Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Rick · Last edited by Rick on Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

Dad and I went on a voyage East to collect this little machine, the weekend before last just as the snow started to come down.

It's been off the road since the mid 1970s, the lady I bought it from had been given it for her 21st birthday back in the 1960s, and ran it as a student.

It was quite dusty when collected - proper barn find material - and has since had a wash down. Overall it seems in pretty good order for an unrestored 77 year old car. The body frame seems ok, there is a little movement here and there, but I think it is more a case of some loose joints, rather than rampant woodworm (the hinge pillars are good). A couple of areas of outer skin, particularly at the bottom of the scuttle, will need some repair, and I think one front wing is slightly out of shape. The sidevalve engine is seized, so I might take the head off sometime and have a peer within (anyone got a spare headgasket they don't need??).

Anyway, a few pics:

I'm getting more and more interested in pre-war cars, so was pleased that this one came up. It really is a tiny 2 seater car, dwarfed by the 10/4 Austin.

Rick
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Rick (OCC Admin)
Various 1920s-1960s - Austin, Morris, Commer, Dodge etc.

Penman · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4123 Location: Lancashire

Now we know why you were clearing space in the garage(s).

What a beauty.

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2002 Location: Glasgow

That looks like a nice little car. What are your plans Rick?
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Rick · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:16 pm Post subject:

At the moment, the plan is to gen up on these cars (I've been scouring the Minor websites for the last few days), and try to free up the engine and get it running maybe. If I can get it to fire up, I can then get a handle on it's mechanical fitness. If it runs ok, it might not need much to get it roadworthy - nice simple cable brakes, so no hydraulics to worry about etc. I've been given a contact name for gaskets etc, so I'd like to remove the head and inspect the bores etc, and pour some freeing agents down them.

RJ
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Rick (OCC Admin)
Various 1920s-1960s - Austin, Morris, Commer, Dodge etc.

buzzy bee · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3397 Location: South Cheshire

Hi

So this is the minor! I love little cars like this, the older the better, but have issues fitting in them, as you know too well, the feet are a pain in the bum!

Looks pretty sound, can see you blasting up to the burthpore (Can never spell this) in that in the summer!

Cheers

Dave

PAUL BEAUMONT · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 1278 Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

That really is quite cute isn't it? What a smashing find, all together in one piece. That has to be the best way to buy them doesn't it? Thing in 25 tea chests usually turn out to be disasters!
Paul

Rick · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:11 am Post subject:

bob2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1722 Location: Malta

nice find rick, would love to find something like that!!!

is it a keeper?
u'll have some trouble though when you go out for a run since it s a 2 seater Razz

or is it a bench seat??

Rick · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 4:40 pm Post subject:

It may be that erindoors uses this one, there is a bench seat (of sorts) but it isn't the largest I've ever seen Smile

RJ
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Rick (OCC Admin)
Various 1920s-1960s - Austin, Morris, Commer, Dodge etc.

scott_budds · Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 175 Location: Norwich

Wow really nice little car...was noddy a previous owner?

Love to see this one back in service.

Buddsy

Keith D · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject:

That's a beautiful little car you've got there Rick. From the look of the photo's it seems pretty straight and rust-free. It's complete. As Paul says, the only way to get them!

Definitely a keeper, I would say!

Keith.

Rick · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 3490 Location: South Cheshire

Looks great, which engine is in it?

Dave

Rick · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:10 pm Post subject:

a really small sidevalve unit, 847cc I think, replacing the previous Minor's ohc engine.

R
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Rick (OCC Admin)
Various 1920s-1960s - Austin, Morris, Commer, Dodge etc.

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1882 Location: Herne Bay

Great little car Rick. Wouldn't try anything too ambitious on those motorcycle tyres though. Shocked

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