Lot 70: Morris Minor 1000

Debuting alongside Jaguar's superbly glamorous XK120 at the 1948 London Motor Show, the Morris Minor was somewhat overshadowed. An exceptionally advanced design, the Minor was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis. With a monocoque chassis, independent torsion-bar front suspension, all-round hydraulic drum brakes and rack and pinion steering the model possessed excellent handling but lacked the horsepower to exploit it. However, things improved markedly when the four-cylinder 1098cc OHV A-series equipped Series V was introduced in 1962. With up to 45bhp and 60lbft of torque being transmitted to its rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox, the Series V was reputedly capable of 77mph. Finished in black with red upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly a "one family owner car" that was "dry stored for over twenty-five years", 'GNB 933D' is further understood to have covered just 39,500 miles from new. Said to have been "extensively refurbished since emerging from hibernation", a process that apparently involved "very little bodywork", the Morris was nonetheless treated to "a new exhaust, brake system overhaul, full service and fresh tyres". Pleasingly retaining its original interior complete with "as new seats and carpets", the seller considers that this remarkable Minor "would achieve high marks if entered for shows or concours events". Worthy of close inspection, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2010.