I was in England and lived in Barton Le Clay. I served in the US Air Force at Chicksands AFB near Shefferd, Beds from 1980-83 . I bought one of these with the indiators that pop out. I think it was a 1958. I welded new floor boards in as they were rusted out and you could see the road from inside. I also rebuilt the engine as it barely would make it up hills as very low compression. I loved the car and wish I had brought it back to the USA. Thanks for the memories and showing us a blast from the past. Wonderful!
Morris Minor. Lovely little car remember one of my teachers at school had one and swore by it him and his family went everywhere in it. Great Memories!!!! . Alan/ Merseyside.
I had a 1958 traveller. £60 of shy-te. But I learned a lot at 17 - gearbox change, engine upgrade, a move to an alternator and electronic ignition, heater installed, pool ball gear knob, upgraded (fur) interior and seats, jacked up rear end usual array of lights and fogs. Along with 4 mates we flogged it around the country, but mainly the lakes where it was pushed up several hills - even camped in it. Happy days 'Tax in Post' :)
It's nice looking and in good shape and I like the updates. I own a 1952 4 door and it has the right had drive which makes it off to drive in the US. I wish you had spent more time showing us around the car, getting in and out of the back seat and the trunk with the nest wooden shelf and other things but that's ok. Thanks.
Thanks for an enjoyable video. Your comments were all so interesting. When you were making a right turn I was fascinated by the image in the rear view mirror of the illuminated trafficator.
This takes me back. My parents had a Series 2 van when I was a child - later replaced with an early 1000 Traveller and later still with a brand new 1000 Traveller in 1971. Lovely cars and the sights and sounds associated with them are instant nostalgia for me.
Whilst I avidly insist on originality in a car like this, I fully endorse the improvements you have made. That larger (though original moggy) engine seems like a good idea when seen driving down that road and the uprated fuel pump, ignition and alternator I think are neccesities these days. I like your touch of leaving the old electric boxes bolted to the bulkhead, that was anice bow to originality. A superb little addition to the moggy clan. I love it.
Enjoyable video Ben , she sounds very much in rude health !.A good way of learning defensive driving is by owning such a car without all the ' extras ' that are taken so much for granted today such as servo brake assistance and power assisted steering - it will hold you in good stead for the rest of your driving career and it already shows !.it is great to see young people like yourself taking up our motoring heritage and all the fun and acknowledgement it can provide. The ' snap ' sound of the crisply operating Lucas semaphores visible in the driving mirror is another evocative sound as is the whine of the gears and wiper motor - good luck with the car !.
I had an MM - the original model - with the 27hp side-valve motor, the "low-light" headlamps and the semaphore indicators. Dangerously under-powered for 21st century traffic, and people just don't see the semaphores because they are no longer familiar with looking for them. Lane changing in the rush hour was a nightmare, even in Canberra (which is a pretty relaxed place). Your Series II would have had the 30hp motor - hardly an improvement - so you are much better off with the 37hp motor from the original Minor 1000 Doesn't sound much of an improvement, I know, but at these puny power outputs any improvement is big improvement. I contemplated putting a 48hp 1098cc (or even a 57hp 1275cc) from a Marina but decided that it wasn't worth the effort unless I was prepared to change the gearbox and improve the brakes and lights as well. I sold it in its stock condition, which in hindsight was probably a sensible call. Regardless, I wish you well with your Series II and envy you. (My Honda is smoother, but completely soulless!)
Definitely was a "sensible call" keeping your MM stock as original models are now highly sought after and the price will only ever go one way and thats UP!!
Underneath the ignition key out of sight was a thumb nail switch that turned on dashboard speedometer light.Not sure if it was in that model though. If it is don't forget to turn it off again otherwise flat battery.
few years ago I found a 53 mm (side valve) in a shed. few more years later I had restored Uncle Albert to good health. Anyone know where OKA 432 now is?
@Fredrik Larsson HI Fred, Nope actually my Uncle Albert and Aunt Gladys lived next door to Great Great dada and Great Nana. We lived over the road next to Grandmar and Grandad. All in the same street! They men had all served in world war one or two and come home in one piece. However, they were as mad as hatters. Once, they went on a trip to collect Ship S--t from a farm in Derbyshire they rated as being the best for tomatoes. And they played a mean game of Dominoes. The MM was named after Albert because it had a front windscreen like his glasses.. Have a nice day mate.
Hmmm. Not quite. The Minor was succeeded by the Marina Morris was designated as the rear-wheel drive brand; Austin was designated as the front-wheel drive brand. So the Marina replaced the Minor and the Allegro replaced both the Austin and Morris 1100/1300
@@oldcynic6964 point taken, of course! You are certainly right. You need to be psychic or something to keep up with me. OF COURSE, from a mechanical point of view, the Morris Minor was replaced by the Marina, being REAR WHEEL DRIVE. But I mean size-wise, the Allegro was more a Minor replacement, rather than the Marina, which was longer, with it's boot that stuck out. There's an amusing story that Minors were a favourite among VICARS. And that when the Minor ended, Allegro's "took over" as VICARS favourite cars. This was actually true in my case, as my own Allegro was " ex-vicar"!
