Registration - HNP 398C

Chassis No. - MA255D1110535

M.O.T. - Exempt

The majority of Minors have by now either been restored or gone to that great car park in the sky. ‘HNP 398C’ is therefore unusual in having remained largely unmolested, and probably only needing relatively minor (pardon the pun) fettling to make it eminently presentable. It is technically a six-owner example, but the last three have been from the same family, in which it has resided for the last 51 years no less. The car was apparently dry stored from 2016 to 2020, and the vendor currently regards it as being ‘in a good state of repair and running well with a good service history and selection of documents’. We understand some £1,500 has been invested in it within the last year, sometime prior to which it was treated to a new offside front wing; reconditioned gearbox; upgraded brakes, lights and some electrics; a heated rear window; and interior power point. Now, in addition to some general TLC, the Morris would benefit from a degree of professional bodywork in order to overcome rust in the sills and nearside front wing, and dents in the offside rear wing and rear bumper. Evidently the red interior trim is largely original and would therefore now benefit from some attention, with the exception of the driver’s seat that has already been replaced by a reconditioned one. This delightful project car comes at a very affordable price and complete with service history, receipts etc.

Designed by Alec Issigonis (who later penned the ubiquitous Mini), the Minor was unveiled at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show and 12 years later became the first British car to achieve a million sales. The final iteration that followed in 1962 featured an increase in engine capacity to 1098cc.

In summary:

• A very affordable project car
• Has benefited from a £1,500 spend in the last year
• The Morris remained within the same family for 51 years

Location of Vehicle - Southwark, London