1970 MORRIS MINOR 1000

This Morris Minor 1000 is described by the vendor as a true ‘time warp’ car, presented in original unrestored condition and with remarkably low mileage. It is powered by a 1098cc inline-four, with around 48bhp in stock form, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 16,080 miles.

First registered on 23 November 1970, this UK-market Minor has just five previous keepers. It was acquired by the current owner two years ago. The car left the factory finished in Snowberry White, with red coachlines, and with a black vinyl interior. As a Deluxe model, it also benefits from a cabin heater. The only modifications comprise a brake servo, a period tow bar, and a windscreen visor.

The bodywork presents in very good condition, and the vendor has been advised that all of the panels are original. Its Snowberry White paint has had some remedial work around the nearside front wing and in the engine bay, but otherwise is believed to be as it left the factory. As is evident from the photo gallery, there are some signs of ageing and minor blemishes in the finish, and the latter have been touched in with wax to preserve them rather than fresh paint.

The owner states that the car was undersealed from new, and that the chassis and floors remain original and unrestored. Some of the chrome plating has flaked off the rear bumper when the tow bar was fitted, but replacement bumper sections are available off-the-shelf should the next owner wish to renew them. Its five original wheels and cross-ply tyres are stored separately, and are included in the sale, as the car is currently fitted with more contemporary tyres to suit modern road requirements.

Inside, the black vinyl upholstery remains in generally excellent condition, with the only damage being where the bottom of the driver’s seat has caught the seat belt reel housing, and the frame has worn through the material. Otherwise, the trim looks very smart throughout. Some minor and short-lived water ingress previously occurred on the driver’s side, which has meant that the fibre board of the oddment tray is now slightly distorted, and there are a few rust stains around some of the metal components near the floor. However, both the floor itself and the felt beneath the carpet are still intact, as the issue was dealt with.

The last scheduled maintenance was in July 2019 at 15,390 miles, when Autos and Sports in Selby carried out a full service with fresh fluids, spark plugs, oil filter, a new front wheel cylinder, and a clear Waxoyl treatment. During this service, the differential oil was checked and found to be in very good order, suggesting the car has been well-cared for. The speedometer cable has also been renewed. There is unfortunately no other service paperwork on file, but the impressive online MOT history shows regular but low-mileage use from 2005 to the present day.

Despite being exempt from mandatory annual tests on the basis of age, this Minor has still been put through regular inspections, with the last one on 6 May 2020 at 16,057 miles, when it passed at the first attempt with absolutely no advisories or defects. The wider period steel wheels are fitted with recent radial tyres, which are all in good condition.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook, workshop manuals, and even maps to the Wakefield area, which is where the car spent all of its life prior to the latest ownership. The original service record is not present, but the vendor was told that the initial owners were mechanics, and so much of the self-servicing may not have been documented.

This Morris Minor 1000 Deluxe presents as a highly original example of an iconic British classic. It is a late model, said to have been the last car supplied by the Wakefield Morris dealer, and it has evidently been cherished throughout its life to date. The car has never been restored, and is a great ‘survivor’ that could make a nostalgic acquisition for someone who grew up with one of these charming saloons in their family many years ago.

Recent MOT history:

• 06/05/2020 – 16,057 miles
• 07/05/2019 – 15,790 miles
• 23/08/2017 – 15,767 miles
• 26/08/2016 – 15,734 miles
• 25/08/2015 – 15,656 miles
• 15/08/2014 – 15,542 miles
• 28/08/2013 – 15,423 miles
• 28/08/2012 – 14,734 miles
• 02/09/2011 – 13,549 miles
• 16/09/2008 – 13,496 miles
• 20/09/2007 – 13,383 miles
• 17/07/2006 – 13,369 miles
• 28/06/2005 – 13,187 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.