Love your Morrie. In 1954 my parents bought an Australian produced Cream Series II two door. We went everywhere in it near Sydney Australia. Quite often there was Dad (driving), Mum in the front seat, my Great grand mother in the back with her friend and my sister and I perched on the edge of each end of the seat. We loved it. When I started Uni I drove the Morrie every day. The clutch linkage used to break quite often so I always carried a spare. I also became quite adept at driving it without the clutch! Ours had the 803cc engine which was pretty gutless so I eventually put a very tired "1000" motor in it. The difference was amazing. Great days. (My first "car" was a 1954 Land Rover Series I. Oh I wish I still had it. Mike in Oz
Brings back memories of my Second Car PDD 887. I also put the 948cc engine in as the 803cc was prone to Number 3 big end bearing going. Worst job was the brake master cylinder Replacment. I was a motor mechanic back then so it wasn’t just mine I replaced.
We made the best cars in the world in the 50s X 60s built to last. . Wish we still had them again ... Not the rubbish we make today 😞 😞 beautiful little car beautiful engine lovely ride brings back happy memories 💝
Was a good car then, still a good car now. That's why it sold a million.It's as simple as that! And the excellent accessibility in the engine bay in this, and it's successor, were DELIBERATE!
I have a 59 Traveller, also black, which is in regular use. Mine has a 1098, and is quite happy in non- motorway traffic. I find the brakes quite adequate if driven sensibly. I have kept the dynamo as I don't use it after dark, so don't need halogen lights. Also converted to flashing indicators. That's a must I think. Nobody knows what trafficators are.
I've had no problems with mine doing long stretches of motorway miles. The dynamo is probably more reliable anyway if you don't need the extra amps. I've had to replace the regulator on the alternator as it packed up after only a year. The new alternators for sale are all foreign made.
My grandfather had a black, slightly later non split windscreen model. I still recall its reg. no. of OCY 657. A shoe shop owner, one of two brothers, had a green even earlier model than your car, with a split screen, a small cream coloured speedometer face and very low set headlamps.
First Minor I drove was a Series 2. I've driven 948, 1098 and 1275 but not a Side valve. You say you are used to the old car and the brakes. My Minor has disc brakes but in other respects is still just a basic and simple car. I don't own a modern car and dislike driving them. You feel more at one with the car in something like this. You can change down into bottom, if you double de clutch.
Surely, there's a manufacturer somewhere which could make brand new "Morris Minors" with a modern engine, up rated brakes, alternator, etc? I would have thought a price tag of around £10,000 would be easily achievable - and would sell a million inside a year I think and soon recoup any initial outlay. There are many people out there who, like me, are sick and tired of the lack of new small cars manufactured today, amid all the crazy electronic gimmickry, especially included on EVs. I thoroughly enjoyed the video - nostalgia from the days of happy motoring!
My first car was a MM 803cc, can still smell the leather upholstery now..... The semaphore indicators were not easy for drivers to see, but I didn't have it long enough to think of changing them to winkers.... Mine was first registered June '55, a lovely little car wish I had kept it now.!
Bought a 1955 one without the split windscreen. It had the trafficators for 50 quid in 1969. As a 19 year old kid I spanked it and it finished up in the scrapyard a year after. I was a twot.
I had one just like that - 1956 with a split windscreen and leather seats. I bought it for £100 in about1975 and saw it for sale, locally, about 35 years later for more than £3000.
I had a 1957 Morris 1000 here in Canada circa 1970 and think it was one piece windscreen.Great little car that I could fix myself as a youngster! CHEERS from HERE! P.S. Also have had the pleasure to drive lots of bigger cars and trucks from the 40s and 50s with all round drum brakes and no power assist and you had to jump on them with all you had sometimes!
I agree. It had a new boot badge on when I got it but the previous owner kept the original so I put that back on as there was nothing obviously wrong with it. The new ones they make don’t look as good; the lines aren’t as defined and ‘sharp’
Ben, sincere thanks for sharing your video. I started a restoration of a 1961 Morris Minor a few years back. My interest took a turn during long periods of Covid lockdowns. I'd spend all week talking to a screen so by the weekend I wanted to escape. I have done around 2000 kms a year riding a bike since. I have never driven my Morris. Your sharing has reignited my desire to complete the restoration and to experience what you have demonstrated with your video. Sometimes the unexpected happens and I want to attribute that to you.
