Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ray White]

.

This is how we like to find them. 1954 Series 11 Morris Minor with just two owners from new and never restored.

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1954-morris-minor-series-ii-8Wkq38

Personally, I would have a problem with how to tackle it.

For lovers of patina, however.......

[mikeC]

There's no guarantee that it has had only two owners from new - it has had two owners since the DVLA computerised the records in 1983. It could have had a dozen owners before then, those details were not included in the update - we would need to see the old green log book for the details pre-1983. And with a replacement engine the mileage could well be 165,000 rather than 65,000; shame it's lost its original registration, too.
_________________
in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[Ray White]

Mike you are right. I posted in a hurry and also missed that it is a Trade sale.

[Rootes75]

I like the patina, would make a good oily rag driver if the price stayed low. Something to work on gradually over time and run while your doing it.

Sort of an entry level classic I'd say.

Yes, maybe some discrepancies in advert and I agree its a shame the original registration number is gone.
_________________
Various Rootes Vehicles.

[Ray White]

The absence of it's original registration number is probably the saddest thing.

[peter scott]

The earlier MM type dashboard is much nicer than the type later used in the 1000 that my Series II had. I would still avoid the 803 engine and prefer the MM despite being side valve.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[alastairq]

I'd have it as an 'oily wag' user....

Seems sound of underside and spring mount area?

The original engine & gearbox I'd remove & replace with a 1098cc A series, and a ribbed gearbox if one can be found easily?
This would make it a more feasible user in today's traffic. [For me]
Also, of consideration would be the availability and cost of service items, spare parts, etc.
originality is all well & good, but consumer items need regular replacing, and the later engines are easier for parts.
The other thing I'd add for practical usage is a heater of some sort.
I note that a previous owner has fitted inertia reel seat belts [fronts?] which suggests it being a previous user rather than a garage princess?

Drum brakes I can cope with...especially if fitted with modern, 'soft' linings [which are similar in texture to the original asbestos & cardboard linings?}
Oddly, I can 'smell' the interior already?
[I had two Minors as my first cars, pre-1970...both fo 25 quid, both 948ccs, one a traveller, the other a green saloon.
Even back then, I found the saloon's rear brakes actually didn't operate...Which didn't deter me from driving from Lichfield to Godalming for girlfriend reasons.
Just after I passed my test.
Before being posted to my new ship...

A Minor would suit me now [instead of an MGBGT] for reasons of the physical bending nature of my aged body...in other words, getting in & out of the thing, trying to retain a modicum of dignity.

Most importantly about this particular car is, it appears to have not been molested [much] in any way?
The most irksome thing I fnd with old cars is having to sort out what previous owners have done...or not done? I'd rather be the first to make things wrong...not the fiftieth!
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Crashbox]

[Ray White]

I have never actually owned a Morris Minor; I had an A30 instead; basically because I had been given it and knew it's history. I soon ditched the 803 engine for a 1098 and never looked back. The engine had come straight out of an A40 Farina rally car and went like sh8toffa shovel. However, I had to take the twin carbs off (shame) and replace with a single because I couldn't afford the petrol!!

I have, however, worked on many a Morris Minor and it is the 'cosy' early models that appeal to me. I am not sure that with the side valve engine it wasn't quicker than the 803.??

As has been said, the early dash was much nicer and there is something "quaint" I suppose about the split screen. My A30 had a heater which is a must if you are using the car year round.

[alastairq]

'A' series gearboxes had a weak 1st gear, if stressed.
In trials, this weakness comes to the fore, since 1st gear is probably the only gear used in anger [aside from 2nd].
I believe stronger 1st gears were available from the like sf Jack Knight, etc?
But I know little really, as I didn't persevere with an A series gearbox for long.
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Ray White]

[bjacko]

I fitted an ex Austin A40 Farina engine in the one I had 50 years ago without any hassle, other than the tripod lifting equipment slipping and everything dropping around me. Still don't know how the poles missed me.
_________________
1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP

[alastairq]

[Crashbox]

With the mention of Marinas, I saw a period B&W photo of a J-plate Marina (1971) given the Vanden Plas treatment on Twitter last night. I will say it looked far better and more convincing than the Allegro VP that was given the production green light.
_________________
1989 2CV

1932 Morris Minor S.V. Two-Seater

[Ray White]

Everyone knocks the Marina ...but I thought it was more comfortable and relaxing to drive than the Minor on which it was based. I did 100,000 miles in one and it only let me down twice. Both easy fixes. The seats were more comfortable and it was considerably quieter. The build quality, however, was lamentable. It could have been SO much better!