the Quarter Ton Van in 1953, and the flat-bed pick-up such as the one we have here. These models received the larger 1098 cc engine in 1962, and more substantial leaf springs in 1968. Other than this, they remained unchanged up until the end of production in 1973.
This stunning 1971 Morris Minor Pick Up was restored a number of years ago by a UK based Morris Minor specialist, where it was fully restored, inside and out, including the engine and also a new chassis. When the restoration was completed the pick up was built as a left hand drive, as it was being shipped off to the States.
The Morris then spent a number of years in the States before being shipped back to the UK. Still in excellent condition, it was then converted back to right hand drive by Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre Ltd in Bristol.
The V5 is present and shows there have been 8 previous keepers.
Unfortunately, any paperwork that was with Morris has been lost in overseas travel.
There is a good MOT history which can be viewed online, where you will see that in the past 11 years it has only completed approximately 2,700 miles. image00040.jpg6.78 MB
The Interior
Inside the Morris is in excellent condition as you can imagine, having only covered a small amount of miles since the restoration. The seats are in excellent order with no damage to the black vinyl, and the door cards are also in good condition with the door furniture nice and bright. The pick up has been fitted with inertia Seat Belts for that added touch of safety.
The bulkhead and dashboard are finished in body colour with the instrument panel sitting dead centre. The odometer has a reading of 84,324 miles, and everything is reported to be working just as it should. There is a CD player mounted in the lower section of the dash, with speakers mounted discreetly to the left and right under the dash.
The carpet is again as you would expect, and does come with a set of mats to protect it further.
Into the rear, this has been covered with some rubber flooring to protect it from any unwanted marks. DSC_2633.jpg2.53 MB
The Exterior
Finished in a period looking Persian Blue, the Morris presents itself extremely well. Starting at the front and there are no noticeable chips to mention to the front end. The headlights and indicators are free from any splits or chips. The bonnet aligns as it should with the wings and front panel, and the grille is nice and straight. There is some very slight micro blistering to the bonnet.
Around to the sides of the little pick up, and what a view. It looks wonderful, the doors align as they should, and there are no dinks to mention. The chromework around the windows is all in good order, and the same can be said for the door handles and mirrors. The rear canvas is new and is fully removable should you wish.
At the back, the canvas can be undone allowing access to the rear and to drop the rear door. The lights show no signs of any cracks and there is a towbar fitted ready for use. The wheels are finished in cream with a Morris hubcap showing the M logo. These are in good condition with no signs of pitting or tarnishing. DSC_2554.jpg4.69 MB
The Mechanics
The 1100 cc engine was rebuilt at the time of the restoration. It starts up at the first turn and sounds just as it should, with no untoward noises to be heard. The pick up has been upgraded to run an alternator.
The gearbox is a 4-speed manual which is reported to change gear beautifully and is an absolute joy to drive. Bringing the Morris to a halt, much better than standard, are the brakes which have been upgraded to servo assisted.
A British classic that's done some traveling back and forth to the USA. Covering approximately 2,700 miles in the past 11 years, the Morris is here to stay, and it's time for the Minor to be enjoyed.
Will you be the lucky new owner of this lovely pick up?
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