|
system also doesn’t lend itself to modern driving
conditions, so it's worth converting to an alternator for £95 if you’re
anticipating using the car every day, as well as fitting halogen headlamps
(£40) and an electric screen washer system (£30). Even if the car needs a
complete rewire a
new loom is
just under £100, and fitting it doesn't take long because there are so few
connections.
CONCLUSION
As long as the monocoque is sound, any Minor can be revived, because parts
availability is so good. But there will be very few Minors that haven’t
received attention to the bodywork. Your mission is to ensure that any
work that has been done is up to scratch. But there are few classics that
are seen in everyday use more frequently than the Minor, and that’s for a
good reason. Not only are they reliable, durable and easy to use, but with
a few sympathetic upgrades they make a perfect alternative to a modern
car.
Thanks To Giles Vodika of the MMOC, Matt Barwick and Barry
Allen, owner of the Aqua Traveller in the photographs.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| |
SERIES MM
1948-52 |
SERIES II
1952-62 |
MINOR 1000
1956-62 |
MINOR 1000
1962-71 |
|
ENGINE |
918CC, 4-cyl, s/v |
803cc, 4-cyl, ohv |
948cc, 4-cyl, ohv |
1098cc, 4-cyl, ohv |
|
POWER |
27.5bhp@4400rpm |
30bhp@4700rpm |
37bhp@4750rpm |
48bhp@5100rpm |
|
TOP SPEED |
60mph |
62mph |
72mph |
73mph |
|
TORQUE |
39lb ft@2400rpm |
40lb ft@2400rpm |
48lb ft@3000rpm |
60lb ft@2500rpm |
|
0-60MPH |
37.1 sec |
25.7 sec |
18.7 sec |
16.3 sec |
|
CONSUMPTION |
40mpg |
36mpg |
39mpg |
32mpg |
|
GEARBOX |
4-speed |
4-speed |
4-speed |
4-speed |
|
LENGTH |
12ft 4in |
12ft 4 in |
12ft 4 in |
12ft 4 in |
|
WIDTH |
5ft 1in (3.76m) |
5ft 1in (3.76m) |
5ft 1in (3.76m) |
5ft 1in (3.76m) |
|
WEIGHT |
1735lb (788kg) |
1870lb (850kg) |
1841lb (837kg) |
1811lb (823kg) |
|
PRACTICAL CLASSIC? |
WHAT
ARE THEY LIKE TO DRIVE? Early cars are infuriatingly breathless, so
the minimum you should look for is a 948cc car. Even better are the
1098cc versions although a 1275cc powerplant is surprisingly good fun
to pilot. Brakes are okay as long as you dont expect too much and the
cars light weight means a bouncy ride and light steering. A car for
the track it aint, but a Minor is so charming you cant fail to have
fun.
WILL I FIT BEHIND THE WHEEL? Whether youre looking at a tourer,
saloon, or Traveller, the interiors are spacious and comfortable. The
Traveller has masses of space for load carrying too - in fact the
estate version of the Minor could well be the most practical classic
car available.
WHAT BODGES SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?
Cover panels on underside of floorpan
Electrical nightmares from bad DIY
Converted two-door saloons being passed off as genuine tourers
WHAT SHOULD I PAY? The number of permutations of the Minor available
is truly bewildering, so check out the price guide of the latest issue
of the magazine.
WHAT WILL INSURANCE COST ME? Comprehensive cover for a £3000 1967
Morris Minor Traveller in Peterborough:
£341 for 25 years old, two years NCB, clean licence, 10,000 miles,
only car, kept on driveway, club member
£83.43 for 42 years old, full NCB, clean licence, 3,000 miles, second
car, garaged, club member.
Quotes from Firebond |
Back to Cars For Sale Index |
SPOT THE GROT
|
Rear spring hangers rust away all too readily,
but they can be welded up again.
Floorpans rust away, but excellent new ones
can be bought. At least they're simple.
Doors will split at the top if quarterlights
rather than handles are used to close them.
The front lever arm dampers leak. They're
retained even if telescopics are fitted.
Rear lever arm dampers also leak badly.
Telescopic conversions are the way to go.
|
Kingpin on front suspension wears rapidly
unless trunnions are greased frequently.
Clutch mechanism is mechanical and gets choked
up with debris thrown up from road.
Brake servo is a popular mod but not as good
as a decent disc brake conversion.
Early engines are athsmatic, later units are
okay. The 1275cc swap is worthwhile.
Trim is available new or secondhand for all
versions of the Minor. Seats are often worn.
|
