Lot 79: Morris Minor Tourer

If the mere sight of this car doesn't make you want to smile, say aah and ruffle it's cute little bumpers, then you must either have a heart of stone or be the owner of a guide dog.

Launched by Morris in 1928 as a rather belated response to the Austin Seven, the diminutive Minor started life with a Wolseley-designed overhead camshaft engine also used by MG. In 1931 there appeared a simpler 847cc side-valve version that has stood the test of time and remains one of the most endearing small cars that Britain has ever produced. Minors were far less numerous than the Austin Seven and only around 40,000 of the overhead cam types and 47,000 side-valve models were built before the more widely sold Morris Eight arrived in 1934.

First registered in October 1932, this delightful little two-seat tourer has had one lady owner for the last 35 years. During her ownership the car was fully restored including an engine rebuild by a Rolls-Royce engine specialist with white-metalling etc. Although the work was done 15 years ago, the car has covered less than 500 miles since but has been MOTd regularly and taken to the local car show - collecting a large number of brass plaques along the way. The vendor states that: The head has has just been skimmed and a new head gasket fitted as there was a water leak. There is good pressure on all four cylinders. The engine starts easily and runs with good oil pressure. A new 6-volt battery has just been fitted along with a new coil, condenser, distributor and HT leads. The car has a new electric fuel pump, pressure regulator, and starter switch. A new hood and side screens were professionally made for the car in double duck, and both are like new; the side-screens look as though they have never been fitted. The upholstery was also professionally re-covered and is still good with no tears or marks. There are no carpets but the floor-boarding is good with some new wooden sections. The bodywork is sound with some slight damage on the wings, and the paintwork is not new but is wearing well. It is a pretty car in good overall condition, not concours, but very useable although it could be improved with a little attention. There is some history - a letter and receipt from when the car changed hands in 1973, various receipts, old buff log book, a 1934 factory handbook, a Pitman's handbook, and the very informative 1965 Information Manual produced by the pre-war Morris expert, Harry Edwards. The car is MOTd to November, and will be taxed by the time of the auction.