The original Minor – or poached egg as Lord Nufflield delightfully called it – initially complete with side-valve engine, was a sedate performer, and is even more so today, but thanks to delightful handling and steering, it’s still a great car to drive.
The Minor MM, launched so memorably at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948, was originally sold as a two-door saloon or Tourer, with grille-mounted headlamps, until the four-door saloon was introduced in September 1950. These had their headlamps mounted in restyled front wings, and the change was adopted by two-doors and Tourers from January 1951.
The low-lamp Minor was replaced by the facelifted Series II in 1952. It retained the split-screen, but now was now powered by the (Austin-designed) A-series engine from Austin’s A30. This engine only appeared in four-door models during 1952, but all models received it from February ’53. Later that year the wood-framed Traveller was added to the range. Many of these cars have been fitted with the stronger 948, 1098 and 1275cc engines from a later Minor or other BMC product.
The 1956 Minor 1000 was the best of the lot – and remains so for those who want one to drive as well as to show. The larger A-series engines finally provided power to match the handling, more so after September 1962 when a 1098cc engine replaced the 948. Larger front brakes were added at the same time. The 1000s are easily distinguished by their curved one-piece windscreen and larger rear window.
Convertibles were dropped in June 1969, saloon production ended in November 1970, but Travellers soldiered on until April 1971.
Morris Minor specs and dimensions
| Engine | 948cc/4-cyl/ohv |
|---|---|
| Power | 35bhp@4750rpm |
| Torque | 49lb ft@3000rpm |
| Maximum Speed | 75mph |
| 0-60mph | 32.9sec |
| Fuel consumption | 38-42mpg |
| Length | 3760mm |
| Width | 1550mm |
| Height | 1520mm |
| Weight | 826kg |
