1930 Morris Minor goes for a drive

[@msf60khz]

I owned one of the 1933 sidevalve version as a young man for the whole of 1963. I used it for my 40 mile commute to Portsmouth every day. I became skilled at throwing it through corners. It is essential with the crash gearbox, which I consider very beautiful and instantaneous to use, to be able to heel and toe whilst double de-clutching. I think my gearbox was 4-speed. When changing up, 1 to 2 could be snatched through with no sound. The other up shifts were best done by just pausing until sychronisation. Going down you can instantly blip it into gear. I could drive without the clutch if necessary - it is just a safety device once moving. Unfortunately the engine and rear axle are very delicate and the car cannot cruise above 38mph without running big ends. My brakes were only just detectable in action; for MoT (where I drove it myself as it was a specialist vehicle) I had to use one foot on top of the other. I remember that in desperation I changed to an electric wiper. The starter would never start the vehicle from cold - I had to swing it every morning before work at 7am.

[@michaelarcher6278]

Bloody hell, I was terrified just watching that. Your a brave man , well done.

[@gavinmillar7519]

Yes my thoughts entirely!

[@peteacher52]

I invite you to have your home electrically rewired with 1930 wires, insulation and fittings. The rats will find it more palatable and you'll soon learn the real meaning of terror and bravery when you hear them squeaking with delight as they chew through the rubberised fabric insulation with the resultant burning smell.

[@bcfairlie1]

The oldest car I have ever driven was a 1929 Austin 7. The second oldest car I have driven was a 1937 Morris. Cars have evolved so fast since then. Such a pity that drivers have not.

[@frothe42]

True. I think drivers have gotten worse due to all of the technology.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

They've DEvolved

[@Will-ul9oc]

@@frothe42 Some of the old tech is complicated as well.

[@frothe42]

@@Will-ul9oc Quite true. Although some people adapted to driving this vehicle.

[@darkgreenambulance]

@@frothe42 Yes - a very valid comment - I refer to that in mine. Easy for some to forget that fact!

[@robc5955]

Beautiful looking, condition was amazing I don’t know who was braver the owner for letting you have a go or you for driving it.

[@darkgreenambulance]

I would say - the former!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Blimey, you did very well Matt !.Five years ago , I bought a 1928 Austin 7 Fabric saloon in the same brown , re-aquainting myself with Austin 7 motoring, my first car 50 years ago was a 1938 Austin Ruby, I rebuilt at 15 and gave 3 years of totally trouble-free and happy motoring.However I was in for a shock, it was hard work to drive and a totally different era , and the worst aspect was the attitude and lack of patience of current motorists.There were definitely huge advances in technology in the 1930s which made cars so much more easier to drive , especially synchromesh gear change.I felt guilty giving up on it within a year as if it had done something wrong, it was a charming tiny little car and you felt so ' vulnerable ' but it made people smile where ever it went !.

[@furiousdriving]

You are totally right, other drivers are the problem with very old cars. The Austin was much easier to drive, this might be a 'better' car but the 7 is more useable, I was amazed the one I drove had been in daily use still!

[@neilpiper9889]

I had a 1933 ohc with all hydraulic brakes. I drove mine everywhere. I loved it. Electric start button on the floor same as my early Morris mini. I changed the oil for multi grade and wrecked the engine. I should have used a straight 30. I also made a strip of metal oil diverter, to stop the oil drops from the front of the camshaft cover getting on, and into the vertical generator and stopping it from charging the battery. It was streets ahead of Austin and Ford. Henry Ford said about hydraulic brakes that they were dangerous, and wouldn't catch on. Lord Nuffield probably said silly American person in a Basil Fawlty type voice and carried on.

[@mikesewell6489]

I have a 1931 Morris minor side valve I've owned it for 42 years I can forgive you for the scary drive we can put it down to a first drive from what I could see you was trying to hard just sit back and let the car do the work , there is a little twist nob and you can adjust the tickover and the pedels are so easy to use reverse is where 1is on a four speed box so you have to remember going off From traffic lights so far we are doing well now the brakes are a different matter with 80% of the braking from the back axel it makes for interesting moting but at the price it was faster than an horse and cart but driving in unlit roads at night I've had to stop and get out to see the road but driving a car with hand signals only you have to make your intentions very clear and control the drivers behind you never had any problems with other drivers 1930s driving is different than cars from the 50s and newer thank you for post this wonderful car for everyone to see

[@Car_and_classic_lover]

Your very brave haha especially if you drive at night!

