I’ve described this 1958 Morris Minor 1000 as a restomod. On the surface, it looks great, with the alloy wheels adding a touch of class. However, they are the most visible sign that this car is anything but average. It features an updated engine, and while it isn’t outlandish, it essentially doubles the power available to the driver. Adding to this little gem’s appeal is its extremely affordable price. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Morris listed here on Craigslist in Marysville, Washington. It could be yours for a mere $5,500.
While Sir Alec Issigonis is widely recognized for the Mini, the Morris Minor established his reputation. Admittedly, it was almost two feet longer than the Mini, but the Minor had space for four adults, and the trunk was positively cavernous compared to the Mini’s. This 1958 example is a sweet little thing with loads of character. Finished in Old English White, it looks first-rate. The paint has no obvious issues, the panels are straight, and there are no signs of rust. The bright trim looks exceptional, and the glass is clear. The reproduction Minilite wheels aren’t original, but they suit the car’s character perfectly. They are also the most obvious sign that this Morris is more than a pretty face.
The introduction of the Minor’s “1000” variant in 1956 brought an ugraded engine and transmission, making the car a more effective open-road cruiser. However, the 948cc A-Series four wasn’t a ball of fire, producing 37hp and 50 ft/lbs of torque. “Adequate” best describes the performance, but the seller has taken matters into their own hands with our featured car. Bolting a Datsun A-Series four under the hood of these classics is easy and quite common, and is the path they chose. They selected the 1.4-liter A14 variant that first appeared in 1975. This motor’s specifications are unclear, but it produced a healthy 70hp and 75 ft/lbs of torque when bolted under the hood of a 1978 Datsun B-210, which might be a good guide. Unfortunately, they mated the motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, which takes the edge off its performance. They also upgraded the rear end, bolting in one from an MG and adding rack-and-pinion steering. Even with the automatic, it should still be a blast to drive and faster in its current form than when it left the factory. The seller indicates that this Minor is a turnkey proposition.
Aside from the leather-wrapped seats and matching door trims, this classic’s interior is standard Morris Minor fare. The word “unavailable” would be beside features like air conditioning, power windows, or cruise control on the Order Form, and it appears that this car doesn’t even score a radio. However, the interior looks nice, with no significant wear. The painted surfaces are consistent, and the only thing worth criticisizing is the “banjo” wheel, which has a cracked rim.
I have always considered the Morris Minor 1000 an underrated classic. While many people focus on the groundbreaking Mini, I believe that the “1000” represents a triumph for Sir Alec Issigonis and his design skills. These cars got the battered British economy ticking along again after the trauma the country experienced in World War II. It is tiny by American standards, but clever packaging lets it seat four adults in relative comfort. This 1958 example presents nicely, and the mechanical upgrades will unleash significant performance gains. It has only been on the market for a few days, and I suspect it will have little trouble finding a new home.
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