1940s Canadian Morris Minor Lowlight - one of the rarest Morris Minors in the world!

[@keiths314]

When I was a child in the 60s in Zimbabwe, my mother’s best friend had a 1948 MM Morris Minor. It has driven all the way from Cape town in South Africa to Bulawayo, and then up to Salisbury (now Harare). It had done the trip up north and south in Zimbabwe multiple times, travelling on strip roads and dirt roads, carrying all of the luggage needed by a nurse who was responsible for caring for dozens of patients throughout her district. It had to carry all her clothing, nursing supplies and a few spares, so to cope with the load the rear springs had been replaced with stronger ones, giving it a bum-up stance. She kept the car for several decades, and I have childhood memories of being transported with several of her children and a few friends around suburban Harare to and from shops, the city, and various friends. I grew to absolutely love that car, but it was rather deafening as we lived in a hilly area, and it seldom got out of third gear, and second was used extensively to get up hills. A ‘fast’ sprint down the main road was raucous indeed, but what a lovely sound those side ave engines made. Love those little MM Minors. Thanks so much, Steph!

[@davidhinkson8856]

I love that the owner has let the car retain its original patina - truly a rare survivor and it's amazing it had so much low mileage.

[@josephmifsud8261]

No apologies needed. It is a chance in a million to see one of these, let alone drive one. It is a beauty

[@drwho534]

Love it! My dad's first car when we immigrated to Canada in 1959, a mid-green one with the same windshield shade. My fave photo is my dad standing be side it with me at the age of 3. Thanks Steph for the memories!

[@TemptingFateTours]

If you have a copy of that photo, John would love to see it! Building a small collection of Canadian lowlight snapshots found on eBay etc.

[@irvinmartin9259]

As a Canadian this brought back fond memories for me. In the early 60's my family lived in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The only Morris Minor I've ever seen in daily use was owned by our next door neighbour. A Mr Hagan. I doubt if he drove it in an Alberta winter. But I saw it the rest of the year.

[@TemptingFateTours]

We still don't know the name of the farmer near Winnipeg who bought it new (but hope springs eternal). The car showed up in 1976 on a used-car lot in Winnipeg, Manitoba, when it had just 1,300 miles after 27 years! That's when the Millars bought it; I got the car from them.

[@69javman]

I'm curious as well, as to what they were thinking sending those cars to Canada with no heaters!!

[@TemptingFateTours]

@@69javman Not sure there was ever a factory heater option for the Minor's predecessor, the Series E Morris 8. But Nuffield had never exported to North America until after WW2, when the "Export or Die" program required 50 to 90 percent of British industrial production to be sold overseas for hard currency to pay war debts. British buyers likely didn't whinge about the cold so much ...

[@BillMalcolm-tn3kq]

Ha ha. No, the British just bore up under the strain. However, when our family emigrated to Canada in '59 from Portsmouth, we soon discovered that real snow storms and freezing temps for weeks on end did exist, even in Nova Scotia, which is far further south than Blighty at the 45th parallel, but devoid of the Gulf Stream effects. In an enclosed car, you NEED a heater to keep the windscreen defrosted from passengers' breaths being exhaled onto it. Otherwise you do not drive because you cannot see where you're going. Ask me how I know.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Beautifully informative and narrated Steph, you were indeed very lucky to drive one of the most rare ,historic and earliest Minors in existence - a real coup and well done !.

[@johnrideout7124]

I had the use of one of those early lowlite jobs, and as they altered the shape of the front, I felt that the first design was by far the best looking of all.!

[@farnthboy]

Here is Aussie my brother had one of these Morris low lights back in the 60's & he put a 138ci grey Holden six in it with a hot cam & twin carbs & a few other goodies. Got a write up in Australian Hot Rod magazine at the time. The car was canary yellow in colour & was a pretty quick car in its day.