Thank you Ben for an excellent video. It is great to see someone younger using a Minor as an everyday car. Hopefully you arexa member of the MMOC Young Members Group. I had a new 2 door 1000 in July 1968, aged 17. It cost £686 new. It was in Maroon B with a gold coachline. I now have a 1966 4 door in Trafalgar Blue. I also run a 2021 Kia Picanto, which although it might sound like sacrilege, feels a bit like a modern day Morris Minor. Small with its 900 cc engine. Go well. Just super.
Hi Ben i really enjoyed that video , its great to see the fact that your MM is in such good shape , did you restore her or was she bought in such good shape
Thank you. It's always been in decent shape - never needed any welding doing as long as I've had it etc. A few things on it needed changing though and a few parts had to be replaced over time.
Enjoyable ride in the country side; in a Morris Minor! Here in Texas and needing that rain! Through the last 50 plus years I have had several Minors! Have a 1967 , 1098 now and it will be my last one! Be watching your channel now!
My first car was a 1956 4-door deluxe model - just like yours. - but in a fern green colour. I used to travel from Nottingham to Grantham every day to work - along the A52. The original 803cc engine was completely gutless - so I fitted first a later 948cc engine and gearbox - and later a 1098cc engine. The 14 inch 'Wagon wheels' with the narrow tyres were also replaced with the wider 13 inch wheels and tyres from an Austin A35 - and to gear it back up I replaced the original diff with one from a Riley 1500cc ! Even with cross ply tyres the effect of the wider 13 inch wheels was AMAZING - Driving around tight bends at speed the inside front wheel used become airborne - with the Armstrong Shock absorber clonking on the inner wing, because it was minus its bump stop rubber. You could also drift it around bends at speed - without problems. I remember one night someone driving up my ass along the A52 - he was uncomfortably close to my rear trying top push me - even at 70mph As I approached the Musson Gap bends, I knew that he was going to be in trouble as he followed me into the first left hander close to my rear bumper - I went around the bend with the near side front wheel off the ground - and he went straight on through the hedge !!! The windscreen wipers were also useless - each blade being made up from strips of rubber sheet - My answer was to wax polish the windscreens so the water would ball-up and fly off the screen. All this was 50 years ago ! These were very happy days. Hope you can read this David Bradbury !
A very practical & usable car, lucky you! I like the split screen, much nicer than the later full width, good that this is your regular driver, good spares back up and easy to work on, a sensible choice. LED bulbs will give better light output and you could replace the trafficator bulbs to LEDs that flash to further enhance visibility. Great car, thanks for sharing!
Hi ben. What a beautiful looking car. . i would be proud to own a car like that . .i love the sound of the engine x gearbox . It brings back so many memories . . ,look afer this beautiful little car . Its the best car the British ever made . fantastic video . .😊 .jay .north Dorset u.k .
Nostalgic. My father's first car purchased new in 1956. I was born in 1954. Drove all over South India with my Dad and mom in this. Over the Hills and over the rivers. Exquisite memories of far better days. Before that I used to sit before him on an Royal Enfield 500 with my mother on the pillion. Based in Ernakulam, with visits to Madras (Paternal Grand Parents) and Bangalore (Maternal Grand Parents) and every temple of note,
What a lovely car was reg the year I was born so around 66 years old, and you have taken great care of it, I do understand the small mods you have made it, great video thanks for sharing it with us 😊
Brings back memories. My father ran a van version in his business in the early 60s and I almost bought one in Traveller guise in the late 70s. I remember the asking price, used condition, at that time was UKP 600! I wish i had bought that one. By the way which part of England are you driving through in the vid?