[@PhilMakesThings]

My dad's first car was a '34 Minor. He said it was absolutley terrifying to drive. Nice hat!

[@nightster6378]

Hi, I own and drive regularly a 1932 green box saloon version of this car in lovely condition, it has a key, wind up windows, sliding roof, S.V. and though not standard has indiscrete indicators fitted, you really need to think, relax, cool and drive these cars with respect taking into consideration other road users do not give you any. The brakes are not awful it's the way they were, bear in mind this car is 90 years old, the middle accelerator and right brake isn't an issue though I am used to it, it doesn't matter which one you press nothing much happens and if a mistake made revert to the other pedal, Patience is what is needed. If need be send a letter to whoever saying you are stopping at the next junction. I've driven this car many times on 160 miles round trips without an issue and though small a friends daughter persuaded me to use it for her wedding, it fitted right in and got more attention than the 1930 RR. Though I love it I am considering selling it as I'm more into motorcycles and space has become an issue.

[@furiousdriving]

Im sure the pedals are fine once used to them, Ive driven a few pre war cars and really enjoy them and the involvement you have with the machine. This wasnt running very well making it harder to drive for the first time and keep it going, Id like to drive some more another time. It did get lots of attention and every one loved it

[@thepologuy8751]

I'm going to share this video the next time someone says anything about "driver engagement" in the modern day argument of manual Vs automatic transmissions. This is real driver engagement and I applaud you for just getting it out on the road and driving it so confidently from the start.

[@maxidyne]

This is why I love this channel: uncommon cars! I like your taste in cars. When I saw that coat I immediately thought of Rik Mayall from Bottom! Great video, and love the car.

[@furiousdriving]

I have pretty varied taste in cars, thats true! Im not sure Richard "Richie" Richard is a compliment!!

[@maxidyne]

@@furiousdriving When I see a grey trench coat it always reminds me of him, sorry didn't mean to offend you!

[@Goldenrod01]

remember, if you turn it inside out it becomes a smoking jacket, very classy. (Does anyone else remember that episode, or just me? 🤣)

[@darkgreenambulance]

Whilst I do appreciate the vast difference between all the characteristics of this car and what we experience today, I would like to also acknowledge the comment of another contributor on this page - who pointed out - calmly - that there were many other people, (thousands, I presume - I must look up the sales figures!), who were handling these machines (calmly!) - in the day. If we are constantly going to bang on about what these machines did not have compared with the modern stuff, we are missing the point - whatever that is! Many people drive these, and much earlier cars around today, enjoying their machines after the care and attention bestowed on them during and after restoration. They have got used to their foibles and not driven them as if they are going on furious rallying. Maybe the title - "Furious Driving" would have an application in a different type of program. I would give anything to have driven that Morris. Good discipline! Another comment offered was that whilst refinement has progressed - the driving standards have not. That is lamentably true in many cases. I am sure that I, too, have missed some points that some eager individual is dying to point out - but then I - like cars -- am not perfect!

[@garygullikson6349]

Narrators usually describe the features and operating quirks of old vehicles in a deprecating way so that today's people can be amused and reassured that "these are the good old days". I enjoy the quirks and lore of old planes, motorcycles and cars and the special knowledge and skills needed to operate them and keep them running.

[@davidfos84]

The transmission whine in the first two gears is unlike anything I've ever heard! Next time, test drive this kind of car at 3am lol.

[@Bratfalken]

Straight gears sounds like that, and you often hear the same sound from extreme race and rally cars as they are stronger than the slanted ones we normally use today.

[@tonys1636]

@@Bratfalken Modern Helical cut gears have a slight curve so they roll in and out of contact thus are silent in operation, well quieter at least, with more than one tooth in contact at any one time.

[@davidfos84]

@@Bratfalken Lol sorry, I had heard it before on rally cars. Still, it sounds crazy on a road car.

[@Bratfalken]

@@davidfos84 well, materials and lubrication oils wheren't that good back then and to keep the price down I bet they used these straight cut gears on the transmission. I wonder if there was any syncronized higher gears, or at all? Many cars had unsyncronized first gear and only second and up is syncd.

[@Ragnar8504]

@@Bratfalken I kinda suspect at least first and second unsynchronised judging by the sounds changing up without double declutch. Changing into third sounds smoother.