[@johnrockley9472]

Super video. I saw John's KZbin on the car and I made this comment. My father bought a 'minor' just like this I think in 1961. I learnt to drive in it in 1963. It was first registered in London (UK) In 1949,10 days before the end of the year, the first owner was a clergyman, it was black two door KYN72. He later sold it on. I still remember doing a journey in it during a very cold period frozen up both inside and out - it was not equipped with a heater. Your video showing so much more of the vehicle brought back so many fond memories. Thankyou so much and best wishes.😊

[@TerryTerryTerry]

Beautiful car.

[@stephenricketts7764]

What a lovely old car this is. It is not only rare it also only has around 20K on the clock so how many cars of that age can you say that about? I loved the shake of the exhaust when she fired up, just adds to the character of the car. I wish John and Tom all the very best of luck on their adventures ahead. Thank you Steph for another great review. most interesting. 👍👍

[@stevenmccloskey4866]

Great video. Love your passion for classic cars.

[@emmanuel52945]

I like this video so much , this car is a so much good remember of grand father’s time , I remember the time when he was talking about this car at family’s diners , but because we are french , living in Paris , I never saw this car in this type of model . I really appreciate this video ( it makes me learning English more ) , but I learn more about English society in middle of 20 century , this is marvelous for me . I really thank you for this work and I immediately partage it all around me .

[@idriveaclassic]

Love stories like that. Thank you for sharing x

[@ldnwholesale8552]

I saw a LHD one parked in a Paris street. And a Mini Cooper not far away. This 2017

[@allanmollison6971]

What a treat Steph, I was wondering when you were going to review a lowlight. It looks identical to mine, even the colour, though I don't have the external sun visor. The lowlights also had 3 different types of tail lights during production. The earliest cars (1948) had a reflector and a single round light Lucas 482, then the two round Lucas 488 lights and then from mid 1949 to 1951, the rectangular type Lucas 471 lights. Thanks again for sharing 😊👍

[@idriveaclassic]

I always think it’s great you’ve got a lowlight 😊

[@TemptingFateTours]

You'll note these are an unusual, more rounded rear lens on the L471 lights than the squarer ones usually seen on Minors. I do rather wonder if someone swopped in A40 Devon rear lenses, as Austin managed to shift more than 10,000 of them in North America 1948-50.

[@caw25sha]

Hi Steph, I've just remembered that a few years ago I saw a very unrestored and patinated Minor van alive and well and still earning its keep on the streets of London. I took a couple of photos so I'll dig them out and Instagram them to you.

[@bondbug73]

Great review Steph. You're so good at presenting.

[@buckwheatINtheCity]

I'm contemplating buying one of these precious little gems. Hopefully, the negotiation will culminate in a purchase. 🎉

[@jamespn]

That morris minor is so cool, thanks for showing this one.

[@paulchappell]

Superb video! I really enjoyed that drive and your detailed account of the car’s remarkable history.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you Paul

[@jamesmorgan2448]

Another very enjoyable video, Steph. You're such a star! :)

[@ricado372]

Great video. Thanks Steph.

[@andyf750]

Love your videos Steph. You're informative, knowledgeable & have a brilliant presentation style. And i adore your outfits classy lady! ❤

[@georgejohnson1498]

Thank you, Steph, for such a delightful video on a delightful little car.We had a grey four door 1959 with trafficators till 1970. I used to sit on the front passenger seat and work the gears while my mother drove. I am not sure that would be legal then and certainly not now! It was also the first car I steered, while sitting on my mother's lap as an eight year old! Such joyful memories brought back. Best wishes from George in Herefordshire.

[@idriveaclassic]

Haha definitely illegal but I love stories like that

[@peterlee5535]

I've always thought the lowlight Minors were much much better looking than the later design. I don't know what it is about them but they just have a special something about them :)

[@idriveaclassic]

They really are!

[@crashbox7130]

Alec Issigonis absolutely hated the high mounted headlamps, he felt it ruined the look of the car.

[@peterlee5535]

@@crashbox7130 He was a wise man!

[@michaelstaunton1632]

An interesting & enjoyable video well done 👍👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you

[@urbanfalk4398]

Steph in a MM , Cant get better , Love it !