EXCELLENT CAR.THE ENGINE AND GEARBOX OK WITH THE LONG GEARSTICK.FROM THE 803 CC OHV ENGINE. THE PROBLEM TO ME IS THE LARGER BACK WINDOW.THIS ONE NOT THE LATER FULL BACK WINDOW. THE 803 CC ONE WE HAD HAD A MUCH SMALLER BACK WINDOW AS THE EARLY SIDE VALVE ENGINE. DID THE BACK WINDOW GOT MODIFIED TO A LARGER ONE. THIS CAR IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND RUNS LIKE NEW. AN OUTSTANDING CAR. WE ENDED WITH THE LAST MORRIS 1000 WITH 1098 CC ENGINE AND THE LARGER FLASHER LIGHTS. THE ENGINE WAS OF THE FIRST 1000 ENGINE PRODUCTION SO VERY FAST.AFTER 1000 ENGINES MADE THE OLDER TYPE OF MACHINE TOOLS MADE GRADUALY EVERYTHING LARGER. OVERSIZE PISTON RINGS THEN PISTONS. ALSO BIGGER CON RODS BIGEND SHELLS. THESE ENGINES DID NOT PREFORM AS WELL. MACHINE TOOLS REPLACED WHEN NOTHING OVERSIZE WOULD FIT... I FOUND THE SPLIT SCREEN FRONT WINDOW HAD VISABILITY PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE ROUNGED ENDS ALSO THICKER. WITH A CALOR GAS FULL CYLINDER IN THE BOOT ONE COULD GO ANYWHERE IN SNOW AND ICEY ROADS. I USED TO PRACTICE SKIDDING AND THEN CONTROLLING A SKID SLIDE.A VERY STABLE CAR AND EASY TO RECOVER FROM A SLIDE. THE MORRIS 1000 WAS THE FIRST EVER JELLY MOULD CAR FOR SLIPSTREAM. BLMC PRODUCED SOME VERY ADVANCED CARS. THANT YOU FOR THE VIDEO IT BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES. I TOOK AN 803 CC TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE BY THE CENTRAL MASSIF HUGE HILLS BUT NO PROBLEMS
My grandfather had one, used, as his first car, before buying a new Morris 1000! I think to remember it actually locked from the passenger side, even in Denmark? I also think it had a curtain in front to limit the flow of cold air during winter
Hello there , just come across this video , what a lovely car she is , we have a later full screen 1967/1968 model , it’s my girlfriend’s car actually although I have driven her , doesn’t have all those black knobs around the ignition like yours , also doesn’t have a pull start , she starts off the key , once running she’s fine but can be very temperamental 1st thing in the morning and sometimes floods when Wendy is trying to get her going, she’s garaged over night and I’ve actually been in the car with when she’s refused to start, Wendy is using the choke as she won’t start without it , she’ll try a few times then just turn over and over , she adjusts the choke a few times between try’s but the garage ends up stinking of petrol then Wendy says “ she’s flooded “ and stops trying , after that it’s usually a taxi to work , does anybody have any ideas please ??
If it tries to fire but stutters and dies check timing. Timing shouldn't be far out if it's okay when running. Also check if it's sparking, and that spark plugs are clean and gapped correctly, and check if it's got good compression. It sounds like it's getting fuel if the garage stinks of petrol. At it's most basic it's just fuel, compression, spark. If all are in order it should fire up. Maybe the distributor points need cleaning or the condenser has stopped working if you're on points ignition.
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I was in England and lived in Barton Le Clay. I served in the US Air Force at Chicksands AFB near Shefferd, Beds from 1980-83
. I bought one of these with the indiators that pop out. I think it was a 1958. I welded new floor boards in as they were rusted out and you could see the road from inside. I also rebuilt the engine as it barely would make it up hills as very low compression. I loved the car and wish I had brought it back to the USA. Thanks for the memories and showing us a blast from the past. Wonderful!
You're very welcome. Thank you
Morris Minor. Lovely little car remember one of my teachers at school had one and swore by it him and his family went everywhere in it. Great Memories!!!! . Alan/ Merseyside.
Cheers. You’re welcome.
Such a lovely car.
Thanks
Thanks Ben, that brought childhood memories flooding back. Your car is really nice.
Thanks
I had a 1958 traveller. £60 of shy-te. But I learned a lot at 17 - gearbox change, engine upgrade, a move to an alternator and electronic ignition, heater installed, pool ball gear knob, upgraded (fur) interior and seats, jacked up rear end usual array of lights and fogs. Along with 4 mates we flogged it around the country, but mainly the lakes where it was pushed up several hills - even camped in it. Happy days 'Tax in Post' :)
It's nice looking and in good shape and I like the updates. I own a 1952 4 door and it has the right had drive which makes it off to drive in the US. I wish you had spent more time showing us around the car, getting in and out of the back seat and the trunk with the nest wooden shelf and other things but that's ok. Thanks.
Thank you
Thanks for an enjoyable video. Your comments were all so interesting. When you were making a right turn I was fascinated by the image in the rear view mirror of the illuminated trafficator.
Thank you
This takes me back. My parents had a Series 2 van when I was a child - later replaced with an early 1000 Traveller and later still with a brand new 1000 Traveller in 1971. Lovely cars and the sights and sounds associated with them are instant nostalgia for me.
Cheers. Thanks for watching.
Excellent
Very beautiful car👍, I really like it
Thank you very much
I love the black with the red interior 👍
Yes I was looking for this colour
@@bendixon2999 what is nice about the black ones with a red interior, is they even have a matching thin RED line painted along the side!
@@nygelmiller5293 Yeah I had to paint mine with airfix paint
Whilst I avidly insist on originality in a car like this, I fully endorse the improvements you have made. That larger (though original moggy) engine seems like a good idea when seen driving down that road and the uprated fuel pump, ignition and alternator I think are neccesities these days. I like your touch of leaving the old electric boxes bolted to the bulkhead, that was anice bow to originality. A superb little addition to the moggy clan. I love it.
Thank you
What a treat, thank you.