[@alansimpson835]

I love the noise it makes. It sounds very eager. Well done for managing to drive it without incident

[@grayfool]

I missed being the first comment by 30 seconds. Close but no cigar. Great car, Morris and Austin played such a pivotal role in the history of the UK. The aural experience alone made that one of the most memorable reviews ever. Every part of the drive is quite extraordinary. Congratulations on a wonderful video.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Tell me about it! My Yankee-Doodle-Dandied self has never particularly liked most of what the Big Three have put out, hence why I have myself a Studebaker. That said, these Morrises and Austins are something else! I'd absolutely love an A40 Somerset!

[@grayfool]

@@jakekaywell5972 I had a '57 Oxford in the seventies. One owner from new. It drove really well but was very, very rusty. Check out the A90 for ultimate strangeness.

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@grayfool I believe the Oxford had a long and strange afterlife as the Hindustan Ambassador in India. Makes it more special in my mind! As for the A90 Atlantic, I do agree with you. It was rather peculiar and ultimately a failure, but at least it formed the basis for the Austin-Healey 100 and every model that would come after. Still, that A40 Somerset is just right for me. Small, squat, chubby, and perky. It's like driving around in an excited puppy! By the way, that Studebaker of mine is a 1962 GT Hawk that's also my first car. I've learned quite a bit from her so far!

[@grayfool]

@@jakekaywell5972 Wow, great first car. You're right about the Hindustan, it went on for many years. The history of the cars of that era is very interesting, lots of connections and parts swapping. Any car from that era makes a great classic. There are loads of clubs to help out.

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@grayfool Thanks for the advice. As a little reward, I think I'll tell you a bit of what my GT Hawk is like. It is a deeply flawed, imperfect car that despite all the obstacles Studebaker had to overcome is quite stunning. It has a very low production, almost hand-built feel to it like a mid-Western take on a Bristol. My particular car was purchased in Sacramento, CA by a woman who ordered her with Twin Traction limited-slip differential, Borg-Warner T10 four-speed manual, and air conditioning but no power steering or power brakes. Let's just say that driving her requires patience!

[@DannyTheGFP]

What a smasing hat. I do love that your odd sense of humour is getting in videos more, ive laught with you about 5 times so far

[@brystonecowboy]

I have never felt so anxious watching a youtuber before!

[@3500P5]

This is absolutely wonderful, I love that transmission whine !

[@sullivanrachael]

I have an Austin 7; 1931 RM saloon. At various points in my ownership I’ve asked myself is there a better pre-war car? My Austin has all the traditional characteristics of the type, and yet, compared to this Morris, the Austin 7 is much easier to drive. On todays roads you do feel like you take your life into your own hands and the vintage car gods sometimes - the brakes, despite the best setting up one can do, aren’t sharp. The steering is affected by quarter elliptical rear springs which means the back axle ‘steers’ as you roll on corners. Yet for all of that the Austin 7 makes me smile. As well as lot of people who see it. There is some special ingredient to the A7. I think by driving this absolutely beautiful Morris (superb restoration) you’ve made me feel that Austin 7s have a ‘user friendliness’ that is the special ingredient. You’ve also made me feel better about not mastering my Dads 1928 Humber, which has a central accelerator too. Indeed - glad to bring that one back home too after an exhausting drive fighting muscle memory and instincts.

[@keithmatthews1673]

Made me think of "The Anthill Mob" from the Whacky Races - combination of car and hat I guess!

[@Nitro-bp2ss]

Brilliant video, these pre war cars always look such an adventure with every trip

[@bertmeinders6758]

I remember vacuum-operated wipers, with absolutely no affection. Dad had 2 Ford Prefects, 1948 and 1956, equipped with this abomination, and my first Holden was similarly afflicted. Climbing hills in the rain called for strong nerves and a good memory, as they worked in inverse proportion to the work the engine was doing. Simple enough, with a vacuum motor connected to the inlet manifold, so the power of the motor was inversely proportional to the engine's volumetric efficiency. Bloody diabolical.

[@RichieRouge206]

The horn just a fab sound! Don’t really know anything about such old car, still very appealing. The whine on the gearbox is amazing - straight cut for sure! Great test there fella!

[@nassar57]

Great videos, all of these. No egomaniac he; it's all about the car! Very detailed...really gets across the essence of the car.

