British Bug: 1968 Morris Minor 1000

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?