Update 9/20/2018 – Michael sent us a few additional photos of his Morris, so be sure to take another look at this cool little droptop!
Enjoy British motoring at its finest inexpensively with this fine example of a Morris Minor Tourer (convertible to us colonists)! Reader Michael J. has decided to list this beauty for sale with us and you can contact him through the form at the bottom of this ad!
Asking Price: $6,500 US
Location: Armstrong, B.C.
Title Status: Clean
Seller’s Description: This is a rare split screen convertible!
Body Condition: Michael tells us: 15 -17 year old restoration. The paint is still good but there are some road chips and scratches. Left side of hood and left door were damaged by by something coming off of truck I was following. I did a quick repair to the area and brushed on some paint to prevent rust (see photos). Top is 15 years old and while it still works it has shrunk and will need replacing soon.
Mechanical Condition: Car has a freshly rebuilt 1275 MG Midget motor and ribcage transmission. With the 1275 installed it became obvious the small drums had to go so MG Midget discs were installed. The speedometer has become erratic and some days does not work.
This little car would make a great outing car for an enthusiast family! If you would like to sell your classic vehicle, you can list it with us here on Barn Finds!
List your classified here on Barn Finds!
My friend has a Morris Minor PU with a 1275 Midget motor. His also was converted to a Datsun 5 speed which really helps on the highway. Decades ago I worked on a friends 1954 sedan which had a flat head. It was slow! My adopted cousin had a 1952 or so MG TDY, which is a 4 seat Tourer, similar to this Minor. Fully loaded it was also slow.
I live in Southwest Florida, which couldn’t be much further from BC. Too bad.
Generally a good idea to ensure that a Minor tourer has not been converted from a 2 door sedan/saloon. The fitting of this soft top looks a little strange, so some photos with the hood down would help.
The VIN # will tell you the original body style and colour
Hope this helps
The VIN # actually tells you the body style and original colour
The 1275 engine is more correctly referred to as a BMC A-series engine. It powered pretty much any small car BMC made from the Austin A30 to Minis and MGs. It was even licensed by Nissan for use in some of their small cars.
Actually BMC A-Series refers to a whole range of engines from 803 cc – 850cc-998cc – 1098cc and several 1275 types It also includes several Italian engines. A Midget or sprite 1275 refers to the Front engine rear drive version .
Further to Martin Horrocks comment: If concerned about authenticity of this Morris Convertible,gentleman named Mark Havard at ‘Canterbury Convertibles’ would be a good person to obtain a professional evaluation.
He has been restoring these for many many years. (There maybe a fee of course)
I’m surprised that it is NOT referred to as a DHC (drop-head-coupe) or possibly a cabriolet.
But only in Canada you say…pity.
A steal at that price! I agree with Martin–the lines of the top are off. I think that the back bar, the one above the back window, is way too tall. I can’t imagine how one would do that, unless it was fabricated. I own a ’59 tourer.
Rear axle looks a bit far forward too.
We owned a 49 and 58 convertible (still have a 59 coupe) and the tops looked just like this. Gives a nice large rear window. I suppose you could trim the bows and get a, dare I say, “speedster” look. Note the large wheels–these cars were expected to do a little farm work in the mud as well as run into the village. The price seems fair, it would cost more than that to duplicate this.
I’ve owned many Morrie-Minors over the years and this one looks very correct to my eye. The rear hood bow is that way to provide sufficient head room for the rear seat passengers. The mechanical upgrades should go a long way towards making this a very enjoyable car to drive these days.
Saw one in similar condition for sale at the same price about six weeks back in the pits at a drag strip, the consensus was it would be tough to work an SBC in under the hood but anything is doable with enough ingenuity!
not sure about the soft top
Rear view
Or the engine
Hood down
very nice 30 min 1 way DD (60 2 way). Frnt discs’n a 5 speed? I’d run it!
On the other hand:
All ways wondered what you’d get w/4 Keihins (I C 1 & 2 SUs in these pic).But then…
Who makes aftr mrkt suspension, exhaust, break, cam upgrades? (I do know several who makes the 4 cycle carb intakes).
Car has been sold