[@johncollymore1697]

What a great condition that Overhead-Cam Morris is - a very nice example - looks like a great restoration. Great fun, and enormous fun to drive. Thanks for the video - great stuff. And it gives an idea to 'modern' car drivers what you could expect from a pre-1950's car. Cheers.

[@BungleBare]

If you think that’s terrifying, try driving a Ferguson TE tractor. I took one a short distance to a car show for a friend that owned it. I set off mega-early to avoid traffic. I was perched on a metal seat, with no bodywork, a hand throttle on the steering wheel, and a crash gearbox between my legs. No suspension, indicators or, well, anything really. Road legal, but totally road unsuitable. Every time a car came near me I was terrified. Still glad I did it though- it may have been old and hopeless on road, but there was something just lovable about that tractor. Old machinery seems to have more soul than newer stuff. That’s the vibe I was getting from this video as well.

[@furiousdriving]

Its is a proper experience driving these old things! But really rewarding when it goes right, does take a while to get in sync with the machine and get to know it

[@frothe42]

Absolutely brilliant Matt! It does sound like a vehicle from that era, the thirties. And extremely brave for driving such a classic! I kept watching the wiper blade move while you were driving, and you were constantly and consistently watching the traffic. I thoroughly enjoyed this and all of your content, so thank you for bringing this true British classic to our attention!

[@furiousdriving]

Im always ready to try anything, Im sure after a couple of goes you would get used to the pedals, but with these old things other drivers are always the big worry!

[@frothe42]

@@furiousdriving Especially the way people drive today, no matter whether it is the UK 🇬🇧 or the US 🇺🇸!

[@neville132bbk]

I don't know how you felt after that but i was tense just watching it .. the sound of those gears and the thought of the super responsive drum brakes.... ..The first car i remember in our family in 1957 Dunedin was a Morris 8.

[@michaelsterckx4120]

She is certainly a beautiful stately old dame, but that is possibly the most dangerous road test I've yet seen. :)

[@yabesig1839]

What a dramatic driving experience, im still shaking after watching :)

[@g.a.c.4139]

It was truly entertaining to watch you drive this car. I drive a 1930 Ford everyday, The two cars are identical, in very different ways! I can say, with all certainty, that you are not familiar with this car and it shows. Considering you are unfamiliar and uncomfortable with this car, you are doing quite well. I would recommend however, that you review several procedures with the owner before taking it out again...access to the back seat, shifting times, engine starting and warm up, braking procedures...all need some skill-strengthening. Its important to remember that you can not drive these cars like modern cars...you must leave a lot of space ahead of you. At every moment, you must think about the worst possible scenario and how to mitigate it. You will become a true 'defensive' driver.

[@bertmeinders6758]

You learn to appreciate brakes when they desert you. I remember two occasions. The first was on a Sunday drive in our 1956 Prefect, when an exhaust mount broke and the pipe broke a brake line. I drove back home (about 30Km) because Dad trusted my judgement. Second time was a couple of days before Christmas in 1979, when I replaced the rear axle on my 1953 Humber Super Snipe in the carpark of New World Supermarket in Waikanae (apologies to the manager), and after 9 hours of very hard work, I couldn't make the effort to bleed the brakes. Home was only 60Km away. Slowing down with the gearchange requires very good anticipation, and perhaps a bit of prayer. Fortunately, God wasn't angry with me at that time.

[@video99couk]

How you drive a car was changing more over that time. To go from that 1930 car to a "modern" 1970 Hillman Avenger is a huge leap in driving experience, 40 years later. But now I can jump from my Avenger to a new fossil fuel car and barely notice the difference, 50 years later. We're going through a bigger driving experience change now of course with electric vehicles.

[@routmaster38]

In 1959 ,me and a friend bought a thirties Morris 8 from a fellow RN guy for £8 in Malta,where we cut off the top and created a nice open tourer.Seeing as we were one of only 3 people to own a car on our ship,(Hms Girdleness),we were quite popular socially.

[@george2916]

Glad you weren't faced with an emergency braking situation. Guessing reflex would have had you jamming the accelerator pedal and wondering why you weren't slowing down. 😮 Great video.

[@saxon-mt5by]

With a car like this, you don't have emergency braking situations - you just go for the gap!

