MORRIS MINOR (1948-71)

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL? An all-time classic that’s sensible and sociable in so many ways.

A generation of aunties, midwives, students, enthusiasts and out-and-out fanatics can’t be wrong.

An instant hit when the first Series MM trundled from the production lines into a bleak post-war world, the Morris Minor is truly a lynchpin of the classic movement – a car that will make you friends anywhere. For 70-odd years now these joyful cars have provided reliable, cheap and fun motoring, and they’re still a practical proposition.

There are loads of different specs of original Minor too, and you have saloons,

convertibles and Travellers to choose from, plus assorted engine specs.

Morris Minors are always for sale by the dozen, so there’s no reason why, with a bit of effort and a lot of care, you can’t get a good one. But be careful out there; Minors are emotional and might look friendly, but they can hide vicious rot or bodged repairs. Luckily there are lots of honest, helpful and knowledgeable folk out there to provide help if you need it.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO DRIVE?

Driving a Morris Minor is so much

more than tootling around laughing uncontrollably at the legendary exhaust ‘parp’ when you change gear.

Minors eclipsed just about any other small car on the handling front in their day. The light rack-and-pinion steering and excellent handling see to that. Visibility is excellent and they’re surprisingly roomy.

Performance differs from model to model and is obviously best on later 1098cc models, but any Minor will be fi ne around town and most will cruise at 60mph plus all day long.