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.
Pretty cool conversion, the automatic sort of kills the vibe, and get a better gas cap! The ad is gone, seemed like a very reasonable asking price.
A bit TOO reasonable. I’m always suspicious when the price is too much of a bargain.
This is really neat. The Datsun swap sounds good. Unfortunately you lost me at the automatic. But there are some folks out there that probably wouldn’t mind. The car looks great!!! Nice find Curvette!!! And of course, Adam, thank you for the great write up!!!
Adam is correct about the Nissan/Datsun engine swap. The Japanese drive train swaps into these are very common. A gentleman in our British sportscar club who has many of these. Did one up as kind of a rat rod motif. It is very cool and pretty quick with “I think” a 1.6 version of this engine and a 5 speed transmission. Those Datsun “A” series engines can be modified to make quite a it of horsepower and can be real screamers!
Cool little car. If the engine was upgraded to a Nissan mill why is there a Morris valve cover on it?
Lovely car and close to home. Unfortunately, the link says listing was pulled by author so apparently gone. Sigh.
Have you ever heard of emblems?? You can badge anything.
Common upgrades for these include the 1275cc MG Midget motor and the Datsun B210 5 speed conversion kit for the 1275 Midget. The Toyota 4AGE DOHC 1.6L 16 valve with T50 5 speed would get you more power, (easily 120 HP, over 200 with FI, and even turbo), but you’d need to upgrade the gearbox if you went with fI. You could also fit the Miata 1.6 L and possibly the larger blocks – up to 6 speeds. Quite a Dare Devil you be be by then. Maybe better look into the MG midget suspension tweaks, starting with Disc brakes. Keep in mind that the original MG Midget was based on this Morris frame, back when Morris Garages didn’t always say “MG” – so there are many refinements still out there once you find on that is still for sale.
Only missing a third pedal for feces and giggles.
If I were given a choice between this, or a VW Beetle from approximately the same year, I would choose this. I like these cars. They have an innocent charm about them.
Yes. The VW chassis is a 1940’s design and good for disposable beetles. A conventional chassis is more versatile and performance oriented. Later developments in unibody design, with McPherson struts are better yet, but nearly impossible to adapt.
MG and the british cars of the era remain the sweet spot.
Love the car. I could even live with the automatic, but the wheels and seats have to go now!
Back in the late 70’s-early 80’s, I drove a ’61 Morris. Swapped in a later 1100 motor, Sprite front discs and alloys. It sure wasn’t fast, but it was fun. There was a shop in Redwood City called Minor Parts, specializing in all your Morris needs. The owner had a Morris semi and trailer he’d built using a pickup cab. Good times!
Back in the 70s when at school some of the guys could afford to buy an old car but not afford to buy any extras. However, if you wanted to make your Minor look beefed up you could turn the wheels around on the hubs so they stick out further, beyond the mudguards!
Dumb comments. Nobody ‘added’ rack-and-pinion steering. Always there and legendary, known for its re-use in racing (Lotus, Elva, countless one-offs).
I have had a few and they are fun cars! I installed a 1275, Midget disc brakes and a 3.7 rear in my Traveller project and it got the high end up with little loss of acceleration. This one is OK with the upgraded seats but the automatic is a ‘No go’ In my book! You have to drive these cars…. the automatic is an American ‘Cop out!’ ( at least to me anyway) $5K is a bargain though in this condition!
Yes, the price certainly is a MERE $5500! It appears the owner wants a quick sale. I’ve seen junk on BF for this price. This car looks almost mint. Everything is so clean–spotless. If I were still driving, I would seriously consider flying to Marysville for a look. If I were not disappointed by finding an unpleasant and unexpected surprise, I would have a nice drive home.
I thought that Minors had a rack and pinion steering as original equipment
They do.
Ad removed from Craigslist 9/16