Lot details Registration No: WTB376D Chassis No: MAS51141916 Mot Expiry: Sept 2011
The Morris Minor is almost as universal a symbol of England as the London bus and the red telephone box and, with over 1.3 million manufactured during its twenty-three year reign, is one of the most successful cars of all time. Designed by Alec Issigonis (who later penned the ubiquitous Mini), the Minor was unveiled at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. There were two variants at launch - a two-door Saloon and Tourer. The four-door Saloon followed in 1950 and the popular Traveller, Van and Pick-up versions completed the range two years later. The first versions, MMs, were produced from 1948 to 1952. The semi-monocoque bodies were equipped with independent torsion bar suspension at the front and a live axle mounted on leaf springs at the rear. Power came from a 918cc straight-four, side-valve engine producing 27.5bhp and 39lbft of torque - sufficient output to propel the gamely newcomer at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour and return an average of 40mpg. With the Series II of 1952, came a new, Austin-designed engine - the A-Series 803cc OHV unit. The more major update of 1956 saw the engine increased in capacity to 948cc (the car was now renamed the Minor 1000), the rear window enlarged and the split-screen front one replaced with a single pane. 1961 saw the Minor become the first British car to achieve a million sales. The final iteration of the model followed a year later and featured a further increase in engine capacity to 1098cc, a modified fascia layout with recessed centre section in textured steel, a return of a glovebox lid for the passenger-side cubby hole, improved heater and more contemporary-looking front light units.
The tidy 1098cc Minor 1000 being sold is a 1966 four-door version finished in Blue with Blue interior and Cream wheels. The vendor is the seventh keeper and purchased the Morris from a Bridget Evanson in June 2000. He considers the coachwork to be "fair", the paintwork "original" and the engine, gearbox and interior trim "good". 'WTB 376D' is taxed until the end of May and MOT'd into September.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035