1954 MORRIS MINOR SALOON

ENGINE 948cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 37bhp@4750rpm TORQUE 48lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 75mph 0-60MPH 31.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 34-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 78,910 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The unassisted steering is not too heavy and has a nice direct feel. The engine, a later 948cc A-series, revs happily, pulling strongly with good acceleration up to cruising speed where it is happy – more so than a ‘54 split-screen usually would. The clutch is very sharp with a definite on-off action, and though the gearshift is good, the lever is very tight to the handbrake going into second and fourth as the longer earlytype lever wasn’t replaced during the engine conversion. There is plenty of feel from the firm brake pedal, and the brakes themselves, while slightly woolly (as Minors typically are) stop the car straight every time. The ride is firm; the car bounces over bumps and leans through bends, but grips well and feels controlled. Other mechanical components seem to be in top condition – the car rides and handles well and the suspension and drivetrain function without fuss or complaint.

BODYWORK CHECK

It looks like this Morris has been restored at some point in its life – the paint doesn’t appear to be brand-new but still has a deep shine, and the pinstripes are very tidy. Even the trafficators work. The door and window rubbers look new too. The panels are blemish-free and there are no signs of corrosion anywhere on the car, other than a small paint blister on the nearside front wing. The chrome is generally in good condition, though the door handles are slightly pitted and the hubcaps have dulled. The skinny Roadstone tyres still have deep tread on them.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The red interior has been retrimmed, so all is new and in great condition. The carpet is excellent and the seats have been done to a very high standard. Despite being a fourdoor, the front seat backs tip forward, suggesting that they’ve been taken from a two-door. The metal dashboard has the correct shade of new gold paint and looks good. The door cards and headlining are also new and in good order, though there are some cracks in the original steering wheel. The paint on the (also original) handbrake lever has worn.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay has been repainted, probably during the engine swap, and still looks very smart. There is no obvious corrosion or damage. The newer A-series engine looks right at home under the bonnet and new wires and alternator suggest it has enjoyed regular care and attention. The radiator has been hand-painted.

THE CCW VIEW

This solid and sensibly uprated Minor drives very well and has been well restored inside and out. Relatively little work to the interior and exterior would make it close to perfect, so the asking price looks fair.