1955 Morris Minor 2-Door Sedan

Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, renowned as the father of the Mini that ultimately succeeded it, the Morris Minor was launched in 1948 and, in its own way, equally significant. Indeed, the Minor was a revelation at a time when most motorists were still driving around in pre-war machinery, with unitary construction, modern styling with plenty of interior space, rack and pinion steering and torsion-bar independent front suspension. The first Minors came with a side-valve four-cylinder engine from the Austin A35 but in 1952, the newly formed BMC announced a major revision in the form of the Series II, with the A-series overhead-valve engine and new gearbox the big news. The revised styling seen on the last of the MM series (with high mounted headlamps) was carried over until October 1954, when a revised facia and horizontal bars on the grille were added. Another change was the switch to the Austin A30 back axle in place of the original Nuffield-type. Morris diversified the range to include the wood-panelled Traveller wagon, convertible and panel van versions from 1953. A truly affordable classic car, production of the Minor continued until 1971 - by then, a remarkable 1.5 million had been made. The Minor remains an endearing first classic car with a tremendously loyal following and is a popular choice for the enthusiast looking for something reliable, uncomplicated and rewarding to own.