1958 Morris Minor Convertible

The Morris Minor 1000 was one of Alec Issigonis's first masterpieces. Released in 1948, it featured a unitary construction with a torsion bar front suspension, and flat four engine. The following year, in 1949, exports to the United States began, which required raising the headlamps from their position in the grille in order to meet local codes. Body styles initially included both two- and four-door saloons, and a little tourer.

When Morris merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation, a Series II Minor was introduced featuring an 803cc overhead valve Austin A-series engine from the A30. Also at this time, a Traveler estate car, a van and a pickup were introduced, built on a separate chassis frame. In 1956, the engine was enlarged to 948cc, at which time the name 'Morris 1000' was adopted.

The Morris Minor 1000 was inexpensive and popular, with more than 140,000 produced for 1958 alone.

This particular example was found by the current caretaker in 2005. It was found in Central Pennsylvania where it had been stored unused for over three decades. A restoration commenced in 2009. The work included disassembling the vehicle down to the bare frame, sandblasting, and repainting it in its original shade of Primrose Yellow. The transmission was completely rebuilt and the front brakes were upgraded to discs. It received a new convertible top and the interior was also redone.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017