[@craigcottingham35]

Falling in love with Morris Minors 😍

[@johnnywarnerperfectroad66]

A brilliant and informative video Steph many thanks 👍

[@49commander]

Love your passion and knowledge!!

[@IanRosie-mx6rn]

I thoroughly enjoyed that. You've become such a good reviewer. I hope you don't mind me saying that. Subscribed.

[@idriveaclassic]

That’s so kind. Thank you!

[@markbullock1931]

Hey Steph I saw a really nice 2:07 drop head Minor last weekend. The dash is lovely on those first ones.

[@KenthGustafsson300]

Love that car..it's unique!

[@idriveaclassic]

It really is

[@dennismccarthy7032]

❤ cracking entertainment Steph ❤ worthy of a Sunday evening slot on the beeb

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m torn. Would I be creatively stifled if I went mainstream? I like being able to beat my own drum.

[@EVguru]

Great video Steph, but there's one detail you missed. Like many British cars of the time, it only has one door lock. This cost cutting measure continued for many years and I remember my Hillman Imp and Reliant Kitten only having a single door lock. On those, it was however on the drivers door, unlike that LHD Minor that still has it on the right hand side!

[@idriveaclassic]

You know what, I totally forgot it because my car doors only have one lock too. I’ve got earlier doors fitted - later cars had locks on both sides. Only mildly annoying 😂

[@davidjames2910]

Like a Trabant!

[@daviemaclean61]

A beautiful original car. Having watched so many of your driving videos it was a little strange watching over the "wrong" shoulder and I kept thinking you were getting too close to other things - which, of course, you weren't! Cheers

[@markhealey9409]

Wow! Beautiful car,amazing survivor,& incredible story behind its history! 😍😍

[@michaelhalsall5684]

The original MM engine was an improved version of the pre War Morris 8 engine. The original MM High Lights sent to the USA had the original grille wiith the headlights blanked out with a panel and larger heaglights added to top of wing (fender). It gave the car a slightly "patched up" look. I wonder if any of these interim styled cars still survive?😮

[@7ismersenne]

An excellent and informative video, thanks.

[@anthonystevens8683]

Another top video Steph of a vary classic example of an icon. Many thanks for sharing.

[@MrStinker101]

Dear Steph , thank you for making such an interesting video I look forward to your next one. Best wishes John

[@idriveaclassic]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

[@a11csc]

a little gem Steph

[@Antonymorris1.6]

It's amazing how many minors they are steph.great video.x

[@iansutherlandcraig]

Issigonis was such a clever man.

[@BillMalcolm-tn3kq]

And nobody thought so more than the man himself. A legend in his own mind. A crashing boor, I believe.

[@johnmontgomery9149]

I’ve only ever driven two LHD vehicles, a Merc SLK and a Setra coach which was an experience in itself being used to driving to the centre lines on the road and realising the line was 8’ away from me.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Great job, Steph. Beautiful car indeed. I love oddball variants of otherwise fairly common cars. One thing I notice is the lack of a heater. I cannot imagine anyone in Canada buying a car in the late 40s without a heater/defroster. Even in Southern Ontario, temperatures in the winter can often be -20°C as the high for the day. One or two nights in January often get as cold as -40°. At that point, Centigrade and Fahrenheit are the same.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I don't think you could get a heater on the flathead engined cars, as they didn't have a water pump - thermo syphon cooling.

[@rowejon]

Nice one Stef!

[@michaelhalsall5684]

The strangest photo I've seen of a MM Low Light was in long lost magazine. A LHDrive 😅Low Light saloon was shown, very out of place, moving through traffic in Port-Au-Prince in Haiti!

[@scragnut]

I’ve always loved Morris Minors but I do love the look of the lowlight. There used to be one near where I worked in the late 80s/ early 90s. I often wonder if It’s still around. This one here is a wonderful survivor.

