The Morris Minor visiting us today is from the second go-’round of Minors made by the Nuffield Organization. The first of the breed hit the pavement in 1928 as a competitor to the Austin Seven, and it was barely a car – in fact, early versions had fabric-covered panels. But the pre-war Minor sold a hefty 86,000 units during its production run of seven years, which was a solid showing for the era. Fast forward to 1941, and despite the war, another Minor was in the works – this one designed to take over the “family saloon” niche once consumers could spend again. Unlike the first Minor, its successor was troubled from the start, with political enmity, mergers, and financial turmoil causing delays, re-designs, and personnel resignations. The new Minor finally emerged in 1948, ran through 1971, and was the first British car to sell more than 1 million units. In fact, total sales eventually reached 1.6 million. Here on craigslist is a 1968 Morris Minor four-door saloon with ownership records back to new, and an asking price of $9000. The car is located in Escondido, California, and we have Zappenduster to thank for the tip!
By 1968, the Minor had been revamped three times, with upgrades to both the body and the engine. The ’68 is powered by BMC’s A-series 1098 cc four-cylinder breathing through a single SU carburetor; output came in at 45 hp – a significant improvement over the previously available 37 hp 948 cc four. Top speed rose to 77 mph. The gearbox was upgraded from the old smooth-case four-speed to the “ribcase” manual, with stouter internals. Drum brakes are still found at all four corners, but at least they’re 8-inchers instead of sevens. The seller notes that the car has new tires and shocks. The fuel pump was also replaced recently. This engine bay is mostly correct, and in keeping with its spiffy condition, the car runs and drives well.
Along with body and mechanical upgrades over the years, Morris Motors also rationalized its manufacturing process to reduce costs. Unfortunately, that meant cheaper fabrics and finishes inside as the years wore on, and a slight loss of character as the car was altered to use the same lights and trim as other BMC models. The cabin of this right-hand drive example is neat as a pin.
For as much trouble as the Morris Minor gave its makers before it was finally launched, the model was critical to its designer, Alec Issigonis. The Minor was in the vanguard of the family saloon niche, and its prototype concepts and form contributed to one of the world’s best-sellers, also engineered by Issigonis: the Mini. Both are great cars, so consummately British – but to my eye, the dumpling-shaped Morris Minor is more appealing. What do you think about this tidy saloon?
I love Minors. Always have. Tried to convince my father to buy a new one when the dealership that serviced his Austin-Healey had one on the showroom floor. It was sold before he made up his mind….
This one needs a very careful inspection, though. The fit of the right-side doors and what appears to be some paint mismatching makes me wary of either rust or accident damage. A shame, since everything else looks so nice.
Assuming all checks out, this would be a neat little runabout, narrow enough that RHD wouldn’t be all that ig a problem. And if one doesn’t find it fast enough, the shared-parts nature of BMC (which, I believe would have been the official parent company in 1968) means more powerful 1275cc engines and front disc brakes are only a discarded Sprite or MG Midget away.
First and foremost, great write up Michelle!!! I’ve only seen a handful of Morris Minors over the years, I’ve always liked their styling. And I also agree, they’re like a British VW Bug. This one looks really good, if the condition checks out in person it sounds like a good price too. I was thinking, I’ve been seeing some JDM RHD little pickups running around the secondary roads by me, so, there are still people out here who not only can drive a sick, but also do it from the other side of the vehicle as well. A tip of the hat to Zappenduster also for this neat find too.
Had a Truck. The one vehicle I truly wish I never sold.
In high school in the 70’s, my auto shop teacher was a local folk hero of sorts. He raced on the side including Morris Minors. One year my final exam was grinding valve seats on a couple MM heads. He went on to write for a Bay Area paper, ran a successful auto repair business that is still open today and had a radio show. I had a new interest in small foreign cars that has never wavered. Thanks for the memories Michelle.
Am I the only one who just loves how the You Tube commercials jump in while you are reading, so the text suddenly drops from view. Nothing sells products like interrupting someone.
Cool car but that LUCAS sticker on the firewall refers to the wiring? I only heard bad things.
It’s ok, you can get replacement smoke in the event that the standard stuff escapes…
Lucas’ car stuff’s ok; the bike stuff a bit less so.
I have owned every Minor model except for the four door. They are fun cars, easy to fix, easy to modify and upgrade and they don’t ‘break the bank’! Every one got an upgrade to a 1275 motor, disc brakes from a Midget and two got Datsun 210 5-speed trannies with Rivergate conversions. I also changed the rear diff to a 3.7 (from a rubber bumpered Midget) for better high end. This one is a Cali car so rust should not be an issue. If you never had one and have decent mechanical skills, buy one and have fun! They are one of the best cars (drivers, not investments) for the money, fun and notoriety. Take one to a street rod meet and you will garner most of the attention (if that is what you desire). I once took a Traveller to a street rod meet. I removed the stock wheels and put on a set of period mag wheels and stuck a small surf board in the back. It got all the attention and there were many high end car owners that were ‘kinda miffed’! Little and cute makes a difference to the masses………
They make great pro-street cars, too.
EEK! The ’37 Willys reincarnated fender-emerging headlamps an’ all!
It’s The Killer Cars!!!
IYKYK….lol
I’m with Joey Mec on this one, having had several Minors in the past. They are great little cars but the right hand drive on this one would be a turn-off for me.
Ya just haff to learn to shift differunt, mate!!!
I don’t mean to be stepping on toes but OMG I can’t begin to tell you how I get frustrated with people asking if Our Morris Minor is a “BUG” (it looks nothing like a VW) OMG! Look I know not everyone is a “car aficionado or a British Car enthusiast for that matter… but Jeeze it says Morris Minor right on the side!
Same here, Lorin Guy….The coupe alway got asked if it was a VW… I guess it was the roundedness and the rear taillights that provoked the question to the untrained eye! Many, many times, people do not look at the name badges of the car.. I always built drivers and usually debadged name plates; besides, I know what the car is, so ‘off with the name plate!’
PS: does this Minor have any drivability upgrades
Change the front brakes to disc brakes. There is a kit available to install MG Midget discs. It’s not hard and well worth it if you want to drive these regularly.
I had Midget discs on our 1960 Convertible, but not enough for CA roads so I updated to MGB front Disc brakes… Much Better! Also 3/9 rear end with added bunghole and 1330CC engine with Weber and header… car appears very stock but the drivability upgrades are what make it more enjoyable, now all I need is a 5speed!
I have a 1964 4 door.Daily drive. Great car (that is older than me!) Nice example!