1968 Morris Minor 1000

We are offering for No Reserve auction a solid and usable example of the Morris Minor 1000. On inspection it looks like a good standard example which has not been badly molested, modified or abandoned in a field for a decade. Everything appears solid, the paint is presentable, and the cherry on the cake is that we are led to believe it has had some sort of engine rebuild recently. Plus it has a current MOT even though it is now age-exempt - a credit to the current custodian.

We are not going to claim this will immediately win any concours awards - but once we have removed that idea from the room, we can say this car is a thoroughly reasonable and presentable car. There are some clear signs of works under the doors, and it carries a few years of minor dents and scratches proudly, but, look at it, there's plenty of life left in the old dog yet.

The main thought looking at the photos is that this car does not appear to be suffering from any serious rot and should see many years of service to come.

All appears to be present and correct - pretty much exactly as Mr Nuffield intended. There is one issue that we should point out, but which you have probably already noticed - the ever-present seat-covers. Whilst having some recommissioning works earlier this summer, the red interior was looking OK, but that didn't stop someone suggesting improvements (let's call him 'bloke-in-the-pub' - after all it's always men who tell you about the crazy ideas they never give up on, isnt it?) . Words along the lines of 'I've seen seats painted up and they look brilliant' were soon followed by 'I think I've got some old stuff in the garage that will work, I'll do it for you tomorrow...'

As a result, the seats were abused by 'bloke-in-the-pub' and coated with..... well, something that might once have been leather paint. To his credit, the paint was at least red, the downside is it has never really set, particularly in this summer's heat, and remain a little sticky - hence the seat covers.

Apart from that, and like the rest of this charming Morris, everything else inside seems  patinated, but present and correct for future use.

The engine is reported to have some form of rebuild recently and runs well. There are no major invoices but there are receipts for some engine parts - and we understand that the remainder of the mechanical works were completed by a garage mechanic who essentially was then given the car in lieu of payment (the previous owner was a little disillusioned after the seat debacle).

The chassis appears solid and sturdy, although there are signs of previous floorpan repairs. The above mechanic has gone through the car and reports no major faults or requirements and then completed an MOT to show for it. Please note there is some noise interference on the video below - not the sound of a major misfire!

There is only a small amount of recent history - one imagines this car may have been owned for years by a quiet enthusiast who did his own servicing. Pleasantly there is an MOT until January next year, the history suggests the car has not been on the road for some years prior to this, but did complete a recent journey from Devon to Oxfordshire withyout the aid of a trailer. See the Gallery for more info, or use the Contact Seller button to arrange a viewing yourslef.

It's a charming Moggie that appears to have proudly survived a half century and is ready to find a new caring owner. What better way to give this car a 50th birthday present than take it under your wing and carry on the fun. And remember there is No Reserve, it will be sold in less than a week's time.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen in Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.