You’re very welcome
Recorded in the English countryside, how utterly appropriate and wonderful. Not a liberal, chinless wonder in sight……
It's like a time machine when there's no traffic around.
Enjoyable video Ben , she sounds very much in rude health !.A good way of learning defensive driving is by owning such a car without all the ' extras ' that are taken so much for granted today such as servo brake assistance and power assisted steering - it will hold you in good stead for the rest of your driving career and it already shows !.it is great to see young people like yourself taking up our motoring heritage and all the fun and acknowledgement it can provide. The ' snap ' sound of the crisply operating Lucas semaphores visible in the driving mirror is another evocative sound as is the whine of the gears and wiper motor - good luck with the car !.
Thank you
You have a lovely Series ll there. I have a 1961 Minor and love it. They are wonderful cars.
Absolutely
Those were the days not complacted
I had an MM - the original model - with the 27hp side-valve motor, the "low-light" headlamps and the semaphore indicators. Dangerously under-powered for 21st century traffic, and people just don't see the semaphores because they are no longer familiar with looking for them. Lane changing in the rush hour was a nightmare, even in Canberra (which is a pretty relaxed place).
Your Series II would have had the 30hp motor - hardly an improvement - so you are much better off with the 37hp motor from the original Minor 1000 Doesn't sound much of an improvement, I know, but at these puny power outputs any improvement is big improvement. I contemplated putting a 48hp 1098cc (or even a 57hp 1275cc) from a Marina but decided that it wasn't worth the effort unless I was prepared to change the gearbox and improve the brakes and lights as well. I sold it in its stock condition, which in hindsight was probably a sensible call.
Regardless, I wish you well with your Series II and envy you. (My Honda is smoother, but completely soulless!)
Definitely was a "sensible call" keeping your MM stock as original models are now highly sought after and the price will only ever go one way and thats UP!!
Thank you very much
What a nice car.
Thanks
Underneath the ignition key out of sight was a thumb nail switch that turned on dashboard speedometer light.Not sure if it was in that model though. If it is don't forget to turn it off again otherwise flat battery.
Yes it's there but only works if the sidelights are on.
love the instrument cluster
Cheers
Just like my Dad’s same year and colour
One of the best colours I reckon
few years ago I found a 53 mm (side valve) in a shed. few more years later I had restored Uncle Albert to good health. Anyone know where OKA 432 now is?
@Fredrik Larsson HI Fred,
Nope actually my Uncle Albert and Aunt Gladys lived next door to Great Great dada and Great Nana. We lived over the road next to Grandmar and Grandad. All in the same street! They men had all served in world war one or two and come home in one piece. However, they were as mad as hatters. Once, they went on a trip to collect Ship S--t from a farm in Derbyshire they rated as being the best for tomatoes. And they played a mean game of Dominoes. The MM was named after Albert because it had a front windscreen like his glasses.. Have a nice day mate.
Cheers
How long does it usually take to start on freezing cold mornings? Does it take longer when it hasn't been used for several days?
Usually on the first pull no longer than 2 seconds, but longer if it’s been stood a few days.
I forgot to put it's successor, was the ALLEGRO.
Hmmm. Not quite. The Minor was succeeded by the Marina Morris was designated as the rear-wheel drive brand; Austin was designated as the front-wheel drive brand. So the Marina replaced the Minor and the Allegro replaced both the Austin and Morris 1100/1300
@@oldcynic6964 point taken, of course! You are certainly right. You need to be psychic or something to keep up with me. OF COURSE, from a mechanical point of view, the Morris Minor was replaced by the Marina, being REAR WHEEL DRIVE. But I mean size-wise, the Allegro was more a Minor replacement, rather than the Marina, which was longer, with it's boot that stuck out. There's an amusing story that Minors were a favourite among VICARS. And that when the Minor ended, Allegro's "took over" as VICARS favourite cars. This was actually true in my case, as my own Allegro was " ex-vicar"!
What a lovely old car- sounds like it runs great - it’s must be a pleasure to own / drive ?
Thanks. Yes it's great
Love your Morrie. In 1954 my parents bought an Australian produced Cream Series II two door. We went everywhere in it near Sydney Australia. Quite often there was Dad (driving), Mum in the front seat, my Great grand mother in the back with her friend and my sister and I perched on the edge of each end of the seat. We loved it. When I started Uni I drove the Morrie every day. The clutch linkage used to break quite often so I always carried a spare. I also became quite adept at driving it without the clutch! Ours had the 803cc engine which was pretty gutless so I eventually put a very tired "1000" motor in it. The difference was amazing. Great days. (My first "car" was a 1954 Land Rover Series I. Oh I wish I still had it. Mike in Oz
Thank you.
Brings back memories of my Second Car PDD 887. I also put the 948cc engine in as the 803cc was prone to Number 3 big end bearing going. Worst job was the brake master cylinder Replacment. I was a motor mechanic back then so it wasn’t just mine I replaced.
