Morris Minor c’vertible
ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 45bhp@5100rpm TORQUE 57lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 75mph 0-60MPH 32.7mpg FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-35mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 43,406 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Like any Minor, this is typically simple to drive and with only 43,000 miles on the clock, still feels tight. Steering is pleasingly direct with plenty of feel for the road. The engine, though never the most powerful, pulls well and revs easily. Gearshift is incredibly light; it’s a finger tip change although the gate is a little on the vague side. The clutch pedal is firm under foot but not too heavy for use in traffic. Brakes are the weak point – it takes a hard foot bring the Morris to a sharp stop. The ride is firm and bouncy, and the car rolls through bends with neutral handling, going where it’s pointed.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car was restored in 2009 and the paint is still very good with an attractive shine. There are only a few small chips on the bonnet, scuttle and door edges plus a couple of tiny bubbles on the bottom of the driver’s door. The red fabric hood is the perfect colour contrast to the Old English white paint and is in great shape, folding up and down easily. The chrome headlamp rings are excellent, the door handles in good condition and the tail light chrome very shiny but with some surface pitting. The bonnet badge is in superb condition. The hubcaps and wheels are in good condition and the tyre tread is all good, although the tyres are of varying ages and should probably be replaced fairly soon.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The red vinyl seats and door cars are all in incredible condition. If the car had more mileage on it, it would be fair to assume that they had been re-trimmed, but these are likely to be original. That said, the matching red carpets have been changed for a new set and look great. The white painted dashboard is is very tidy, with good straight card forming the glove box, clear dials and a charming sprung three-spoke steering wheel. The front seats are equipped with static seatbelts, but there are none fitted in the rear.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 1098cc A-series engine has been uprated slightly with a new SU electric fuel pump, along with an electronic ignition system hidden away within the distributor; otherwise the engine looks unmolested, albeit just a little dirty. The inner wings are rust-free and have signs of clear underseal sprayed over the good paint. Encouragingly, there’s no sign of accident damage on the chassis legs.
VIEW
What says ‘British summer’ better than a countryside drive to the seaside in a white Minor convertible? This Canterbury convertible was restored ten years ago and remains in lovely condition throughout today. It drives just as a Minor should, too. Charming, and looks good value.