[@routmaster38]

You drove to suit the conditions that many present day morons refuse to do.Every day as I drive under 30 MPH to avoid a fine etc ,I seem to attract some impatient moron in a clapped out Audi or Bmw busy tailgating me ready to zoom off with burning rubber to the next red light.Ha ha!

[@kellybrickey4300]

I feel your pain, Matt. When I was a new driver, got my foot on the wrong pedal, and backed my Datsun bluebird into the neighbor's garage, going through the wall and crashing into her Dodge coronet. My insurance agent was not pleased.

[@AJC508]

Fantastically interesting. Thanks for digging this one up. Something VERY different to the usual fare.

[@presstodelete1165]

The first time I tried a right foot gearchange on a motorbike, it was when I was having my first ride on a bike I had just built myself, spending considerable more than I could afford, whilst being lapped by Phil Read (8 times world champion) on a priceless Gilera GP bike, going round Cadwell park. Memorable and terrible all at the same time.

[@robertngreen6]

Very enjoyable watching you struggle to control this lovely old thing! Huge fun though and an achievement not to die during the test, well done!

[@jakekaywell5972]

Despite hailing from the land of bald eagles, Chevrolet, apple pie, FREEDOM®, and overly-aggressive lawyers I've always been fascinated with pretty much all English cars. So totally unlike anything else from America, continental Europe, or anywhere else. BMC cars in particular for some odd reason. Maybe because my first memory of a car was a stunning red and camel tan 1966 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk. III? Who knows and who cares! All I know for sure is this was a properly well done look at a motorcar most aren't familiar with! Maybe I should get an Austin A40 Somerset to match my Studebaker?

[@furiousdriving]

You should get a Rover P4, the styling was sort of borrowed

[@jakekaywell5972]

@@furiousdriving Hey, I'm open to ideas and that Rover certainly isn't a bad one! That generation was referred to as "Auntie" I believe on account of it's soft and friendly styling. It would still give me that picnic table, tea shelf, and cowhide experience I've been looking for. 😀

[@seancooke4127]

Hilarious 😂 you Madman. I'm running out of instruments to describe and don't pull out in front of me I've got cable operated brakes. Excellent I was ****ing myself. Beautiful car and I didn't think you would be able to to sit in the back. God we are so mollycoddled in modern cars, even 70s and 80s cars. 1million % for taking this Minor out for us Matt. Legend. 👏

[@asfhyujtg324]

What a lovely hat. And what a wonderful car, it's just crazy to think how far we've come in... about 90 years. Alright fair enough that is a long time... But now things as simple as cars from around the world are things, I don't think back then they were expecting a 'MOTOR VEHICLE' company from Korea to create cars we see everywhere.

[@cornishrider]

Hugely entertaining, Best video so far this year! The combination of danger and extreme concentration hugely appeals to me. Precision fit wiper at 14:00!

[@djdrwatson]

12:49 Wooo-aargh! That was close!

[@HughMacDonald20]

This outfit definitely made this interview! Lovely Jubbly!

[@COPPERSTATETREASURES]

Hi 👋 I have never seen a Morris Minor. There are many interesting features on this car. The sliding windows, the fabric on the outside, the height of the car, & the pockets for the maps. Really enjoyed your video!!! Great content!

[@nicholasalexander4743]

The OHC engine was quite interesting, too.

[@Bratfalken]

I take it, that gear pattern is like an H with reverse in the upper left branch? Shortly after my mother got her license we bought our first second car, a 1960 Volvo PV544 with a 3 speed gearbox, it had the same pattern. One day she was driving me and my brother to school when a police car ended up behind us at a crossroad, she became slightly nervous and almost backed into the police car when selecting what was normally first gear! :-) She didn't though, fortunatly and I think the officers where just as reliefed! That car became my first project car in the late 70ths and was never finished with the wild remodelling that was in at the time, I sold it to another car collector who wanted the very last door rubber sealers that Volvo sold to the model as I had bought them, the car was last seen still not finished sold to another PV owner who needed more body panels a few years ago. Those cars where buildt when steel was cheap and I remember the front fenders having 1,8 mm thick steel, nothing like todays flimsy cardboardboxes! :)

[@furiousdriving]

Yes, dog leg first, so 1st is is left and back, designed to catch you out!

[@Bratfalken]

@@furiousdriving 😁 As long as you fast pace gearshifting isn't done in the 1-2-3- Racegear motion, all is good! 😉

[@tonys1636]

Ford used three speed boxes right up to the demise of the 100 E. The 100 E van still in production alongside early 105 E cars.