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

Several points... A good 918cc engined Minor easily gets to 60 mph and a bit above. Wildly incorrect ignition points gap can lead to much lower performance. The on/off switch for the Speedo and Gauge Lights is a tiny sliding switch, concealed, about underneath where the ignition key is (feel along the underneath edge of that front centre panel). This works independent of the main headlight switch so be careful not to accidentally leave the gauge lights switched on all day or you'll flatten the battery. Also upon lifting out the rear seat bottom, a small saucer sized trapdoor in the steel floor can be lifted out. This is directly overtop the filler bung for the rear axle differential. Easy to take out the bung and fill to the required level, by crouching inside the car, no need to go underneath. The brake Master Cylinder is in the floor under the driver's feet, with access to top up the fluid.. The cylinder head can be removed and a valve-grind done in the engine block, in situ, in the engine compartment of the car.. After removing the access cover on the side of the engine block, Be sure to block up with small rags the THREE yes 3, oil return passage holes, while doing the valve-grind. Only after you have finished and secured the valves back into place with their easy to drop half-collett pieces, should you then remove those rags.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you for sharing your expertise

[@ianjay5301]

@@idriveaclassic My father bought a new 1951 while studying in Edinburgh. He was a little shocked to find that it wouldn't go faster than 40 until well broken in. My parents toured Europe in it and then exported it back to northern Ontario until trading it for a 55 VW. It did have a heater but the winters in the early 50's meant that it had to be plugged in to start successfully. The frost boils nearly swallowed it a few times. It was quite a change from his father's 48 Chrysler New Yorker. I recently came across a b&w pic of the Minor in the wilderness near Elliot Lake, Ontario.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@ianjay5301 Your's had a heater? I didn't think you could get a heater on these until they went to an Overhead engine.

[@Vince_uk]

Two great videos today Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

Glad you like them!

[@scroggins100]

We had a seriess MM called Uncle Albert (OKA 432) took me five years to restore it. One day at Gaydon a chap walks up and says "You got Metric Nuts mate". My wife looked at him and said.."Ohh that explains it then".

[@idriveaclassic]

😂😂😂

[@TemptingFateTours]

Ah, the "Mad Metrics" ... dating back to Nuffield's purchase of French Hotchkiss tooling in the 1920s for cheap. The threads are metric, but the heads on the bolts are British standard. Been confusing mechanics worldwide ever since!

[@rogerdonaldsullivan1424]

Steph that dress great only missing is the boots for the package with the car❤

[@simon.easton]

Lovely car. I hope one day i shall have a later Morris 1000 as my family had one in 1982. Nice to meet you again in Derbyshire yesterday!

[@idriveaclassic]

It was lovely to see you too!

[@henkbarnard1553]

Yay matching outfit.

[@idriveaclassic]

It was close but since I lost weight I have very little in red 😭

[@huguesgillet1967]

Nice little old car. That's fine to still see them on roads. Isn't it the outsides of Gaydon museum ? So nice and overwhelming place !!!!! Really enjoyed to visit that place. See you AT the Festival of the Unexceptional this Summer maybe ! 😉☺️. A Hello from France !

[@Wulfbear99]

Really interesting description of this morris mm love the bakealite switches. I assume no heater/demister on these models? Only recently found your channel some great cars covered. Keep up the good work, Brian.

[@davidsheppard1362]

I've always preferred the original "Low Light" staying. Also the original Dash. It's a shame they had to change things.

[@Marklin15]

The US did not have federal level legislation for vehicles at that time but a myriad of state level legislation. The headlights being placed higher probably had to do with just being a better spot for the larger headlight or styling preferences. Some state they expected to sell a lot in may have had some height legislation but the VW beetles had low mounted lights also. In late 50s some American cars had quad headlights or dual lights depending on the state they were sold in because some states didn’t allow quad headlights yet.

[@TemptingFateTours]

While I've not been able to track it down, I think it was a California state regulation. Perhaps a tactic against hot rodders who would mount required headlights at ankle height on very low custom cars. In the U.K., I've read that Lucas wanted all makers to standardize on 7" lamps because they gave far better light (the lowlight lamps are ... suboptimal).

