1964 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible

After 14 years, and with over a million cars sold, Morris decided in 1962, that there might still be enough mileage in the Morris Minor for one last final nudge towards the future. The model range was completely comprehensive from saloon to pick-up, and there were still customers for the car, both at home and overseas, so the only way forward was to make it a bit more powerful and perhaps a touch more comfortable. Although the name Minor 1000 was retained, the changes were sufficient for the new model to be given its own ADO development number (ADO59). A larger version of the existing A-Series engine had been developed in conjunction with cylinder head specialist Harry Weslake for the, then new, ADO16 Austin/Morris 1100 range and these engines were now in production although the car wasn't, so it could do no harm to provide it with some test mileage under the bonnet of the new Morris Minor. This new engine used a taller block to the 948cc unit, with increased bore and stroke bringing total capacity up to 1098cc.

Other changes included a modified dashboard layout with toggle switches, textured steel instrument binnacle, and larger convex glove box covers. A different heater completed the interior upgrade, whilst larger combined front side/indicator light units, common to many BMC vehicles of the time, were fitted to the front wings. These now included a separate bulb and amber lens for indicators while larger tail lamp units also included amber rear flashers.

Offered here is stunning 1964, Morris Minor 1000 (1098) Convertible with an interesting story. Originally delivered to a nurse living on the Isle of Wight, it was eventually purchased by our vendor, himself an Island resident, who was a neighbour of the original owners. The saloon body shell had been converted to a soft-top by an ex-Morris employee who had, in fact, worked at 'The Morris' doing similar work. The converted body stood in his garage for ten years, as an unfinished project, until purchased in 2002 by our vendor who then set about finishing the task in hand. The initial preparation was carried out by 'Austin Morris Services' on the Isle of Wight and after that, the final aspects of the job and the detailing were entrusted to well-regarded Morris Minor specialists, Charles Ware Morris Minor in Bristol. The car was completed on 23/10/09 and driven back to its home on the IOW, and the history file contains invoices and photos of the finished article in 2009.

ADL 372B presents well in Dark Blue with a Light Cream hood and a Mid Blue and Parchment Leather interior. The speedometer indicates 275 miles, presumably covered since its restoration, but that can't be confirmed. The engine bay looks excellent as does every other aspect of this Minor convertible.

This, well-restored, 'Moggy' ragtop is a timeless classic, and in this condition, together with its distinctive exhaust burble, will surely turn every journey into a fun trip.