[@craigmclean8260]

What a hoot that looks like! I have a similar hat to yours; one of my favorites; of course in my "hair-challenged state", hat-wearing is absolutely essential, to keep from frying my scalp to a bright red, and so as not to confuse pilots by the glare!

[@richarddyasonihc]

So have I, it is aFedora, I also have quite a few others eg a trilby and a boater along with a few flat caps for when I am oop North life. I am proud to say that I don't have a single baseball cap.

[@VeyronBD]

Love these really old car reviews, just so different compared to anything after

[@nassar57]

It took some serious cohones to pilot such primitive, unsafe machinery!

[@richarddyasonihc]

I had series 1. Land Rover 153 which had a side value engine and crash gearbox, the pedals were normal, but you had to double cluck and get to know the engine revs for a perfect change. I found that eventually I could change gears without using the clutch once moving. I then found that with most cars you could do this. The Landry of course had two ratio sets and a fun item called a hand throttle.

[@furiousdriving]

hand throttle for farm work and power take off duties, brilliant machines!

[@tonys1636]

That pedal arrangement makes heel and toeing so much easier than trying to roll ones foot, impossible when the pedals are well spaced, the full ball of the foot is on the brake pedal when doing so, awkward if one is pigeon toed though! A common arrangement then and much easier to drive than a Model T Ford. Loving the hat as an hat wearer myself, essential when ones head looks like an egg. A nice Panama in summer. More Vintage or Post vintage ( as that Morris is ) drives please.

[@furiousdriving]

the pedals were a big step forward, Id liken it to VHS vs Betamax as either could have taken off

[@dorbellbuster2011]

With Steph from "Idriveaclassic" Driving an Austin 7 Cambridge and yourself Driving this Glorious Morris Minor, Truely spoilt for Really Really Vintage Cars at the moment. Truely Charming Car in its own little way. That pedal layout would baffle me No end, Surprised at how you Start it too, Totally would of Expected A starting handle around this time. Great review even if it was a Little Terrifying. Far Braver than I am. I just do not think I would have the bottle to take something out that old. Nice one 👍

[@postscript67]

I thought you were going to flatten the battery when you pushed the horn four times. And I was surprised the cable brakes worked in reverse for I think some didn't (they didn't work very well forwards either!). I laughed when you said "Don't pull on front of me - I've got cable brakes, you moron!" People assume old cars stop as efficiently as new ones but they don't. I used colourful language one day when I was hurtling downhill in a Phase 2 Standard Vanguard and someone came dawdling out of a junction right on front of me. The Vanguard was a big heavy car with drum brakes. I slammed them on and managed to get down to the other car's speed about six foot from the oblivious driver's rear bumper, with the sweat running down my face!

[@rydermike33]

What a beautiful old Morris and a lovely restoration job as well. Think it would still be the Austin Ruby for me though. Many thanks Matt,

[@davidchesterman1556]

It looks brand new (apart from the styling). Ford had vacuum wipers into the 50/60s in some models and the odd pedal arrangement in some earlier models.

[@shanehnorman]

An historic little car, being the basis for the first MG Midget in 1928. Known also as the M-type and using the Minor's chassis and OHC engine, the Midget was a huge success and later models, with supercharging, could hit 80 mph.

[@bingola45]

I love those M-type Midgets. They still have the 'Minor' look, but much improved performance. The 'original.' MG still looked like an Oxford!

[@montyzumazoom1337]

Nice looking car great condition. One has to remember that the word car comes from carriage, and carriages were “coach built”. So the method of construction although seeming strange today was the norm for many years. (I had an old motorcycle combination with a coach built sidecar for some time). One assumes that people didn’t steal cars in that era? Very few people could afford cars anyway and not everyone could drive. No point forcing your way in to steal the stereo ‘cos there wasn’t one😂 It always tickles me how cars have “progressed”. Gone are the days of priming the engine with petrol, setting the mixture and ignition timing and then starting with the handle, and then remembering to keep pumping the oil to lubricate the engine from time to time once you have got the thing going..... I think these boy racers of today and school run Mums should learn to drive a car like this as a punishment😂😂😂 At least my “65 Morris Minor is a little more advanced than this, but I’d love to have a drive in one of these. Just one other point. When you drive something like this, don’t try and drive it quickly at first, put your mind back to an earlier era when things were slower. Do everything slower and calmer and unhurried and enjoy the experience. Obviously not easy when you have a pile of modern traffic behind you though😳. Enjoyable video and presentation.

