Morris Minor Race Car

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This well prepared historic racer had no idea what an interesting life it was to lead when it left the Cowley factory as a new car over 45 years ago.

Purchased new by the Police for use as a Panda car, the zip in the roof lining gives away its former life with the force. In its current guise it would probably be more suited as a ‘hot pursuit’ vehicle, having been transformed into an out and out racer sometime in the early Naughties.

When completed, it became well known on the historic racing scene for running in full Panda car livery, but was subsequently repainted with a more conventional colour scheme and in this form competed in the Spa 6-hours Historic Race in 2004.

Purchased by the vendor several years ago needing some work, he has just finished installing a fresh engine but has now reluctantly decided hang up his race-suit.

The 1293cc engine has new forged pistons, along with steel rods, a lightened and balanced crank, 296 cam with vernier adjustment and a brand new Rimflow big valve head with roller rockers. Sparks are aided by Lucas electronic ignition and a three-branch exhaust system and long inlet pipe with a 45DCOE Weber carb take care of the breathing departments. The vendor advises us that it has only run for a total of 20 minutes or so since completion and will need detailed setting up on a rolling road before it can be raced in anger.

The Jack Knight close-ratio gearbox has straight-cut gears and it has a 7 ¼” sintered racing clutch and a new thrust bearing (which is a bit noisy). The rear axle (4.5:1) has a limited slip diff and is fitted with Peter May two-piece halfshafts.

Rewired just two years ago at a cost of £1,800, it also has a big-pulley alternator, telescopic shock absorbers all round, anti-drop bars, flattened rear springs, front disc brakes, hard rear linings and the car sits on a set of Alleycat wheels with CR65 tyres.

To attempt to build a car to this specification would cost an absolute fortune, so why bother when this proven package is available off-the-shelf for a fraction of the cost. For a retired cop car it looks dead cool too. May the Force be with you!