When we think of the Morris Minor, the mind naturally wanders to imagery of the car that truly did popularise the name. However, the reality of the Minor of the late ‘40 was that it was in fact resurrecting a prior name from the Morris stable.
The first Minor, which is what we have for auction here, was introduced in 1928. It was designed to be the car that would take the fight to Austin, which by that point had become the brand that gave a nation the car, care of the baby Seven. William Morris, upon releasing millions after the sale of stock market listing of preference shares in his business, did the only logical thing he could. He bought Wolseley, which was of course founded by Herbert Austin. And then, with this new company combining with his, he could create a new car. That new car, which was much more advanced that the Seven, was the Minor.
Despite the design being rushed - William Morris acquired Wolseley and created the Minor in around eighteen months - the car was a hit. Available in a range of body styles, it was a versatile little car that was never short on way of being useful. Car, tourer, coupe, sports and even van versions were all available. There was even, in 1930, a £100 version. Stripped down and basic, this two-seater S.V Minor proved a popular choice for those desperate to get behind the wheel. That’s about £6,500 in today’s money.
Powered by a plucky 20hp side-valve 875cc four-cylinder engine mated to a non-synchro three-speed transmission, the Minor was noble and nippy for the time. One road-tester even managed to get the car to go over 50mph!
Of course, plucky and fun though it was, few survive today. The car we have here is exceptionally special as not only is it a Tourer, it’s also a four-seater, making it a very rare find indeed.
The current owner, a classic car enthusiast with a number of cars in his collection, has owned this little Morris Minor since 2011. He informs us that he bought the car from another private seller based in Bury St Edmunds. That seller’s father had restored the car, after which it was only ever taken to shows and events on a trailer. It was never driven to or from events, and was used sparingly otherwise.
With a view to using the Morris on the road, the current owner informs us that he had to change all the brakes, which are cable operated including a four-wheel handbrake system care of a lever arrangement. The brakes were the only thing that needed to be addressed initially, and as such, the car has been on the road and in regular use ever since. Though of course, given the nature of this car, regular use means local rallies and shows along with short drives out close to home - it’s not been a regular fixture on the M27!
There is a small folder of paperwork included with the Morris. There is the requisite V5 of course, along with invoices for various parts the current owner has fitted over the years. Small electrical components, service items, a new clutch and associated fittings. That kind of thing. The folder also has some photos of the car being used at rallies and some old MOTs.
While not as extensive as some, one needs to consider that cars such as this are exceptionally easy to work on. As such, maintenance has been done by the owner, as has everything else relating to the general upkeep of the vehicle. However, while there may not be a stamped service book (is there such a thing for a car of this age?), there is an invoice for every part. Furthermore, by virtue of being from 1932 and still being on the road, it’s safe to assume this little Morris is in good fettle.
The interior of this little Morris is pleasingly honest. There is some wear here and there, but there is no damage as such, it’s just a nicely aged place to be. The blue vinyl trim is in excellent order, with only one small nick in the rear seat. The seats are still firm and haven’t sagged. The carpets, which were obviously a more recent addition, are in good order and fit well. The lining on the doors is in good order, including the door pockets (though there is some slight peel of backing vinyl). The polished catches and strikers all function, there is no drop from the doors when opened and the wood is in good order and has been well protected.
The dash is complete, and plays host to a range of Smiths gauges for fuel, amps, petrol and speed, and they all work. There is a functional advance lever on the steering column along with an idle speed control knob on the dash just behind. The steering wheel, a black bakelite item, is also in good order and is free from damage. The wood of the dash is in excellent order, as is the capping over the top.
The car also comes with a full set of weather gear. The frame is in good condition and free from any corrosion, though it can be a bit fiddly to erect. However, once up there is the option to have the side panels in place (the slot into the doors and rear quarters via two pins each). These side panels need some attention, as the clear plastic is showing age. However, it’s all watertight and functional (as much as 1930s weather gear can be). There is some slight damage and fraying on the lower rear sections, but nothing that detracts from the aesthetic, nor does it impede the function.
There is a charming, rough and ready appeal to the aesthetic of this Morris. There is the odd chip or ding on the fenders/arches, and there are also some small imperfections in the paint. However, they add to the charm. As you can see, this little Morris doesn’t look battered, it looks used. This is a car that is taken out and enjoyed, it’s not nannied and trailered everywhere. A running and driving car in regular use, it’s going to pick up some ‘age’.
The lights are in good order, including the rear lights with their charming ‘STOP’ over-chromes. The grille is in fine order, with the fines and shell free from any signs of damage or neglec The glass, or should we say, the windscreen (the only glass on the car) is free from damage. So too is the fixed chrome surround.
Moving to the underside of the car, the wood is all clean and free from any rot. The chassis has been well painted and protected from rust, and there is no sign of any damage or any neglect. The leaf springs are well greased, the rear axle straight and free of damage. The little exhaust is corrosion free. In fact, it’s all pleasingly clean and tidy under there, other than the almost obligatory slight misting of oil and dirt on some parts. Though the vendor assured us this indicative of regular maintenance rather than any leaks.
The Morris’ 847cc engine was fired up via the crank, and it quickly barked into life and revved keenly. The owner explained that the 6-volt battery can be a bit weak until it has some heat in it, hence starting it on the crank. But, it is a car with a crank. Starting it via this is to be expected. Though there is an electric starter, so the next owner could look to improve the electrics.
As the engine fired into life it soon settled into a happy idle. There were no untoward noises, nor were there any signs of smoke. The engine, the owner informed us, is in fact the second one to be fitted. The original (which is included with the car as a spare) had an ongoing habit of blowing head gaskets. In the end, the owner opted to fit another engine, and the car has been fine ever since. It certainly sounds healthy. So to did the gearbox, which is a non-synchro three-speed manual.
The seller explained that the Morris has nothing of concern or note in terms of the drive. The brakes are now excellent, the engine runs freely and happily, there is no overheating and while it takes some mastering (no synchro, and central throttle pedal) it’s a joy to drive. More a car for plodding along in than going fast, as it tends to be most comfortable at 30mph or so.
Well maintained, this Morris is in excellent mechanical health and is regularly used by the current owner. He happily said he’d drive it almost anywhere, it’s on the button and ready to be enjoyed.
There is so much appeal to this Morris. It’s just an honest, fun, charming little car. It’s in excellent condition, but it’s not over restored. As such, it’s a car you can drive without worry. It’s not a trailer queen that will bring on a cold sweat every time it hits the road. You can take this, load up the family (this is an exceptionally rare four-seater model) and have adventures. It’s just fun. If it was capable of generating facial expressions, it would be forever smiling.
The current owner is only selling as he has numerous other projects on the go. Were it not for them, there is no doubt he would keep it. He has thoroughly enjoyed owning this car, and he has looked after and maintained it to an exacting standard. And cars that have been cared for like that are cars we should all be so lucky to have.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sales of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1932 Morris Minor Tourer
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