Lot details Registration No: UYU 856 Chassis No: FBJ1600355 Mot Expiry: Sept 2009
Debuting alongside Jaguar's superbly glamorous XK120 OTS at the 1948 London Motor Show, the Morris Minor was somewhat overshadowed. Arguably the more advanced design, the Minor was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis. With a monocoque chassis, independent torsion-bar front suspension, all-round hydraulic drum brakes and rack and pinion steering, it possessed excellent handling. Though, the ability to maintain momentum was a welcome trait given the leisurely performance on tap from its carryover 918cc sidevalve engine. This unit's deficiencies were largely overcome by the introduction of the Series II Minor in 1952 and all but vanquished when the Minor 1000 arrived four years later. Displacing 948cc rather than the full 1000cc its name suggested, the newcomer's A-series four-cylinder OHV engine was credited with 35bhp and 49lbft of torque; outputs reputedly sufficient for a 72mph top speed. Available in 2-door / 4-door saloon, estate and convertible guises, the Minor 1000 recorded over 500,000 sales between 1956 and 1962.
Finished in grey with red upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its bodywork, paintwork, electrical equipment and interior trim. While, he adds the engine is "believed good" and that the four-speed manual gearbox has "no known faults". Reportedly "a museum exhibit for the last ten years", 'UYU 856' is understood to have benefited from "a thorough brake overhaul" in advance of its recent MOT test. Summed up by the seller as "a fine entry classic with good usability", this appealing Minor 1000 is accompanied by MOT certificate valid until September 2009.
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