[@jonleslie1729]

My Grandfather (now 94) was taught to drive in one of these by his Garagiste brother: apparently their relationship never really recovered, and I think I know why now...

[@professornuke7562]

Square cut gears by the sound of it. My first car my Dad helped me build was a Morris Minor panel van obviously NOT this generation. Dad is an old Pommie car mechanic. Greetings from Oz.

[@buncho888]

Love these 1930s cars. I ride 1930s British motorcycles and they seem much faster and more advanced than cars of this era. Still they’re a lot more challenging than modern motorcycles and that makes them more involving and fun too.

[@FuelPower]

Wow, well done driving that, looks like a real challenge. Cool hat too!

[@fhwolthuis]

I am not so much into the pre war cars but this one was very nice Matt! Your impersonation of a "sausage vendor" in the raincoat was spot on too 🤣

[@1972dsrai]

Its amazing when you look at these earlier cars to where we are today. Night and day, and in a relatively short time span. That a proper Laurel and Hardy horn.

[@AmigaA-or2hj]

These old cars really give you a good workout and alertness!

[@HakanKoseoglu]

My mum's first ever car in early 60s was a Morris Minor but I am happy to say it's the later edition, not this death trap! It still must have been an early version since when she got it it belonged to an old lady and had sat in a garage for years unused! She has some very amusing stories about it like the day she did a 360 degree spin in the rain... Regardless, fantastic little death trap you've got there.

[@bingola45]

Present-day know-nothings describe your mum's type of Morris Minor as a 'death trap'. It must be a generation thing.

[@ianvicedomini2648]

What an absolutely beautiful sound going through 1st and 2nd. Lovely sound

[@wesleycardinal8869]

That was a lot of fun, I felt i was along for the ride. Just think that only 25 years later the sublime space age Citroen DS was revealed to the world. 👍

[@oldclassiccarUK]

Great car, I had a '34 saloon and still have a '32 tourer. That was pretty exhausting to watch. There's nothing "brave" or "terrifying" (other comments) about driving these cars, you just have to adapt and slow everything down, without trying to drive it like something from the 50s/60s. Look forward to more pre-war content...! Nice hat though.

[@mr-wx3lv]

When you're used to the more usual driving configuration, this would take some getting used to..

[@furiousdriving]

I imagine after a couple of drives the pedals become more normal but the first time out it takes all your concentration to keep your foot aiming at the right pedal. Im happy, keen even, to drive everything I can so Im always up for a challenge, this was running a little rough that day and needed some fancy foot work to keep it happy at junctions! I love the hat

[@terryatkinson899]

You said there's very little buttons to play with, and now you know why.... hands full just keeping it moving. A good driver can drive anything is what I was always told, so I see it as a challenge and would enjoy this contraption. Would put indicators and a mirror on it though if it was mine.

[@furiousdriving]

It definitely needs indicators and tail lights, even removable ones. It wasnt running as well as usual when I drove it which added to the fun. Im sure it would something you can get used to but I did hear pilots shouldn't fly helicopters and fixed wing as the controls are reversed and wonder about this as well!

[@craig_chaznibond452]

Best test drive ever, just brilliant!

[@IN_TECH]

cool video keep up the amazing content

[@Elstro1988]

I''d be absolutely petrified to get behind the wheel of one of these....and now have even more respect for the VSCC members who race (way more powerful) cars of this era than ever!

[@chrissybee18]

Love the Inspector Gadget costume, that was a scary ride! Think I’d have stuck to a horse if I was back then, great video.

[@AstraWerke]

At 13:42, the transmission sounds like it's laughing at you. A very, very dirty laugh xD

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

What a beauty! And that just your hat Lol. Your drive was more frightening than a drive in HubNuts TWC.

[@gryfandjane]

Simultaneously charming and terrifying!

[@michaeltutty1540]

What a fantastic video about a very special car. Truly terrific.

