Last of the line
FINAL MORRIS MINOR SALOON HAS TAKEN UP RESIDENCE AT DERBYSHIRE CAR COLLECTION
THE last-ever Morris Minor saloon manufactured has been donated to a Derbyshire classic car museum.
The Trafalgar Blue two-door saloon, made in 1970, is now on display at the Great British Car Journey in Ambergate, near Belper.
It was donated by Ray Newell, club secretary of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club (MMOC), which also restored the car over a fouryear period.
The museum, which fills the former Richard Johnson & Nephew Wire Works site by the banks of the River Derwent, has been welcoming motoring enthusiasts from across the country since opening for the first time in May last year.
MMOC, which is headquartered in Derby, acquired the vehicle in 2016. Original components, including the engine and gearbox, were rebuilt after a specialist welder and fabricator handled the structural repairs.
The bulk of the remaining work was undertaken by volunteer club members.
Following its restoration, the last ever “Moggy” was displayed at the MINI Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire, where it originally rolled off the production line on November 12, 1970. Now, it joins more than 140 classic British cars on display to visitors at the Derbyshire showroom, sitting alongside famous marques and models, including the classic Mini, Ford Escort and Capri, the Austin Seven and Metro.
Ray, who lives in Ilkeston, said: “It is a fitting tribute to all those involved in the restoration – as well as the generous benefactors who supported the club in completing the undertaking – that the efforts of all concerned can be seen and appreciated by a much wider audience at Great British Car Journey.”
Richard Usher, founder and CEO of the museum, said: “Ray lives locally to us and has been a great supporter of the Great British Car Journey since its inception. I’m delighted that he and the club have chosen the visitor attraction as a fitting venue.
“It’s a beautifully restored example and fits in perfectly here.”
The Morris Minor is among the most famous vehicles in British motoring history. It was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1942 before making its debut at the 1948 British Motor Show.
It started a new generation of small cars, with drivers quickly falling in love with its light, rackand-pinion steering which made it a delight to drive. More than 1.6 million Morris Minors were manufactured between 1948 and 1970.