We made the best cars in the world in the 50s X 60s built to last. . Wish we still had them again ... Not the rubbish we make today 😞 😞 beautiful little car beautiful engine lovely ride brings back happy memories 💝
Exactly!
Love your Morrie Ben. I really need to get my Traveller on the road as you have made me quite jealous with this drive.
Thanks. Best of luck with your Traveller
Great video Ben I’ve got a splity like you mine is a year older than yours.
Makes me smile every time I drive it.
Thank you
Was a good car then, still a good car now. That's why it sold a million.It's as simple as that! And the excellent accessibility in the engine bay in this, and it's successor, were DELIBERATE!
I have a 59 Traveller, also black, which is in regular use. Mine has a 1098, and is quite happy in non- motorway traffic. I find the brakes quite adequate if driven sensibly. I have kept the dynamo as I don't use it after dark, so don't need halogen lights. Also converted to flashing indicators. That's a must I think. Nobody knows what trafficators are.
I've had no problems with mine doing long stretches of motorway miles. The dynamo is probably more reliable anyway if you don't need the extra amps. I've had to replace the regulator on the alternator as it packed up after only a year. The new alternators for sale are all foreign made.
My grandfather had a black, slightly later non split windscreen model. I still recall its reg. no. of OCY 657. A shoe shop owner, one of two brothers, had a green even earlier model than your car, with a split screen, a small cream coloured speedometer face and very low set headlamps.
To Michael Archangel. The ones you mean are officially called the LOWLIGHT model!
They are very desirable now
First Minor I drove was a Series 2. I've driven 948, 1098 and 1275 but not a Side valve. You say you are used to the old car and the brakes. My Minor has disc brakes but in other respects is still just a basic and simple car. I don't own a modern car and dislike driving them. You feel more at one with the car in something like this. You can change down into bottom, if you double de clutch.
Thank you. They are great to drive and a pleasure to own.
Surely, there's a manufacturer somewhere which could make brand new "Morris Minors" with a modern engine, up rated brakes, alternator, etc? I would have thought a price tag of around £10,000 would be easily achievable - and would sell a million inside a year I think and soon recoup any initial outlay. There are many people out there who, like me, are sick and tired of the lack of new small cars manufactured today, amid all the crazy electronic gimmickry, especially included on EVs. I thoroughly enjoyed the video - nostalgia from the days of happy motoring!
My first car was a MM 803cc, can still smell the leather upholstery now..... The semaphore indicators were not easy for drivers to see, but I didn't have it long enough to think of changing them to winkers.... Mine was first registered June '55, a lovely little car wish I had kept it now.!
At least back then drivers would look out for them.
Thank you for the wonderful video, my dad’s first car and wonderful memories!
Thanks
Yes we need to preserve these
Yep
Fabulous cars. Can go on forever if maintained well.
Thank you
Lovely car and I owns the Same MODEL in original condition in Sri Lanka 🙂
Thank you
Bought a 1955 one without the split windscreen. It had the trafficators for 50 quid in 1969. As a 19 year old kid I spanked it and it finished up in the scrapyard a year after. I was a twot.
Cheers
I had one just like that - 1956 with a split windscreen and leather seats. I bought it for £100 in about1975 and saw it for sale, locally, about 35 years later for more than £3000.
That's a compound interest rate of 10 percent a year in appreciation.... 😁
Cheers
Love it , i would gladly drive one just like it .
Thank you
When Will Engeland start making real buties again....
We're still making real jam buties.
@@janicewatts5888 Jam beauties!
Enjoyed the video very much. They are lovely cars. I enjoy driving mine.
Thanks
I had a 1957 Morris 1000 here in Canada circa 1970 and think it was one piece windscreen.Great little car that I could fix myself as a youngster! CHEERS from HERE! P.S. Also have had the pleasure to drive lots of bigger cars and trucks from the 40s and 50s with all round drum brakes and no power assist and you had to jump on them with all you had sometimes!
Thank you. Yes you can fix most everything yourself on these if you have the tools and you can still get nearly all the parts for them.
@@bendixon2999 That is right! I did a valve grind on mine at age 17.Easy to work on.Wish they would make themm again! CHEERS from HERE!!!
My first car. MDx979. Fully serviceable. Electric fuel pump a bit temperamental. Front suspension trunnions needs lots of grease tompass mot!
Cheers
My mum had a 1956 MM 948 ohv, reg. TUM 282. I was 9 or 10 at the time. We loved that car.
Cheers
Nice car Ben, just became your 100th subscriber! Good interesting video
Thank you
I also love that they have a winged badge on the boot, (like the present MINI), but with a RED(of course MORE RED!) reflector in it.