[@raymaidstone8811]

Classic hat, classic car, nice video full of comedy and ‘being there’ information :-) yes the pedals were a night mare at first, but its amazing what you can get used to - well done :-) and its a shame, i think, that modern cars can lull one into forgetting just how fast you’re goin, because with this one, I’m sure you knew ! :-) nice one

[@forresten]

Intriguing piece of automotive history, thank you, Matt. Oh and the whine

[@jorgerostagnol3602]

Hola!!! Me encantó el paseo en el Morris. !!! Gracias. Desde Colonia Uruguay.

[@markwright3161]

The Austin 7's (now conventional) layout was copied from the Cadillac Type 53 and the 7 was the first to mass produce the layout. I imagine the Morris Minor didn't have it as they were still sharing/competing in the same market sector with it so didn't copy them for reasons you mentioned in the video. If they had put the 'conventional' pedal layout in then it would be very obvious that they were going after the Austin 7's customers, at least it would have probably looked like that back then when the layouts for controlling the car varied so much from one manufacturer to another.

[@gord307]

I enjoy these vintage test drives. Daily drivers for our grand parents! Hope you got back safely. Gord :-)

[@doktoruzo]

Beautiful condition. Love the trench mac and hat Matt...very 1930's. Great stuff as always.

[@trmn311]

Well Matt that looked absolutely terrifying!😬 “Hilarious” 🤣 but terrifying! Beautiful car but I think it would be best if it was admired in a museum not on the road! 😰

[@phillipsharpe6459]

That is the most terrified i have ever seen anyone test driving a car 😂😂👍

[@Ragnar8504]

You haven't watched Ageing Wheel's lawnmower-powered microcar test drive it seems!

[@lebojay]

I’ve had a team working on this over the past few weeks, and what we’ve come up with can be reduced to two fundamental concepts. One: People aren’t wearing enough hats. Two: Matter is energy. In the universe there are many energy fields which we cannot normally perceive. Some energies have a spiritual source which act upon a person’s soul. However, this “soul” does not exist ab initio as orthodox Christianity teaches; it has to be brought into existence by a process of guided self-observation. However, this is rarely achieved owing to man’s unique ability to be distracted from spiritual matters by everyday trivia.

[@ColonelJGHyde]

Great review. Absolutely love the car, beautiful!!!

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

I love the amount of gearbox whine.

[@parrotraiser6541]

The problem with vacuum-operated wipers is that when you really need them, e.g. overtaking, they stop working. (No depression in the manifold.) Not that overtaking is going to be a common situtation with this machine.

[@ianrosie4431]

You and these jalopies are a match made in heaven. As with the Ruby, I thoroughly enjoyed your terror. MORE!

[@furiousdriving]

The Ruby was brilliant, it was only a worry about what other drivers might do, this was actually a bit worrying to drive, not being used to it as well as being slow and cable brakes!

[@Bucharestguidedtours]

That did look terrifying, nice old motor and what a lovely hat as well. Best wishes Furious.

[@peterriggall8409]

Had me smiling all the way through that. 'Charming' might be the word to describe it. OK for occasional outings to car shows towed behind a 4wd on a trailer....which adds substantially to the cost of ownership. I think the 9 pounds premium for a steel body would be a little extravagant.

[@furiousdriving]

Thats why the last owner sold it, he wanted a fun weekend car but it was too much hard work

[@mr-wx3lv]

This is an era of cars of which I have little affinity with. Apart from a historical interest, they seem a galaxy away from the cars I grew up with. You certainly know your stuff Matt..

[@furiousdriving]

I just like all kinds of cars!

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

It makes my Peugeot 1007 look big! What a classic. In these cars every drive must have been an adventure.

[@routmaster38]

No it wasnt because we were not soppy pampered snowflakes in those days!

[@brendanhurley8780]

Great stuff... that looked absolutely terrifying.

[@doktoruzo]

lol...the horn, ha,ha. Fab! The windscreen wiper was flapping around in the wind. Absolutely terrifying . Not a practical classic! Already ordered the flowers Matt!

[@timbre7999]

Lovely little motorcar! Matt you are a master of stylish hats.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Strikes me a little bit like Dick Tracy in that get up. I'm not complaining!

[@zigzzagkiwi]

Awesome vid! Cool little cars they are :)

[@jakekaywell5972]

They are also under-appreciated in my mind. Owning practically any baby Morris or Austin is one of the best ways to get into near-microcar territory for not much monies at all.

[@lce124]

Love the vintage car vids 👍

[@paulmckinder3082]

Lovely old car I think I would want a few hours testing before I took it out on a road well done sir rather you than me great video