It’s hard not to love the "Mini" Cooper as they are so adorable and tiny. But there is an equally loved British car you may not know about. It’s called a Morris Minor and although they stopped production in 1972, they can still be seen driving on the M1. The Mini and the Morris Minor were both designed by Sir Alec Issigonis. He designed the Morris Minor in 1942 when it was determined that the war would eventually be won and a new, small car better serving peacetime needs would be needed to replace the Series E Morris. It was very innovative for it’s time and it’s rack-and-pinion steering made it a delight to drive even though it could just manage 62mph.
They added extra power and the Morris Minor entered the United States market, selling almost 15,000 in 1959. The car was sold world wide, but it was a British favorite and the millionth Morris Minor was completed in 1961 and became the first British car to ever achieve this production figure. To many British drivers, the Morris Minor is a familiar, dependable friend. Because it was manufactured before the throwaway age, most of the parts are easily replaced with just a bush or a bearing, unlike modern vehicles. Most components can be lubricated and have extended lives. The Minor has been described as typifying "Englishness" and called a "British Icon" sadly faded out of fashion.
Books on the Morris Minor
Guide to Purchase & D.I.Y. by Lindsay Porter
The Secret Life of the Morris Minor by Karen Pender
Morris Minor Restoration, Preparation and Maintenance by Jim Tyler
Minor Traveller Restoration by Practical Classics
 |
| Photo by Lars-Göran Lindgren Morris Minor 1000 2-Door Saloon 1958 |
They added extra power and the Morris Minor entered the United States market, selling almost 15,000 in 1959. The car was sold world wide, but it was a British favorite and the millionth Morris Minor was completed in 1961 and became the first British car to ever achieve this production figure. To many British drivers, the Morris Minor is a familiar, dependable friend. Because it was manufactured before the throwaway age, most of the parts are easily replaced with just a bush or a bearing, unlike modern vehicles. Most components can be lubricated and have extended lives. The Minor has been described as typifying "Englishness" and called a "British Icon" sadly faded out of fashion.
 |
| Photo by Adrian Pingstone 1953 Morris Minor Series 2 |
Guide to Purchase & D.I.Y. by Lindsay Porter
The Secret Life of the Morris Minor by Karen Pender
Morris Minor Restoration, Preparation and Maintenance by Jim Tyler
Minor Traveller Restoration by Practical Classics
