1966 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE

ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 45bhp@5100rpm TORQUE 57lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 75mph 0-60MPH 32.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 43,560 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The Minor driving experience is more involving than the cute olde worlde looks would suggest. The steering is nicely direct and involving, and doesn’t feel overly heavy or vague at cruising speeds.

It has very little play and is accurate on the road. The firm suspension jitters and bumps over rough surfaces and rolls through faster bends but does feel very connected – there are no untoward knocks or clunks, even over less-than perfect road surfaces. The front brakes have been converted to discs and the increased stopping power is noticeable, drawing up quickly and in a straight line. The pedals are fairly light under foot and the gearshift is good, slotting positively into each gear.

BODYWORK CHECK

This Minor was partially restored about ten years ago and still looks to be in very good condition. The panels are straight with good gaps and no dings. There’s a tiny blister on the lower edge of the driver’s door and a mark under the paint surface on the driver’s rear wing, but otherwise the paint is generally to a high standard. The bumpers are painted with chrome facings, which are excellent. This is a Canterbury Convertibles conversion and the change from hard- to softtop has been well executed, the red hood being in superb overall condition. The Michelin rear tyres look fairly recent; the fronts are part-worn Marshalls.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The front seats look to have been recovered in new red vinyl but the rear appears to be original. Although not worn, there is slight discolouration in the texture of the driver’s seat. Inertia reel seat belts have been added in the front (but not to the rear) and the new red carpets look terrific. The dashboard has its original paint and is still in very good condition. The steering wheel also appears to be in very good order.

UNDER THE BONNET

There is old Waxoyl on the inner wings, which are rust-free and show no signs of accident damage. The engine itself has an honest dusting of road grime, suggesting that nothing has been disturbed in some time. The battery and SU electric fuel pump appear to be new and the metal fuel pipe and many of the rubber fuel and other pipes have been renewed. As well as the aforementioned disc brake conversion, the Morris also has a new anti-roll bar.

THE CCW VIEW

The perfect and most English of summer classics, this Minor drives as it should and has the advantage of several sensible upgrades. Canterbury Convertible conversions have been around for years and its work is well-regarded. This one has the ideal colour combination, low miles and no obvious rot.

EXTERIOR Older resto still looks good INTERIOR Recovered front seats Front seat belts added MECHANICALS Disc brake conversion New anti-roll bar