Morris Minor Essential Buyer's Guide (sample)

STOP!

Don’t buy a Morris Minor or Morris 1000 without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Ray Newell’s years of real ownership experience, learn how to spot a bad car quickly, and how to assess a promising car like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Morris Minor & Morris 1000 community, to will one fit in your garage and with your lifestyle – this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Morris Minor or Morris 1000 of your dreams.

Models covered 1952 to 1971 – Saloons, Convertibles & Travellers Morris Minor Series ll (803cc) 1953-1956 Morris 1000 (948cc) 1956-1962 Morris 1000 (1098cc) 1962-1971

The Essential Buyer’s Guide MORRIS MINOR & 1000

£9.99 UK / $19.95 USA

The Essential Buyer’s Guide MORRIS

MINOR & 1000 Saloons, Travellers & Convertibles 1952 to 1971

www.velocebooks.com Veloce

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Your marque expert: Ray Newell

15/2/07 14:20:46

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Contents Introduction & thanks

– the purpose of this book...............3

1 Is it the right car for you?

– marriage guidance........................5

2 Cost considerations

– affordable, or a money pit?............7

3 Living with a Morris Minor

– will you get along together?...........8

4 Relative values

– which model for you? . .................10

5 Before you view

– be well informed............................13

6 Inspection equipment

– these items will really help.............16

7 Fifteen minute evaluation

10 Auctions

– sold! Another way to buy your dream..................................................40

11 Paperwork

– correct documentation is essential!.............................................42

12 What's it worth to you?

– let your head rule your heart!.........44

13 Do you really want to restore?

– it’ll take longer and cost more than you think..............................................46

14 Paint problems

– bad complexion, including dimples, pimples and bubbles...........................48

15 Problems due to lack of use

– walk away or stay?........................17

– just like their owners, Morris Minors need exercise!.....................................49

8 Key points

16 The Community

– where to look for problems............22

9 Serious evaluation

– 60 minutes for years of enjoyment............................................24

– key people, organisations and companies in the Morris Minor world...51

17 Vital statistics

– essential data at your fingertips.....54

Index ...............................................64 Publisher’s note Throughout this book the model name Morris Minor can be taken to include the Morris 1000, except where the models are being described separately.

Essential Buyer’s GuideTM currency

At the time of publication a BG unit of currency “l” equals approximately £1.00/US$2.00/Euro 1.50. Please adjust to suit current exchange rates.

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4 Relative values – which model for you?

See Chapter 12 for value assessment. This chapter shows in percentage terms the relative value of individual Series ll models in good Convertible with condition in the characteristic UK. Concours split screen and Contrasting painted grille on early Series ‘cheesegrater’ cars (in as-new grille. condition or better) ll Traveller. will command double or even treble prices, while restoration projects will be worth as little as a tenth. Values for vehicles in other countries will vary enormously.

There are two main considerations to bear in mind when reviewing the model range covering the period 1952-1971. First, the actual model type, two- or four-door Saloon, Convertible or Traveller. Second, the production Series to which the vehicle belongs: Series ll 803cc (early or late), Morris Minor 948cc (designated Series lll), or Morris 1000 1098cc (designated Series 5).

The combination of these two facets allows for a considerable range of models to choose from. For ease of reference, all body styles will be considered in the sequence they entered production.

Series ll. Split windscreen (early type) 1952-1954

Saloons: 803cc. Introduced in August 1952 as four-door Saloon; two-door and Convertible models followed in January 1953. These vehicles were produced alongside the Series MM sidevalve models until February 1953 when the Series MM models were phased out. Initially the change was barely discernible as the same monocoque bodyshell was used. A reshaped bulkhead crossmember was incorporated to accommodate the taller OHV engine. Apart from a change to the bonnet badging, the main changes centred on the adoption of Austin mechanicals – 803cc engine and transmission.

Key features Split windscreen, ‘cheesegrater’ grille with vertical slats, trademark gold coloured dash with cluster of gauges directly in front of driver, rexine covered board headlining. Convertible models: fixed rear side windows and hood with small celluloid rear window.

