1953 Morris Minor Series II
Deposit Taken
Morris Minor Series II
2-Door Saloon | 1953 | 803cc A-Series | 4-Speed Manual | Black with Red Rexine Interior | Series MM Front Panel for Extra Lights | Same Family from New!
Equipment:
Series II model. 803cc A-Series engine with 4spd manual transmission. Cabin heater. Halogen headlamp upgrade. Series ‘MM’ front grille with inset driving lamps. Flashing indicators. Electric washer jets. Radial tyres. Registered on 6th March 1953.
Description:
Launched in 1948 at Earl's Court as the ‘The New Minor’, Morris Motor Limited made over 1.3 million examples by the end of production in 1972. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis; who later went on to design the ‘Mini’, the Minor was originally offered in just saloon and ‘tourer’ body styles. The Series II introduced in 1952, marked an important evolution by replacing the earlier side-valve engine with the more modern A-Series overhead-valve engine, which improved performance and reliability. Produced during a time when Britain was recovering from World War II, the Morris Minor Series II became a symbol of affordable, practical motoring for the growing number of everyday drivers.
Originally purchased new from Beadles of Dartford by the current keeper’s grandfather, the car was the first of the new ‘A-Series’ Minors delivered in Kent. During that time, there was a universal shortage of materials for chrome plating - PKR 589 was supplied initially with very little chrome trim. The headlamp Bezels for a Morris Cowley were acquired to brighten up the look of the car. Along with those, the fitting of an earlier Series MM grille panel was also completed very soon after delivery by the original owners son (the 2nd owner). These ‘modifications’ allowed spot lights to be fitted as well as a chrome grille.
The car passed to the second owner (the current keeper’s late father) in 1961, and became the family’s sole car for the next 16 years. In 1996, the decision was taken to extensively restore her, including much structural work, replacement good-used panels, and a professional respray. Around this time the car moved with the owner to Shropshire where it enjoyed some use for local classic car shows and steam rallies. As time moved the car had less use before eventually being moving into storage with us for a few years. Now having decided the ‘old family car’ is just not going to be used and enjoyed as it once was, it’s has come time for her to move on to pastures new. Some recommissioning work has been undertaken by Creed and Shaw Motor Works last year, which came to around £1600 of work including a full service, sorting the brakes, fuel system and electrics prior to a MoT to prove its health.
Jumping in, the little 803cc engine starts easily and runs nicely, ticking over with a smooth ‘burble’ at the tailpipe. The controls may be unassisted, but she is very easy to drive and will get around town and country at a steady indicated 45-50 mph, albeit getting there very steadily… this is certainly one for more ‘minor’ roads than fast modern traffic! During the initial restoration, an unleaded cylinder head was fitted as well as an extensive overhaul of the original ‘smooth case’ gearbox. The steering is nice and direct and the brakes pull it up to a stop well.
Underneath, the restoration work has been done to a good standard and has had underseal in the past to protect it. The bodywork has a lovely aged patina to it but shines up well, only the front N/S wing has some ‘pitting’ in it where it has reacted. There are a couple of bubbles on the lower part of the O/S door and the odd scratch/mark. The interior is in good order with the original red Rexine seats. The dashboard is quite ‘patina-ed’ but everything’s there, only the clock on the glovebox doesn’t work and the indicator stalk for the trafficators – This has been replaced by a direction switch on the dash for the additional flashing indicators for safety. There is also the original heater in the cabin to help keep things warm in the colder months.
All in all, this is a well-loved little ‘Moggy’ which is ready to go onto its next owner, who can use and improve her as they go. Perfect for taking to little local shows or popping to the shops, if that sounds like your thing get in touch to arrange a viewing! The odometer reads 35,681 (although we cannot verify this), and the car comes with an MoT until 31st July although is tax and MoT exempt.
Price: £3.950
Please note, this vehicle sold on a behalf of a client, therefore we are unable to offer a warranty on this vehicle.