I agree. It had a new boot badge on when I got it but the previous owner kept the original so I put that back on as there was nothing obviously wrong with it. The new ones they make don’t look as good; the lines aren’t as defined and ‘sharp’
@@bendixon2999 well done Ben, about the boot badge!
Nice car and the engine sounds great.
Thanks
Ben, sincere thanks for sharing your video. I started a restoration of a 1961 Morris Minor a few years back. My interest took a turn during long periods of Covid lockdowns. I'd spend all week talking to a screen so by the weekend I wanted to escape. I have done around 2000 kms a year riding a bike since. I have never driven my Morris. Your sharing has reignited my desire to complete the restoration and to experience what you have demonstrated with your video. Sometimes the unexpected happens and I want to attribute that to you.
Thank you very much. I wish you all the best with your project.
I remember the smell.
Still has it
Thank you Ben for an excellent video. It is great to see someone younger using a Minor as an everyday car. Hopefully you arexa member of the MMOC Young Members Group. I had a new 2 door 1000 in July 1968, aged 17. It cost £686 new. It was in Maroon B with a gold coachline. I now have a 1966 4 door in Trafalgar Blue. I also run a 2021 Kia Picanto, which although it might sound like sacrilege, feels a bit like a modern day Morris Minor. Small with its 900 cc engine. Go well. Just super.
Thank you! Yes I’m in the MMOCYM
Hi Ben i really enjoyed that video , its great to see the fact that your MM is in such good shape , did you restore her or was she bought in such good shape
Thank you. It's always been in decent shape - never needed any welding doing as long as I've had it etc. A few things on it needed changing though and a few parts had to be replaced over time.
Enjoyable ride in the country side; in a Morris Minor! Here in Texas and needing that rain! Through the last 50 plus years I have had several Minors! Have a 1967 , 1098 now and it will be my last one! Be watching your channel now!
I didn't realise they had such a following in the US! I bet they're a novelty. They would look even smaller next to the American cars of the era
My first car was a 1956 4-door deluxe model - just like yours. - but in a fern green colour. I used to travel from Nottingham to Grantham every day to work - along the A52. The original 803cc engine was completely gutless - so I fitted first a later 948cc engine and gearbox - and later a 1098cc engine. The 14 inch 'Wagon wheels' with the narrow tyres were also replaced with the wider 13 inch wheels and tyres from an Austin A35 - and to gear it back up I replaced the original diff with one from a Riley 1500cc ! Even with cross ply tyres the effect of the wider 13 inch wheels was AMAZING - Driving around tight bends at speed the inside front wheel used become airborne - with the Armstrong Shock absorber clonking on the inner wing, because it was minus its bump stop rubber. You could also drift it around bends at speed - without problems. I remember one night someone driving up my ass along the A52 - he was uncomfortably close to my rear trying top push me - even at 70mph As I approached the Musson Gap bends, I knew that he was going to be in trouble as he followed me into the first left hander close to my rear bumper - I went around the bend with the near side front wheel off the ground - and he went straight on through the hedge !!! The windscreen wipers were also useless - each blade being made up from strips of rubber sheet - My answer was to wax polish the windscreens so the water would ball-up and fly off the screen. All this was 50 years ago ! These were very happy days. Hope you can read this David Bradbury !
A very practical & usable car, lucky you! I like the split screen, much nicer than the later full width, good that this is your regular driver, good spares back up and easy to work on, a sensible choice. LED bulbs will give better light output and you could replace the trafficator bulbs to LEDs that flash to further enhance visibility. Great car, thanks for sharing!
Lovely car and video.
Thanks
Morris minors are coming back next year all modernised now 🇬🇧
Hi ben. What a beautiful looking car. . i would be proud to own a car like that . .i love the sound of the engine x gearbox . It brings back so many memories . . ,look afer this beautiful little car . Its the best car the British ever made . fantastic video . .😊 .jay .north Dorset u.k .
In the late sixties an employee of ours had one . He tried to wheelie it ...it was a great little car ...
Cheers
Like fish & chips , this car is a milestone in the British tradition.
Wow lovely car Ben sounds sweet too , love the banjo steering wheel and split window of the early series moggys 👍
Thank you 👍
Nostalgic. My father's first car purchased new in 1956. I was born in 1954. Drove all over South India with my Dad and mom in this. Over the Hills and over the rivers. Exquisite memories of far better days. Before that I used to sit before him on an Royal Enfield 500 with my mother on the pillion. Based in Ernakulam, with visits to Madras (Paternal Grand Parents) and Bangalore (Maternal Grand Parents) and every temple of note,
Thanks, glad you enjoyed
@@bendixon2999 I did indeed. Especially the drive.I remember sitting next to my Dad and staring into the highway through the windscreen. Thanks.
My dad had exactly that in Bulawayo in the early ‘60s
These were clearly copying the beetle, i enjoyed this, that distinctive A series whine
The Series MM (Series I) looks even more like a Beetle with the low headlights.
