1968 MORRIS MINOR RACE CAR - HRDC ACADEMY SPEC

This Morris Minor is a delightful classic racing car, which has been fully prepared to HRDC Academy racing standards, and is presented in wonderful overall condition. As with all HRDC Academy cars, its standard 1098cc engine has been substituted for a 1,275cc inline-four race engine, supplied by Classic and Modern Engine Services (CMES). This is coupled to a more robust four-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels. The odometer displays 80,479 miles, though this is not warranted.

First registered on 10 January 1969, this Morris started life as a blue Minor 1000 DeLuxe model, and was fully rebuilt and prepared for the HRDC Academy race series by Austin racing specialists Moto-Build in 2017. As well as replacement of its engine and gearbox, this also required replacement of most of its body panels with fibreglass items to help it compete with the lighter Austin A35s in the class.

Furthermore, it was fitted with uprated suspension components and various safety devices, including a full roll cage, battery isolator switch and a fire extinguisher system. To date, the car has only completed two race seasons since it was built, and is now offered for sale by its current owner, who acquired it one year ago.

Finished in the same lilac hue as the special edition ‘Minor Million’ cars, Doris – as this example is fondly known – has been fitted with a number of fibreglass body panels to keep its weight as low as possible which complying with HRDC Academy regulations.

While racing cars are not generally known for the quality of their exterior finish, this Minor’s panels fit particularly well, and while there are some general marks and blemishes including cracks and scuffs on the rear bumper, paint drips below the boot lid and cracking to the finish on the fibreglass grille surround, it presents well overall.

The roof is finished with Old English White paintwork, as required by the HRDC, and brown leather straps on the bonnet and boot lid enhance the car’s period charm, while also helping to keep things in place during more heated moments on the track.

This Minor rides on a set of 13-inch Minilite-style alloy wheels, which have been finished in the same light hue as the roof and present reasonably well, with only a few marks and scuffs which have been acquired in competition.

On entering the largely stripped-out interior, you are met by a Cobra bucket seat which is emblazoned with the HRDC crest and clad in ivory vinyl, which has also been applied to the passenger seat and thin rear bench, which feature lilac piping to match the body colour. The driver’s seat shows some slight discolouration from use, but the cabin is in otherwise impressive condition, with little evidence of wear to the lilac door trims or the black leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Fully converted for racing, this Minor’s carpets and headlining have been removed, and full roll cage has been fitted. The driver is also provided with an FIA-compliant TRS harness, which is suitable for use until 2024, and a fire extinguisher is fitted; however, the vendor notes that it has just passed its expiration date. All of the car’s buttons, switches, and electrical items are reported to be in good working order.

This Minor’s most recent routine service was carried out in August 2020, when the engine oil, oil filter and spark plugs were replaced, along with the gearbox and differential oils, while the brakes were also serviced.

As part of its transformation into an HRDC racer, this Minor has had its engine replaced with an uprated 1275cc item, and its gearbox has also been changed for a more robust unit. Its handling has also been enhanced with the fitment of uprated suspension with adjustable damping, and a full complement of safety devices has been installed.

Mechanically, this Minor is almost entirely without fault, save for a slight oil leak from the rear differential gasket. All four wheels are shod in Dunlop Racing CR65 tyres, which the seller reports would likely last for one track day or race meeting, but would need to be replaced shortly afterwards.

This race-prepared Morris Minor is a charming and well-engineered track-focused classic. Built to HRDC Academy regulations in 2017, it has completed just two seasons since, and represents the opportunity for its next owner to enter into historic motorsport almost immediately.

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