1960 Morris Minor Van Van

First shown in 1948 and remaining in production until 1971, the Morris Minor has been called England's answer to the Volkswagen Beetle, offering reliable and economical motoring to the masses without sacrificing the smiles and whimsy. Built to a more conventional formula than the VW, with an engine in the front that drives the rear wheels, the Minor - the work of Alec Issigonis, who would go on to design the Mini - was widely recognized as an innovative machine upon its release, with unit-construction body, torsion-bar front suspension and rack and pinion steering. The Minor was steadily improved through its first decade and a half with the introduction of overhead valve and larger displacement engines which were borrowed from its maker, the British Motor Corporation and their Austin line, but development never went further despite, or thanks to, seemingly eternal demand for the car.

Though it did not influence the American consciousness as deeply as the Beetle, the Minor sold well in the States, with as many as 25,000 finding homes in the 1950s, making the US a leading export market for BMC. Most were two and four door sedans, convertibles and station wagons. Considerably less common were the ¼ ton commercial vehicles, vans and pick ups, with only 1200 believed to have been officially imported during the years 1959 through 1961.

This charming 'Moggy Van' (as they are affectionately known in their homeland) is a nicely restored example that has seen limited use since completion yet is described as being in need of nothing to enjoy immediately. The practically appointed brown vinyl interior contrasts well with the very period choice of gray exterior and the sign writing - paying homage to the successes of Jaguar at Le Mans in the 1950s sets a fine tone. In van form, albeit unladen, these are surprisingly spritely performers and are great for zipping around town or even for transporting supplies to a vintage race meeting. Super economical, fun to drive and a delight to onlookers, this could double as a superb advertising tool or as a charismatic run-around.

Source - Christies