1. Morris Mini-Minors.
A fine collection of classics are in evidence in this photograph. Two Morris Mini-Minors are parked alongside each other, one registered as 822 CGC, the other as 6892 RK, both London registrations used from 1961 onwards. The Mk1 Mini was launched in 1959, the Austin version being badged initially as the Austin Seven (an example of which can be seen on the Austin Mini Mk1 page), while the Morris version was sold as the Mini-Minor.
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The Mini to the left has been fitted with an AA badge, plus a single Lucas Fogranger lamp.
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The full line-up of classics, from left to right, comprises the following: Austin A55 van, the two Morris Minis, a Standard 10-based van, and a Hillman Husky estate car. A 1960's motorcycle is just visible to the right, while in the foreground an unidentified car is parked. The Hillman's registration is SBY 40, a London (formerly Croydon) series. The photographer was stood either on a step, or a raised embankment perhaps, to get this shot.
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Supermarine Spitfire gate guardian.
Of more interest than the cars though is what's parked in the background, a Supermarine Spitfire no less. Original Spitfires were occasionally used as gate-guardians at RAF bases throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s. By the 1980s their spiralling values led to them being tucked away in dry museums, or returned to airworthy condition, their places often being taken by retired jets such as the Hawker Hunter, Gloster Javelin or the Meteor.
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Which Spitfire this is I do not know, perhaps someone recognises the location of this view? Biggin Hill, or Manston perhaps? The fact that all three visible car registrations relate to the London area, suggests a location in that corner of the country. The area in which the Spitfire is parked is roped off, a NO ENTRY sign tells interested spectators to keep their distance. Presumably the chap seen stood on the port wing is involved with the aircraft and/or base in some way.
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2. Mini Minor 850 automatic on the Monte Carlo Rally, 1966.
Two photographs featuring Joe Lowrey and Margarent Mackenzie competing in Morris Minis turned up a while back. The photo of them in Morris Mini Cooper reg. RTS 370 is on this page. The second photograph sees them competing in the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally, at the wheel of an automatic 850cc Mini saloon, registration DOX 352C (entry number 153). Not perhaps the most obvious choice of rally car ever, however on snow and ice, a deft hand at the wheel (and the fitment of snow tyres) could make up for their lack of power when compared to many of the other competing cars no doubt.
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Return to Page 13 in the classic & vintage car photo gallery.
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Other references to Mk1 Minis on the site include another page of Austin Mini photos, and the story of a Mk1 Austin Mini my brother and I found in a dusty old garage. As alreasdy mentioned, a period shot of a rally-spec Morris Cooper can be found on the 1964 Morris Mini Cooper page, readied for action on the 1964 Coupe Des Alpes rally.
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