Morris Minor
This Minor has a few niggles you’ll want to put right, but it’s been well maintained by its previous owners and drives well
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The 948cc engine runs very smoothly, even from stone cold. Once warmed up and the choke backed off, the willing little lump provides enough fizz to get up to fourth gear with ease. The gearchange is precise and has a smooth, notch-free feel, with no reluctance going into any of the gears. Steering is light, but doesn’t hamper confidence and doesn’t show any play in excess of what you’d expect from a Minor in fine fettle. The brakes operate well, but have a slight tendency to pull to the right when pressed firmly.
BODYWORK CHECK
A thorough look around this Morris reveals no nasty surprises. The paintwork is in fine condition and all the panels match well, with no orange peel-esque repairs evident. The panel gaps are typically British, but are even throughout. Welding has been carried out to the rear wheelarches, but the repairs appear sound and the car’s belly has been well preserved with underseal. The panels are free of dents and dings, and the chrome finishers and rubber seals are well kept, if starting to get a little tired in places.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The first things that strike you upon opening the door are the seats. The red vinyl has aged and dried, but while the covers have not split, this is something the new owner may wish to refresh. Crispy sun visors and fragile door pulls are also areas that could use some attention; closing the passenger door behind you is best done gingerly as the strap is decidedly well used. The odometer stopped working in 1996, however the previous (one family) owners will provide a letter of authenticity regarding the true mileage.
UNDER THE BONNET
It’s refreshing to see the engine bay of a car of this vintage as unmolested as this one. The modern battery and refreshed wiring are the only things to suggest our photos weren’t taken decades ago. No pressure washer has been near this Minor’s four-pot, as while no major leaks are visible, it sports an honest glaze of grime and oil. The inner wings and surrounding metalwork is solid, and no misfires present themselves at idle or when the engine is under load. A loose oil filler cap is the only foible to be addressed.
OUR VERDICT
Despite the issue with the stuck odometer, the way this Morris drives and presents itself really does give the impression the mileage isn’t far off the displayed number. The amount of historic paperwork that comes with it is also a credit to its previous owners. Buy it, treasure it and use it… just not too much.