1970 Morris Minor

This example has the sort of history you hope your second wife will have; cherished between 1989 and 2005 by an obsessive owner that invested a fortune in a full restoration, this lovely example moved onto its current owner twelve years ago, where the love continued to be lavished on it.

It’s been garaged throughout and only used sparingly in dry weather – and when we say ‘sparingly’, we mean it: the car has only covered 2,000 miles or so in the whole time he’s owned it, mainly to attend classic car shows and for shuttling the annual beauty queen to the village pageant.

As a ‘post-production’ convertible, this example started life as a closed saloon before losing its roof - and gaining substantial reinforcements to compensate for any lost torsional rigidity, we hasten to add. The conversion was done very well indeed and is endorsed by an engineer’s report confirming the quality of the work undertaken. The report can be read in the records section.

The recorded mileage of 41,500 miles is on a replacement odometer. The true total mileage is approximately 95,000, with the last 25,000 miles being covered on the replacement 1275cc engine.

The burgundy paintwork is in fine fettle with no rust or other issues like dents, dings or scrapes to bother the lucky new owner. The mid-1990’s restoration is holding up very well indeed; the quality and care that were taken is still evident and for the inevitable Doubting Thomas among you, there is a comprehensive photographic record to help ease any reservations you might have.

Of course, there is the odd issue; storing a car in the garage might protect it from the elements but it does leave it vulnerable to the odd scratch from a passing bicycle or lawn mower, which is what’s happened here. The paintwork is also peeling under the boot lid and there is an area of bare metal under the fuel pump in the engine bay, the result of an historical leak. Please take a good look through the photos as the owner has taken the time to snap and display all these blemishes individually.

The marks, such as they are, are relatively inconsequential and could be sorted with only a little effort and expenditure. Please see the videos for an honest appraisal of them all so you can judge for yourself before bidding.

The red interior is utterly gorgeous and we find it hard to believe that anyone could climb inside and not smile – and it’s not just gorgeous, it’s safe too, thanks to both front and rear three-point seatbelts.

Photos in the records section show the floorpans creditably free of rust, and the seat upholstery and door cards appear to have held up really well. And note the addition of a modern radio/cassette neatly installed in the glovebox. 

Just look at that view for a lazy Sunday drive!

The original engine was replaced with a new 1275cc Morris Marina unit complete with unleaded head (the original engine is available as part of the sale should the new owner want it) sourced from marque experts Grumpy's of Oxford as part of its professional restoration and rebuild in 1995.

This sort of engine change is a common upgrade that gives the old girl a helping hand in keeping up with modern traffic. This extra power is fed through an MG Midget gearbox and the rear axle has been updated to 3.9:1 gearing to keep the gearing right.

You’re probably thinking that the upgrades have been very well thought through, and you’d be right because the work didn’t end there: the front brakes were converted to servo-assisted discs, the suspension is now damped via all-round shock absorbers, and the exhaust is stainless steel. Oh, and the windscreen wipers are now electrically powered, the dynamo has transformed into an alternator, and it now benefits from four-way hazard warning lights.

The result is a surprisingly modern car to drive and one that is easily capable of being used for longer journeys, including motorway use.

The comprehensive history file includes photographic records of the restoration, invoices, bills, and the sort of miscellaneous paperwork that warms the cockles of the canny classic car buyer’s heart.

The online MOT history shows nothing untoward either with just three failures recorded, not one of which was for anything serious.

We must encourage anyone with a passing interest in this Morris to review the records section. To his credit, the current owner has superbly listed many photos with annotations describing the car and its history, there is also a set of short videos showing the bodywork, electrics and engine, with great explanatory narration. Grab a cuppa and while away a pleasant half hour, you will end up fully informed!

This is a charming older restoration that is bearing up to 21st century life very well indeed. 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 it has only been used on very special occasions for the past decade or so, we think that it is so well-sorted that it would be an ideal car to make a break for the coast whenever time allows.

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

Because everyone loves a Morris Minor, and its National Treasure status is reflected in its investment potential. The guide price of £3,500 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…

The car can be viewed in Dumfriesshire, southern Scotland, to arrange please use the 'Contact Seller' button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments or view our frequently asked questions below.

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