Historics brings to auction the seventh oldest Morris Minor at its Bicester Heritage sale on 23rd September.
The Morris Minor – the ground-breaking brainchild of Alec Issigonis - was launched at the British Motor Show at Earls Court in October 1948 at a price of £358. In its five-year production, over 250,000 of the original Morris Minor MM model were produced and production of this and subsequent models raised the total sold to over 1.5 million units.
Consequently, rarity value was never one of the Minor’s major attributes.
However, the example that is entered into Historics’ live, open-to-public auction at Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire on Saturday 23rd September is a very different matter...
The ‘507’ chassis plaque beneath the bonnet confirms that this 1948 Morris Minor MM Lowlight Split Screen was the seventh to be manufactured in the car’s long production run from 1948 to 1972.
24
Lot 150 - 1948 Morris Minor MM Lowlight Split Screen
Just the seventh Minor to roll off the production line and understood to be the oldest surviving example in private ownership, exceptional condition.... more info
With no records of Morris Minor chassis numbers 502-506 and with ‘501’ - the first production MM model - cocooned within the National Motor Museum, it is very likely that the Historics car is the oldest example in private ownership and on the road, and is consequently hugely collectible.
This charming example has been in the same family since 1965 and is presented in absolutely fabulous condition with a ground-up restoration behind it and with continuous pampering throughout the family’s ownership.
Resplendent in its Platinum Grey coachwork and blending interior, the car is in exceptional and original condition throughout, including beneath the bonnet where the 918cc, 27.5bhp, side valve engine is ready to propel the car to a heady 64mph.
Fraser Smith of Historics commented: “The Morris Minor rightly remains in the hearts of so many generations of car owners. It is such an honour and a pleasure to be offering this exceptional example. As it’s highly likely to be the earliest Morris Minor in private ownership, it’s enormously collectible and very significant bidding interest is anticipated.”
The 1948 Morris Minor MM Lowlight Split Screen is estimate of £14,000-£19,000 and joins over 160 very varied classics in Historics’ autumn auction on 23rd September
See HERE for details of all entries.