Morris Minor Convertible

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Launched at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, the Alec Issigonis-designed Morris Minor went on to become one of the most successful British cars of all time with over 1,000,000 units sold by 1961 and production continuing right up until 1971. 

It was conceived as a vehicle to combine many of the luxuries and conveniences of a good motor car with a price suitable for the working classes. Compared with competitor products throughout the 1950s, it excelled as a roomy vehicle with superior cornering/handling characteristics which continue to delight driving enthusiasts to this day.

The Minor came in several variants including two and four-door saloons, a wood-framed Traveller estate, a panel van and a pick-up. Most glamorous and sought-after of all was the convertible Tourer model which offered top-down motoring at a budget price. All models were gradually but subtly improved over time, gaining a one-piece windscreen, better heating and an engine that grew from a 27bhp 918cc sidevalve unit to a 1098cc ohv unit that produced 47bhp and could propel the car to a top speed of 77mph.

First registered in January 1966, this particular Moggie began life as a saloon but was professionally restored and converted to Tourer specification in 1993 with many bills and photographs on file. Sensibly uprated during the restoration, modifications include: front disc brakes with servo assistance and remote brake fluid reservoir; unleaded head conversion; electronic ignition; telescopic shock absorbers; high output heater and additional dash instruments. The whole car was also rust-proofed with cavity wax injection and underseal and an immobiliser fitted to keep thieves at bay.

The light green interior is thought to be original and is in very good condition, still retaining the two Bakelite ashtrays which fold out from under the dash so the occupants of the front seats can enjoy a smoke while they tootle along!

Old MOTs show that since the restoration was completed the car has covered some 15,000 miles (the odometer now reading just over 55,000) with bills for further upkeep during this time. It also took part in the closing ceremony of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, performing a choreographed ‘dance’ in the arena with various other Moggies. In very good condition throughout and said to drive beautifully, it is taxed until August and MOTd until September.