[@rx6180]

Dunno if you’ve ever mentioned it in other Moggy videos but it would have been worth pointing out the filler pieces in the front and rear bumpers, caused by the ‘Mosquito’ prototype looking too narrow and very late in planning after bumpers had already been pressed, Issigonis had the prototype cut in half down the centre line and the two halves moved apart till it looked right. That is supposedly why there’s a four inch band in the centre of the bonnet and the painted centre section in all the bumpers, which were chopped in half and widened rather than scrapped.

[@Rinty145]

Under the bonnet, one would think it was a completely different car.

[@grahamcrooks3581]

That may have had the original Morris side valve engine? I worked on one as a School leaver, and was surprised to find that it had metric fastenings. Someone told me later that they were made in Germany as part of reparations. So truly an international car ahead of it's day. That wide wheel track and torsion bar suspension felt very stable, novice drivers loved it.

[@drfalcon4102]

Morris Made GREAT cars,,,the you tuber, Mustie1, got a 1950 Morris Oxford going last year,, looks a lot like the one you are showing here, but , its a 4 door,, same engine,, etc.

[@TemptingFateTours]

Actually, the Series MO Morris Oxford shares very little with the Series MM Minor aside from some Lucas bits. You can think of it as a five-quarter-scale model of the Minor. While it used a side-valve engine as well, it was 1.5 litres rather than the Minor's 918cc. But very, very similar styling! The differentiating feature is the headlamp location: On the Oxford, they were in the wings from the start, not the grille panel.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@TemptingFateTours I used to see an Oxford in my hometown - San Francisco.

[@taks8439]

Hi Steph, i have a 1963 Moggy and i still have the clap hand wipers (dual personality). I belive that was the year they went to tandam wipers or maybe 64 😊

[@alecporter1784]

low lights are my favourite

[@jimeditorial]

In Canada, BMC imported nany cars without a heater...enterprising garages made money fitting aftermarket units. The logic of shipping cars to Canada without a heater can only be British..,.even VW offered a combustion heater, and early Beetles needed them

[@idriveaclassic]

At this point in time, a heater was an optional extra for all markets.

[@jimeditorial]

@@idriveaclassic ludicrous to ship cars to Canada without it....SU carbs were another issue...you had to change the oil to a lighter viscosity to start the cars in freezing temperatures....on my 73 Mini I kept a butane torch to heat the bell, until an old mechanic suggested ATF. The Mini had a factory heater, which made not enough hot air to keep the windshield clear...blocking the rad was a must. Then I bought a Datsun B-210....they made a variant just for the Canadian market with a reduction gear starter motor, and a powerful heater....the Japanese eventually killed small British cars in Canada.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I don't think you could get a heater in these early flathead engine cars. They didn't have a water pump. They had thermo siphon cooling, just like a Model T.

[@awtistiaeth4699]

"Later 1098 cars doing 60's even 70's". Pah, You're not thrashing it enough. I've squeezed as showing almost 90 out of a Moggy van. I did winder if lower rear axle gearing allowed the poor A-series engine to rev out in 4th, and maybe the saloons wouldn't. Caveat: The above was managed on long dual carriage-way and some say "Moggy speedos can be generous". Great video, as always.

[@LoosleyLouise]

That’s a nice early Minor Steph, notified Cold War Motors in Alberta, Canada

[@compo308]

That little Morris Minor starts easier than my Toyota.

[@idriveaclassic]

Haha it’s great isn’t it!

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I once saw one of these "in the metal". Only once. All the other split-windshield Minors I have seen have been high-light models

[@lesklower7281]

Absolute purety

[@danmayberry1185]

🇨🇦 We did have a fair number of latter day Minors, and bazillions of "Austin" Marinas.

[@SeattleSoulFan]

I realize that the lights were moved upwards to meet American requirements, but I think the lowlight version is better-looklng. Living in the USA, I've never seen a lowlight Minor.

[@123rtheo]

What a great story,doesn’t look like the plugs have been changed since 1949. 😂

[@chuckmaddison2924]

My aunty had a Morris Minor. I honestly believe it was a better car than the VW. After working on both I can say the Morris is easier to work on.

