THE MINOR’S LIFE IN FULL

(CONTINUED)

1960 A British first, and new colours

Minor assembly starts at Abingdon, where demand for MGs has slowed; it continues into 1964. Meanwhile, a milestone is achieved on 22 December when the Minor becomes the first British car to reach a production total of one million. A special edition follows, in distinctive lilac paint. Wheels and grille bars become Old English White, from Pearl Grey. NUMBERS BUILT 95,316, PLUS 17,177 LCVS

1961 Minor Millions and the end of leather upholstery

Although the first Minor Million is built at the end of 1960, the special edition isn’t generally available until 1961. There are 350, all with ‘Minor 1,000,000’ badges. Flashing indicators become standard in August, along with seat belt anchorage points. Then in October, Deluxe models lose their leather seats and get two-tone Vynide instead. NUMBERS BUILT 61,473, PLUS 20,597 LCVS

1962 After 13 years, the definitive Minor arrives

Changes to BMC’s other models result in the A-series engine being enlarged to 1098cc, and this replaces the 948cc size in the Minor. Its 48bhp prompts fatter 5.20 tyres and larger front brakes, plus taller axle gearing. Payload of the light commercials rises from 5cwt to 6cwt, and vans get bigger rear door windows. NUMBERS BUILT 57,194, PLUS 14,872 LCVS

1963 New lamps for old, and a new door lock

Although Minors already have flashing indicators, these aren’t easily visible. So new front and rear light units are introduced, each with a large amber turn signal section. There’s only ever been a keylock on the driver’s door, so fitting one to the other side seems revolutionary! Meanwhile, annual production has been dropping steadily… NUMBERS BUILT 45,801, PLUS 14,556 LCVS

1964 More interior changes

Sales volumes don’t justify continuing assembly at Abingdon, and so it’s brought to an end. Meanwhile, there are several changes to the interior. Spot the new two-spoke steering wheel in place of the original three-spoke type, a black crash pad on the parcels shelf, a black speedo face, and heat-formed vinyl for the seats and door trims. NUMBERS BUILT 41,899, PLUS 15,125 LCVS

1965 … and that’s as good as it gets

There are no changes to the Minor during 1965, and there never would be any more of real significance. There are still six production models two- and four-door saloons, convertible, traveller, van and pick-up. It’s quite clear by this stage that sales are slowing – despite Britain’s love affair with the Minor. Time for a replacement? BMC has no plans… NUMBERS BUILT 38,969 PLUS 16,576 LCVS

1966 A year of not very much at all

By this stage, BMC has stopped developing the Minor, although it’s selling well enough to justify production. In 1966, the biggest news for the Minor (now 18 years old) is the introduction of sealedbeam headlamps. Oh, and Snowberry White replaces the famed Old English White for the grille bars, while the wheels go to a silver finish. NUMBERS BUILT 38,353, PLUS 13,462 LCVS

1967 A year of retrenchment

Mid-decade, new safety and exhaust emissions regulations arrive in the USA, and emissions re-quirements are scheduled to tighten for 1968. The Minor’s 1098cc A-series engine can’t meet them as it stands, and BMC won’t spend any money on making changes. So, 1967 is the last year for Minors in the USA. Chassis-cab versions of the LCVs cease production. NUMBERS BUILT 37,362 PLUS 16,976 LCVS

1968 Austins join the line-up

It’s the year of British Leyland’s formation, as British Motor Holdings (BMC plus Jaguar) merge with Leyland Truck and Bus, which owns Standard-Triumph. Rationalisation appears in the unlikely form of Minor vans and pick-ups wearing Austin badges together with crinkly grille bars. Bullishly, British Leyland raises the payload to 8cwt too. NUMBERS BUILT 32,213 PLUS 25,531 LCVS

1969 Gradually winding down

British Leyland is beginning to get a grip… of sorts. The further signs of rationalisation this year begin in June as the last Minor convertible is built. A month later, Traveller production is moved to the Adderley Park commercial vehicles plant in Birmingham. It’s clear that the Morris Minor’s demise is now in sight. NUMBERS BUILT 28,279 PLUS 24,813 LCVS

1970 The last-chance saloons

British Leyland management has called for an all-new car to replace the Minor as soon as possible, and ADO28 goes ahead, using simple technology and some carry-over Minor items. It emerges in 1971 as the underwhelming Morris Marina. In preparation, the two- and four-door saloon versions of the Minor go out of production in November. NUMBERS BUILT 22,981 PLUS 20,293 LCVS

1971 Minor at the end of the road

The Traveller remains in production, although not many are built before assembly comes to a halt in April. Adderley Park is scheduled for closure, but continues to build Minor vans and pick-ups right up until the end of the year. Many of the last vans go to the Post Office, including the very last van of all in December 1971. NUMBERS BUILT 3270 PLUS 27,576 LCVS