Morris Minor
Fully restored by Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre in 1999, this car has been cherished ever since and runs superbly
what’s it like TO drive?
A Minor in excellent order can be a revelation, as is the case here. The car drives well in all respects. There’s enough acceleration for town use, and the rack-and-pinion steering is sharp. The alldrum braking system inspires confidence once you’re used to it. There’s no evidence of any suspension wear. And yes, there’s the traditional Minor exhaust raspberry on the overrun.
Bodywork check
The car went to Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre in 1999, when everything was repaired or replaced. It’s seen little action since. There’s the tiniest amount of bubbling at the bottom of the driver’s door but this is scarcely noticeable. The Smoke Grey paintwork is otherwise excellent and bears negligible evidence of being applied nearly 17 years ago. The chrome is good too, but there is a dent on the rear bumper blade.
HOW’s the interior?
Being a 1959 model the car has lovely leather seats, which are original and in excellent condition. The headlining is good, although there’s a little rust on the hinges of the sub visors. The door trims are good as is the original paint on the dashboard. All the instruments work well. The carpets are not the originals but they are to original spec and in fine condition. The fine spoked steering wheel is in good order even if the centre horn boss is faded. There is a small crack near the quarterlight on the driver’s door.
Under the bonnet
The engine bay is superbly finished. Everything is clean and free of any leaks or staining. The wiring is pristine too. The car runs as sweetly as you’d expect from a rebuilt engine with little use since and we could find no evidence of wear in it or the gearbox. Neither is anything overheating. We understand that an unleaded fuel compatible cylinder head has been fitted.
Our verdict
Here’s a chance to buy a Morris Minor without worry. Even the radial tyres look like new. Being a late 1950s car this example boasts leather seats, spoked steering wheel and other period joys. The full body and mechanical overhaul by a top specialist has stood up extremely well. Think how much this would cost to carry out nowadays, never mind the hassle. This car has obviously been cosseted since its restoration but sadly, in recent years, someone has felt it justifiable to replace the Minor’s original registration with an age-related plate. There are a few other small issues being sorted out before sale and the car comes with a generous six-month mechanical warranty and full service.