Dee, Atkinson & Harrison
Lot 1003
1959 Morris Minor, 948 cc Registration number 3023 KH Chassis number M/AS3/685178 Engine number 275828 The Morris Minor debuted at the Earls Court Motor Show, in London, on 20 September 1948. Designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis, more than 1.3 million were manufactured between 1948 and 1972 in three series: the MM (1948 to 1953), the Series II (1952 to 1956) and finally the 1000 series (1956 to 1971). Initially available as a two-door saloon and tourer (convertible), the range was expanded to include a four-door saloon in 1950, a wood-framed estate (the Traveller) from October 1953 and panel van and pick-up truck variants from May 1953. It was the first British car to sell over one million units and is considered a classic example of automotive design, as well as typifying "Englishness". The 1000 had an engine increase from 803 cc to 948 cc, lost the split screen but still retained the central parking wipers and the semaphore indicators which were replaced in 1961. This four door example, in need of restoration, is offered in an original, rare and rather fetching turquoise with grey interior (available between 1956 and 1959) was purchased by John Dawson of Hull many years ago from its first (and unrecorded lady owner) as the head gasket had failed and she couldn't afford the garage bill. He replaced the gasket at 5,500 and we then have an undated service record of grease every 1,000 miles and an oil change every 2,000, plus sundry works. This carries on until 83,000 although there was a new speedo at 40,000. The MOT's begin at 80,849 miles in 1985 and continue until 2002 when it was 90,139, it now reads 91,195. Parked up in a garage since, she will be sold with the V5, V5C, old MOT's and the service note book. A worthy restoration and in a rare colour combination awaits this "Old Moggy".
