Chassis No. M/AT3L 703821

Quite possibly the most fondly regarded of all Britain's post-war passenger cars, the Alec Issigonis-designed Morris Minor was launched at the 1948 London Motor Show. The first new post-war Morris design, the unitary construction Minor boasted torsion bar independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, and was indeed ahead of its time on many levels.

Powered initially by the company's 918 cc side-valve four, the Minor received an 803 cc overhead-valve engine in 1953. A pair of two-door models was offered initially: a saloon and a convertible Tourer model. A four-door saloon appeared in 1950, estates and commercial vehicles following later. In 1956 the Minor 1000 with 948 cc A-Series engine appeared, and the model received a further capacity boost (to 1,098 cc) in 1962. Despite the many changes the final Minor remained recognizably the same car as the 1948 original. By the time production finally ceased in 1971, more than 1.6 million Minors of all types had been sold. 

The charming example offered here must be among the best restored examples of any Morris Minor 1000 variant extant. This Series III example was completed new as the open-top Tourer model per the chassis number, fitted with the 948 cc four-cylinder engine and equipped with left-hand drive steering arrangement, exactly as it appears today. Extraordinarily well-restored inside and out, the attention to detail of the restoration is immediately evident upon close inspection, and quite rare for a car of this caliber. Carried out by capable craftsmen, the Morris Minor 1000 Tourer is finished in very appropriate Trafalgar Blue over a light grey interior, while the engine has been upgraded with Twin SU carburetors for a little extra punch. The history file accompanying the Morris contains many California registration cards dating back to 1980s, indicating Southern California ownership for the majority of the car's life. This British icon in wonderful drop-top Tourer configuration looks like the perfect choice for Sunday drives along the promenade. Beautifully restored and with spare parts readily available in most parts of the world, a no-nonsense design and technical layout, these wonderful little cars are an absolute delight for their fortunate owners.