People who have grown up in an era where SRS airbags, ABS brakes and seatbelts have been standard inclusions for years, might be horrified to learn that the most popular form of four-cylinder transport sold in Australia during the 1950s had none of these lifesaving safety features.
The Morris Minor was designed during World War II by engineering genius Alec Issigonis and incorporated a range of advanced features, including monocoque construction, rack-and-pinion steering, a low centre of gravity and torsion-bar front suspension.
Proposed features that didn’t survive the prototype stage included a Volkswagen-like horizontally-opposed engine and headlights hidden behind the grille. A proposed name – Mosquito – in honour of an innovative combat aircraft also missed the cut.
With Britain desperate for export earnings, the Minor was rushed to market in 1948 and Australia was a prime destination for CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits that could be quickly assembled into cars. Local Morris Minor production would eventually include vans, pickups and open-top Tourers, but not the complex timber-framed Traveller station wagons that were popular with British buyers.
The vinyl-trimmed rear seat in a Minor doesn’t look large but would accommodate four moderate sized kids – or three adults – without too many squawks. Most Australian Minor 1000s had 948cc motors (capacity after 1960 reached 1098cc), but the smaller engine still had plenty of torque and it took a steep hill to stop the little Brit.
Despite being of pensionable age, Minors remain fun to drive. The pedals are tiny, gear-shift notchy, and power almost non-existent. Once a Minor is urged towards a comfortable 90-95km/h cruising pace, however, it will plug on without complaint, and without costing much when tank-filling time comes.
Other benefits include ease and cost of repairs. Mechanical, suspension and brake components remain available, as are most of the electrics and some trim.
Rust repairs to a basically sound car won’t be expensive and some replacement panels are being produced by after-market suppliers.
Morris Minors are a great starting point for the novice restorer. Nothing is particularly complex and someone working alone in a double garage can soon have a Minor pulled down to its bare shell and ready for rust- or other repairs.
Some Minors will have been converted to use later-model Japanese motors in place of the originals. These cars could also come with automatic transmission and disc brakes.
Plenty of Minors were sold locally and a lot survive. Values have increased by around 300 percent since early this Century but excellent sedans remain available at under $15,000. Restorable cars can be found at $2000-3000.
The very earliest Minors are now 75 years old and may struggle with modern traffic conditions. Mid-1950s versions with the 948cc or later replacement engines can manage 100km/h and suffer no issues (according to owners who use their cars regularly) in suburban settings.
Anyone wanting a low cost, easily maintained classic which can step into the role of second family car when needed shouldn’t overlook the mighty Morris Minor.
Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Morris Minor 1000 (1956-62)
- Rusty sills, doors body/mudguard attachment points.
- Engine smoke and oil leaks.
- Cracked springs and rusty spring mounts.
- Spongy brake pedal.
- Seat straps broken and foam disintegrating.
- Lucas ‘Prince of Darkness’ electrical components all need checking.
Valuation Timeline: Morris Minor 1000 (1956-62)
- 1985: $1750
- 1995: $5500
- 2005: $5500
- 2010: $8000
- 2014: $9000
- 2020: $11,000
- 2025: $14,500 (Morris Minor 1000 sedan)
Retro Rides’ Investment Rating
- 5/10