[@bigboy9693]

The VW did not suffer from cheap manufacturing and cost cutting, I have also work on both and the Morris is junk compared to good German engineering. The VW had independent suspension in 1936, magnesium engine cases, vanadium steel in the forged crankshaft and connecting rods.

[@mr-wx3lv]

You may be right. But compared to a lot of later British cars, the minor was solid and well built. Theres also more room in a minor than a beetle. I remember having to sit sideways in the back seat of my uncles beetle...

[@chuckmaddison2924]

@mr-wx3lv My uncle was big into Oxford's and Wolseley. So when we came to UK for vacation, guess what he recommended and sold us.

[@danieleregoli812]

I like both but to me, although the VW is a higher quality product, the Morris seems like a more upscale car. A rear engined (air cooled) car will always feel cheaper to me, having grown with the Fiat 500. A Minor to me is a proper front engine "big car" 😂😂

[@Phiyedough]

Definitely more comfortable than a Beetle and not as noisy.

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello Stephen, how different is this car, and what a history. So enjoyed this video. Best wishes from Lincolnshire

[@WilHenDavis]

Nice video, but I was somewhat disappointed that there was no mention of the opening quarter-lights! Oh dear! 😢

[@idriveaclassic]

Hi Wil, sorry I had assumed most folk would know about these as they’re on pretty much all classics of this era and nothing unusual.

[@johnd8892]

I will be called a heretic, but growing up in Australia the low lights were a grim smokey low light for me closely followed by the split front window small rear window next model. A big step forward was the last circa 1960 models we saw. I suppose helped by their being newer so less stressed and smokey and so often in more modern cream colours. But losing their attraction with the buying public so their production line space was given over to the Morris Major Elite giving quite a step up in less stressed performance with its B series 1622 cc motor in a smallish car. Still nice to see a rare LHD low light in much better condition than the low lights I used to see.

[@comicmania2008]

What a bute, the moggy looks great, but really needs a good refurb! Would love to see it professionally restored. My Dad had a Traveller when I was a little kid, they really are nice cars with great character, would have one in a heartbeat.

[@idriveaclassic]

Plenty of restored cars to admire. Great to have a very original car for us to also admire and use for reference.

[@TemptingFateTours]

I've debated a respray, but the 40-year-old respray that's now peeling off in places is also part of the car's history. I'm leaning toward keeping it as is, to show the layers of its history as a true survivor.

[@darrylmcleman6456]

I much prefer the left hand drive! Viewing in Western Canada!

[@crashbox7130]

The engine is smooth because it's a side-valve rather than an OHV. When Nuffield and Austin merged in 1952 and the decision was made to use the A30 running gear in the Minor an engineer from Longbridge was sat in a proto-type Series 2 Minor with a Cowley counterpart when the chap from Cowley dropped from 4th into 2nd at 40+mph. The guy from Longbridge was horrified and exclaimed "What the Hell are you doing?!" The Reply.. "Our running gear can withstand that punishment so we want to make sure we don't fit sub-standard mechanicals to our cars."

[@TemptingFateTours]

An MMOC member has built himself a Series MM Minor with the OHV version of the side-valve 918cc Nuffield engine, only ever fitted to the 1946-48 Wolseley Eight. It's said to be much nicer than the 803cc Minor that emerged as the Series II, though the OHV 918 needed further refinement in issues like its fibre timing gears for volume production. Sadly, it was never to be.

[@crashbox7130]

@@TemptingFateTours Yes, I understand that to be the case too. I believe Lord Nuffield's last personal car was a Wolseley Eight with the OHV 918cc engine, and the car is displayed at Nuffield Place which is now owned by the National Trust. I keep meaning to pootle my way down there in my 1932 Morris Minor (it's only 80 miles from home).

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Some like original condition cars. Myself I would love to see this after a full on resto.

[@idriveaclassic]

I think it’s a great time capsule. A restoration would remove all that.

[@adebrade172]

Ace vid

[@BobAbc0815]

A minor Edition to the Morris Lineup

[@JamesAllmond]

actually, for the majority of automobiles, its steering wheel is on the "normal" side. Just saying.... beautiful car! Pretty much non-existent in Canada now...

