Chassis No. - SMN/87265

Registration No. - YSY 530

M.O.T - EXEMPT

Odometer – 62,900

Modern cars are wonderful things, but it’s hard to imagine any tugging at the heart strings like this sensational split-screen, side-valve Morris Minor, that comes complete with a back story worthy of its own movie. It was manufactured in 1951 before being exported via sea and rail to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). It was acquired by the vendor from a private owner three years later and mainly employed for local journeys; aside of a doubtless memorable trip of some 2,500 miles to and from Umtata in South Africa. Come 1960, when the vendor decided to return to the UK for educational reasons, the mighty Morris was sold to an elderly lady. That could have been the end of the story except for the fact that, having married while in Britain, he returned with his bride to Rhodesia three years later, only to spot the Minor being advertised in a local paper for c.£200. Back in the fold once more, the car was then treated to some seven years in Kitwe, Zambia followed by six in East London, South Africa, where it was always garaged due to the proximity of the coast. Apart from some re-upholstery and new carpets, the car was exactly as original when it was packed into a container amidst the family’s other most treasured belongings and shipped back to the UK in 1978.

In 1997 it was treated to a light restoration and respray at the Morris Minor Centre in Bath at a cost of £4,305.45, while in 2013 the engine was removed and new ring gear, starter motor and clutch installed for £1,186.61. The vendor currently regards the undersealed grey bodywork as ‘excellent’ and the engine as ‘good’. This splendidly original rust-free early Minor, that’s still only clocked 62,900 miles from new, is now being offered complete with retrofitted valve radio and stainless steel exhaust system, and represents an unrepeatable opportunity for Minor lovers the world over.

In summary:

• Stunningly unmolested example
• Excellent rust-free condition throughout
• A much loved car with emotional international back story

Watch the video!