What a lovely car was reg the year I was born so around 66 years old, and you have taken great care of it, I do understand the small mods you have made it, great video thanks for sharing it with us 😊
Thank you
Brings back memories. My father ran a van version in his business in the early 60s and I almost bought one in Traveller guise in the late 70s. I remember the asking price, used condition, at that time was UKP 600! I wish i had bought that one. By the way which part of England are you driving through in the vid?
Thanks for your comment. I’m in rural North Lincolnshire.
EXCELLENT CAR.THE ENGINE AND GEARBOX OK WITH THE LONG GEARSTICK.FROM THE 803 CC OHV ENGINE. THE PROBLEM TO ME IS THE LARGER BACK WINDOW.THIS ONE NOT THE LATER FULL BACK WINDOW. THE 803 CC ONE WE HAD HAD A MUCH SMALLER BACK WINDOW AS THE EARLY SIDE VALVE ENGINE. DID THE BACK WINDOW GOT MODIFIED TO A LARGER ONE. THIS CAR IS IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION AND RUNS LIKE NEW. AN OUTSTANDING CAR. WE ENDED WITH THE LAST MORRIS 1000 WITH 1098 CC ENGINE AND THE LARGER FLASHER LIGHTS. THE ENGINE WAS OF THE FIRST 1000 ENGINE PRODUCTION SO VERY FAST.AFTER 1000 ENGINES MADE THE OLDER TYPE OF MACHINE TOOLS MADE GRADUALY EVERYTHING LARGER. OVERSIZE PISTON RINGS THEN PISTONS. ALSO BIGGER CON RODS BIGEND SHELLS. THESE ENGINES DID NOT PREFORM AS WELL. MACHINE TOOLS REPLACED WHEN NOTHING OVERSIZE WOULD FIT... I FOUND THE SPLIT SCREEN FRONT WINDOW HAD VISABILITY PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE ROUNGED ENDS ALSO THICKER. WITH A CALOR GAS FULL CYLINDER IN THE BOOT ONE COULD GO ANYWHERE IN SNOW AND ICEY ROADS. I USED TO PRACTICE SKIDDING AND THEN CONTROLLING A SKID SLIDE.A VERY STABLE CAR AND EASY TO RECOVER FROM A SLIDE. THE MORRIS 1000 WAS THE FIRST EVER JELLY MOULD CAR FOR SLIPSTREAM. BLMC PRODUCED SOME VERY ADVANCED CARS. THANT YOU FOR THE VIDEO IT BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES. I TOOK AN 803 CC TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE BY THE CENTRAL MASSIF HUGE HILLS BUT NO PROBLEMS
Thank you for your comment. It has the original small back window and a lot of your view in the centre mirror is obscured.
Running on radial tyres?
Yes
@@bendixon2999 Thank you. It must handle well then. Will you consider fitting disc brakes at all?
Nice video. I love my 1970 model.
They are great
My grandfather had one, used, as his first car, before buying a new Morris 1000! I think to remember it actually locked from the passenger side, even in Denmark? I also think it had a curtain in front to limit the flow of cold air during winter
Cheers. 👍
beautiful little car, a real car...
Happy memories of my first car, 1956 Morris Minor, 4 door, loved it!! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome
I have 1950 one in Sri Lanka
Love the rattling sound so relaxing
Cheers
Love the minor
Thank you
Very Good Video, keep at it
👍Great that this is your daily driver.
Thanks
I used to have one of these great little car
Cheers
Bit of a continuous rattle in the background
Yeah that's just my camera mount
What part of England is that?
North Lincolnshire
One of the most beautiful, aeronautical, family car , ever.
Hello there , just come across this video , what a lovely car she is , we have a later full screen 1967/1968 model , it’s my girlfriend’s car actually although I have driven her , doesn’t have all those black knobs around the ignition like yours , also doesn’t have a pull start , she starts off the key , once running she’s fine but can be very temperamental 1st thing in the morning and sometimes floods when Wendy is trying to get her going, she’s garaged over night and I’ve actually been in the car with when she’s refused to start, Wendy is using the choke as she won’t start without it , she’ll try a few times then just turn over and over , she adjusts the choke a few times between try’s but the garage ends up stinking of petrol then Wendy says “ she’s flooded “ and stops trying , after that it’s usually a taxi to work , does anybody have any ideas please ??
If it tries to fire but stutters and dies check timing. Timing shouldn't be far out if it's okay when running. Also check if it's sparking, and that spark plugs are clean and gapped correctly, and check if it's got good compression. It sounds like it's getting fuel if the garage stinks of petrol. At it's most basic it's just fuel, compression, spark. If all are in order it should fire up. Maybe the distributor points need cleaning or the condenser has stopped working if you're on points ignition.