[@danieleregoli812]

On the low/high light thing, Fiat did a similar thing by installing much bigger and higher lights on the low-volume Fiat 500 exports to the US

[@brycechessum4684]

Lolites are even becoming rare in NZ though I drove past one for sale roadside for months.

[@kensnook2410]

My first car was a 1949 low light MM until somebody ran into the back.

[@jamesgudgeon4868]

We Used Get These in Australia Too 1:43

[@iansutherlandcraig]

“Pull out and twist”. Like my Healey then.

[@SamLukie]

Had one. Totally gutless. Dangerous!

[@nlpnt]

What part of NY is he based out of? I might see this car next season once it gets back.

[@TemptingFateTours]

John's in the Hudson Valley, just south of Albany. Where are you?

[@karibakid]

I owned one in NZ1965

[@jonathanmorrisey5771]

Are there indicators for engine coolant temp and battery charge?

[@TemptingFateTours]

Nope!

[@caw25sha]

Is the owner the man you met a few weeks ago? Is that vary pale lilac a standard Minor colour?

[@idriveaclassic]

He came on holiday with us to the Netherlands but I’ve known John a few years. We met through our friend Richard, who also loves Morris’

[@philhawley1219]

I think the lilac cars are the limited edition Morris Million. Only a thousand were built to celebrate the millionth car being produced. Correct me if I am wrong but Minors are not my speciality.

[@caw25sha]

@@philhawley1219 There were three parked together near the beginning of the video, and at least one more when Steph was driving round. That's quite impressive.

[@caw25sha]

​@@idriveaclassic Just remembered that the man you interviewed at Moggyfest was from California, not NY.

[@TemptingFateTours]

@@philhawley1219 A total of 350 Minor Millions were built: the actual millionth car, and 349 replicas in the weeks before the Minor reached its actual mllionth car. Every U.K. dealer got a replica, and a few dozen also went to overseas markets, including 1000001 which was rescued in California in 1980. The prototype Million, the actual 1000000, and also the LHD 1000001 were all at this year's National Rally ... quite an historic lineup!

[@ACDodd]

Hi Steph, let me know when you want a tune on one of your cars, would be good to do some videos on it. Let me know how to contact you direct.

[@idriveaclassic]

Hey! I was going to drop you a message this week but my engine has gone kaput. Maybe we do the tune once a new engine is fitted?!

[@ACDodd]

@@idriveaclassicsounds good, but I can tune any of your Su carb equipped fleet.

[@Phiyedough]

I kind of resent the fact that the owner is allowed to drive this in Europe with no front number plate. Wonderful car though, I always preferred the early ones.

[@TemptingFateTours]

We were stopped twice in The Netherlands by Dutch policemen to confirm we were not Dutch citizens, for whom it would indeed be illegal. Apparently foreigners get a bit more leeway. And, for the record, it's exempt from ULEZ zones + congestion charges too! Not that I particularly want to drive it through London traffic ever again ...

[@Marklin15]

@@TemptingFateToursdid you have to display a USA oval on the back?

[@mr-wx3lv]

The sound from that early engine is a lot different to the A series "fart" and probably wouldn't have sold so well because of it...

[@TemptingFateTours]

Well, the hunger for cars was such that British buyers had to wait years after signing up to get their new Minors. They sold every one they could build in those days.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@TemptingFateTours I have heard that many like these flathead Minors better than the first Overhead cars, as that engine was even smaller, and it was noisy.

[@TemptingFateTours]

@@michaelbenardo5695 That's a fair assessment. My car has 27.5 hp; the first OHV cars had 30 hp. But they also had an extremely low rear end (5.3!) and odd gearbox spacing, since the powertrain came from the smaller, lighter Austin A30. Wasn't until the 1957 Minor 1000, with its 948cc engine, remote-change box with different ratios, one-piece windscreen + more that the Minor really came into its own.

[@ricado372]

Great video. Thanks Steph.