MORRIS MINOR 1000 SALOON

CHASING CARS

ENGINE 948cc/4-cyl/ohv POWER 35bhp@4750rpm TORQUE 49lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 81mph 0-60MPH 25.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 36-41mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, 4-sp man MOT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 78,609 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

A cold start requires full choke but the 948cc A-series engine starts on the button and pulls away from rest with no juddering. Changing down to second with cold oil in the gearbox can beat the synchromesh but this improves as the car warms through. Once up to temperature the engine runs sweetly with no flat spots and the steering feels direct and responsive. There are no rattles from the suspension, even when over rough surfaces and the all-drum brakes, recently overhauled with new wheel cylinders, pull the car up in a straight line.

BODYWORK CHECKS

This Minor has obviously had a high-quality repaint and an inspection of the underside shows that all of the usual Minor rot spots have been repaired professionally. The sills and seams around the wings are all rust-free, the only blemishes being a couple of very small dents at the base of the nearside front and rear wings. However, these are only visible due to a slightly

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

MECHANICAL incorrect shade of touch-up paint. There’s a small amount of pitting on the rear lamp plinths but the chrome looks to be in good condition and all the lights work. The door and screen rubbers look good and both side windows rise and fall smoothly. All the tyres appear to be reasonably new with plenty of tread remaining.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The leather front and rear seat facings are assumed to be the originals. Some of the stitching along the pleating on both front seats has failed and the squabs are creased but this is something that a new owner could easily rectify. The headlining is in good condition with no rips or stains and the carpets have

been replaced with authenticcoloured tailored replicas. The dashboard is free from marks and all the dials and gauges work correctly.

UNDER THE BONNET

All the engine bay panels appear to be rust-free. There are no leaks and according to the history file the latter was recently fitted with a set of new hoses and a new thermostat. Receipts also show how the cylinder head was removed and decoked in 2020 and a final under bonnet check revealed that all the fluids are up to the mark.

THE CCW VIEW

A well-sorted Minor would make an excellent entry-level classic and this fine example represents an ideal candidate for a first-time buyer looking for an easy to maintain classic with character. This car not only looks neat inside and out – it’s painted in a classic Minor colour – it also drives very nicely, too and with all of the major refurbishing work already done it’s ready to be enjoyed as it is.

Iain Wakefield

PROS Well presented, lots spent on it CONS Front seat facings need reconditioning

Excellent paint Popular colour

New carpets Clean headlining

Recent decoke Starts first time