Saloons – 60% Convertibles – 85%

Series ll four-door Saloon with revised grille.

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vehicles, the Morris Minor still returns a respectable 40mpg when driven sensibly. All vehicles qualify for road fund tax exemption in the UK, given that they are designated as historic vehicles. Cheap insurance with a variety of mileage options linked to agreed value classic vehicle schemes means that essential overheads can be kept at affordable levels. The Top down motoring – open air options. reassurance that spare parts are readily available and that there is an active network of traders, enthusiasts and likeminded owners ready to help in the event of any problems, is a real bonus.

For those owners who prefer to do their own servicing and routine maintenance, the Morris Minor is a joy to work on. Unlike most modern day cars, there is room to work in the engine bay. Simplicity was the watchword in the original design and those with a modicum of engineering nous can tackle most mechanical repairs with a fair degree of confidence. The A-Series engine is a robust unit with an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity. It is also easy to work on, and replacement components are readily available. Traveller owners will soon become aware of the need for thorough maintenance of the ash frame which is a structural part of the vehicle. Regular stripping and revarnishing of the wood with a recommended preservative and clear varnish will pay dividends in the long run.

Comfort was not necessarily foremost in Alec Issigonis’ mind when he designed the Morris Minor ‌ or the Mini come to that. A legacy of that concept is that even the most modern of Minors had seats which left something to be desired in terms of lumbar support and padding. Consequently, many Morris Minors have had improved seating fitted retrospectively. Fully contoured, adjustable reclining seats from vehicles such as the MG Metro are commonplace in many later Minors which are in more regular use. Other mechanical upgrades are often fitted too. It is not unusual to find disc brake conversions from the Morris Marina, 5-speed gearboxes from Toyota, 1275 MG Midget engines, brake servos and alternator conversions. All of these are worthwhile additions to improve the comfort and driveability of the Minor, and make it more suitable for everyday use. Many other after-market accessories including more powerful heaters, and heated rear screens are available too. In most cases these items do not detract from the essential character of the original vehicles.

Morris Minor Saloons continued in production until 1970.

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13 Do you really want to restore? – it will take longer and cost more than you think

Before: would you tackle this?

After: would you buy it now to finish?

One of the biggest dilemmas when buying a Morris Minor is whether to spend your hard earned cash or inheritance on buying the best condition car available at the time, or to take on a cheaper car needing considerable work, or even a full restoration. The decision may be influenced by a number of factors: the rarity of the vehicle, the challenge of completing a restoration to the standard you want, or the fact that it is a means of getting what you want by spreading the cost over a longer period of time.

One thing is for certain, if you decide to embark on a restoration, the biggest single expense will not be the initial cost of the vehicle, or the parts needed. It will almost certainly be the labour costs involved, particularly if you are intending to employ the services of a professional restorer.

Assuming you are not skilled in all facets of restoration, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding who will do the restoration. Firstly, do you know anything about the company or individual? Have you seen any examples of the work they have done on other similar cars?

Do they have any genuine letters of recommendation from satisfied customers? Are they located close enough to you so that you can keep a regular check on progress?

Once you have agreed who to employ, it is imperative that you make it crystal clear what it is you want doing. Making assumptions that the restorer can read your mind is a recipe for disaster. Spell it out if you want a nuts and bolts rebuild with a bare metal respray, and all glass removed. Advise on Neglected the new old stock panels you want, including any you will engine – cheaper supply yourself. Have an open and ongoing dialogue with to put right the restorer, but bear in mind, they have work to do and will than structural charge for their time. metalwork.

46

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Ex Gd Av Po 4 3 2 o 1 Exterior trim q o o Bumper blades, badges, 2-door door handles, as well as bonnet and boot hinges, are readily available from specialist suppliers. Apart from the bumper blades, all other items are produced using mazak or ‘monkey metal’. Over time, this has a tendency to pit badly and is difficult to replate/rechrome.

Consequently, new replacement parts are necessary.

