1958 Morris MINOR

With just three previous owners and an (unverified and impossible to warrant but entirely plausible) odometer reading of just over 20,000 miles, this delightfully original 1958 Morris Minor Convertible comes straight to market from the private collection that has been its home for the past four years. Being 1958, it is a very early example of the Series III Minor.

Offered still wearing its hard-won patina with pride, it clearly sports an older paint job. And yet, beneath the superficial marks it’s as solid and reliable as the bank manager who probably issued the loan to buy it when it was new.

The original owner was clearly more of an extrovert than their bank manager; while the exterior is a sober black, they ordered a funky bright red interior and contrasting white roof - and they weren’t finished there because it also sports a pair of incredible Art Deco-style exterior wing mirrors, which are period-fabulous.

Say what you like about the car’s original owner, there is no denying they had wonderful taste.

The black paintwork is almost certainly not original. Close examination suggests a decent respray at some point in its past, and probably not too recently, either. But that’s to damn with faint praise because it’s weathered the years very well indeed; while the finish is not concours, the paint is thick and even and has resisted the ravages of time with admirable aplomb.

It’s picked up a few blemishes over the years but there isn’t anything serious beyond a couple of small blisters, scratches and chips. There is certainly no rot or serious corrosion, even underneath where they almost all suffer.

In fact, the underside is in remarkably good, original condition. It may have had a few small repairs over the years but, if so, they have been done neatly and professionally; this is not the patchwork quilt of bodged and hurried repairs that are the legacy of a lifetime spent in the financial doldrums. The underseal also looks very consistent and comprehensive.

The folding white hood is still in reasonable condition, but it could probably do with having a few small repairs made to it in the medium-term. But, it’s water- and weather-tight, which means the new owner can get out and about and enjoy it straight away.

The new owner would probably want to give the bodywork a decent machine cut and polish fairly quickly, though. They will also probably want to break out the Autosol; the chromework is largely in good condition and most of it needs nothing more than a few hours’-worth of elbow grease to bring it back into a very presentable condition.

Sure, a couple of the over-riders might need replacing if and when decent secondhand replacements come up but it’s not going to take too much work to help the car fulfil the promise it hints at: think of it as a chance to get to know and bond with the car over the space of a weekend.

And, when you’ve finished, you’ll be the proud owner of a very nice, useable car that will continue to provide reliable daily transport for the next sixty years.

It’s much the same story inside; while it is by no means perfect, the interior is every bit as solid and reliable as the exterior. The red leather seats, for example, have one tear, but otherwise are a bit creased and slightly saggy but they’re as comfortable now as they were six decades ago and are unlikely to deteriorate significantly in the next six.

Of course, a conscientious owner might want to make some localised repairs to the driver’s seat but we’d suggest that the car’s patina should be preserved as much as possible.

Because, when you look more closely, it’s really lovely in there. Take a look at the central speedometer, which is a work of art in itself. Or, the red leather seats, which are piped in white. The carpets are still in very good condition, as are the door cards, headlining, painted dashboard and rear seat.

Sadly, this Morris Minor doesn’t come with much (or anything!) in the way of paperwork, so we can’t reel off a long list of stuff that’s been done to it over the years.

However, we’ve taken a long, hard look at it and taken it for a test drive, so we can confirm that it starts on the button, the engine runs very smoothly indeed and the car drives very nicely. It stops in a straight line, changes gear and stops as well as any small car from the fifties, which is to say it needs a careful hand and a degree of anticipation but we’d use it as a classic daily driver with complete confidence.

It also feels robust and unmessed-about-with, which might be an inelegant term but accurately describes the unburstable feeling the car imparts. And, if you think this is just marketing hyperbole, why not pop along and take a look at the car for yourself?

The only problems we could identify are inoperative wipers and trafficators (the owner has supplied photos of these in action, but they don’t work now!). Given how simple the Morris Minor’s electrical system is, we can’t see this taking very long to put right!

Oh, and the car sits on four new matching tyres. Yep, that’s right; here’s another owner who appreciates the importance of fitting matching tyres and has put his money where his mouth is. (And that includes the spare, by the way…)

As we mentioned earlier, the car doesn’t have a vast service history to support it. It has a current V5 in the owner’s name and the original handbook, so potential bidders are encouraged to come and examine the car for themselves as they must feel confident in setting their bids based on its current condition.

This is a charmingly original car that has moved seamlessly into 21st century life. We can see it going to a loving home, where it will become as much a part of the family as the pet dog and the Aga: while its ultra-low mileage suggests that it has only been used on special occasions, we think it is so robust and authentic that it would be an ideal car to use as a daily driver. Or to tour the country in. Or conquer Europe. Yes, it really does feel that indomitable.

Alternatively, a small amount of time and money would see the exterior returned to nigh-on perfect condition, after which it could start a new life on the classic car circuit, wowing onlookers and drawing a crowd wherever it goes.

Everyone loves a Morris Minor, and its National Treasure status is reflected in its investment potential. The guide price of £6-7,500 represents extraordinary value in our opinion, and careful use and regular maintenance should see that sum as safe as money in the bank - but far more fun, obviously…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at Patina HQ 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.