Morris 1000 parts are more readily available than those for earlier Series II models. Rare items include the chrome split windscreen inserts which are chrome on brass, and although flimsy, can be replated. Other rarities include rear boot badges that have a reflector fitted, and rear boot hinges which have a different profile to later 1000 items.

Ex Gd Av Po 4 3 2 o 1 Wipers q o o Wiper arms and blades are quite different in terms of design Badging varied across the model range. Arms and blades can be accessed slightly throughout the model range. fairly easily, though the early Series II items are the province of Early Series ll had autojumbles and owners club sources. boot badge with Ex Gd Av Po reflector.

4 3 2 o 1 q o o Soft Top Convertible hoods and hood frames are different in terms of design and pattern for Series II and Morris 1000 models.

Rear window size varies, with a small celluloid panel being a feature of the canvas and mohair hoods originally fitted to the early cars (1953-1956). Plastic PVC hoods with a much larger rear screen were characteristic of the Morris 1000 models (1956-1969). These were available in a variety of colours to complement the trim. Availability is good with a number of Three types of specialist companies offering a custom-made fitting service. wiper systems A hood bag is not always available, as some owners seem to were adopted. regard it as an optional extra.

Ex Gd Av Po 4 3 2 o 1 Glass q o o It’s worth checking whether the glass components have been security marked. Provided this is not too unsightly, it can be an asset. Screen availability for Morris 1000 models is excellent.

However, for split screen models, the situation is quite different. The flat panels are sometimes badly scratched which can be a problem when driving in bright sunlight. It is possible Later 1000 large to commission replacement screens. window. Hood Ex Gd Av Po frames and rear 4 3 2 o 1 q o o Lights window aperture differed from Series Availability of replacement light units is generally good, although very early rear light bases, complete with red glass, ll to Morris 1000.

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Electrics

• Batteries which are not used regularly will fail completely if left uncharged.

• Wiring insulation in older cars may harden and become brittle.

• Connectors like those used on the fuse box on all Morris Minors will corrode if left unused.

Traveller wood

Neglected Traveller wood is a significant problem as the ingress of water into the joints causes the onset of rot. This is indicated by discolouration and some softening of the wood at key structural points. Some people mistakenly view the wood as decorative. Others are unaware of its vital role in holding the car together!

Rotting exhaust systems

Exhaust gases have a high water content. Consequently, exhaust systems corrode very quickly when a vehicle is not in use for a long time.

Lack of use may, in extreme cases, be signified by excessive plant growth!

Extended storage

Cars placed in storage for extended periods of time can suffer problems as a result of components degenerating. A good example is the Bakelite steering wheel on early cars. If it’s bad enough, it will disintegrate to a point where it’s incapable of use until restored. Worse still, irreparable damage to seats and carpets can occur if storage conditions are poor.

Hoods (soft tops)

Deterioration of hood frames and covers can result from lack of use. This is particularly true of plastic hoods with celluloid rear windows, which can crack and split. Damage can also occur at the point where the hood is tensioned against the metal frame. Apart from fading badly, mohair canvas and PVC hoods do not take kindly to being stored in damp conditions. The fabric will rot quickly in these circumstances.

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STOP!

Don’t buy a Morris Minor or Morris 1000 without buying this book FIRST! Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from Ray Newell’s years of real ownership experience, learn how to spot a bad car quickly, and how to assess a promising car like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Morris Minor & Morris 1000 community, to will one fit in your garage and with your lifestyle – this is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Morris Minor or Morris 1000 of your dreams.

Models covered 1952 to 1971 – Saloons, Convertibles & Travellers Morris Minor Series ll (803cc) 1953-1956 Morris 1000 (948cc) 1956-1962 Morris 1000 (1098cc) 1962-1971

The Essential Buyer’s Guide MORRIS MINOR & 1000

£9.99 UK / $19.95 USA

The Essential Buyer’s Guide MORRIS

MINOR & 1000 Saloons, Travellers & Convertibles 1952 to 1971

www.velocebooks.com Veloce

V4101 MMinorEBG-FullCoverR1202071 1

Your marque expert: Ray Newell

15/2/07 14:20:46