Morris Minor
70 Years on the Road
Published on 18. December 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-1-78711-207-0 (ISBN)
Description
The postwar Morris Minor, designed by Alec Issigonis, was one of the most popular British cars. 2018 marked 70 years since the first Minors rolled off the production lines at Cowley in Oxfordshire. In this celebratory publication Ray Newell looks in detail at the development of the wide range of models produced during a production run that spanned 22 years in the UK.
Using mainly contemporary materials covering four decades, he transports the reader back to an era when the pace of life was much slower and the marketing of the vehicles was considerably different to the slick advertising of today.
The worldwide appeal of this trendsetting vehicle is examined in the context of the 'export or die' mentality that dominated postwar Britain, as are the innovative production methods used to ensure that 'Morris Motors Ltd' lived up to its 'quality first' reputation. Variations from standard specifications are considered with reference to mechanical uprating, different body styles and the use of modern accessories to enhance further the comfort and styling of what was dubbed 'The World's Supreme Small Car.' Issigonis sketches of the prototype cars, sales brochures, promotional materials, and rare and unusual photographs make this a fascinating book.
The continuing appeal of the car voted Britain's most popular classic in 2016 is examined, as are the factors which continue to attract a new generation of 21st century owners.
Using mainly contemporary materials covering four decades, he transports the reader back to an era when the pace of life was much slower and the marketing of the vehicles was considerably different to the slick advertising of today.
The worldwide appeal of this trendsetting vehicle is examined in the context of the 'export or die' mentality that dominated postwar Britain, as are the innovative production methods used to ensure that 'Morris Motors Ltd' lived up to its 'quality first' reputation. Variations from standard specifications are considered with reference to mechanical uprating, different body styles and the use of modern accessories to enhance further the comfort and styling of what was dubbed 'The World's Supreme Small Car.' Issigonis sketches of the prototype cars, sales brochures, promotional materials, and rare and unusual photographs make this a fascinating book.
The continuing appeal of the car voted Britain's most popular classic in 2016 is examined, as are the factors which continue to attract a new generation of 21st century owners.
Reviews / Votes
This 228-page epic celebrates the Minor's 70 years on the road and is an update on the author's previous 60 years effort. From the start, Newell's offering is jam-packed with photographs, brochures, advertising material and technical information - around which wends an expectedly authoritative text. Just poring over the fabulous and extensive selection of publicity material is a treat in itself, but even those considering themselves familiar with the model range can find surprises, such as the rare, Danish-assembled 'Combi.' There are, of course, chapter on modified Moggies and the club scene, but without a doubt it is the historical aspect that will be the main draw and those shelling out for a copy won't be disappointed. - Classic & Sports Car. A colourful and informative birthday celebration of the British icon in all its forms. - Classic Cars. Every aspect of the car's design, production and worldwide marketing has been covered. There is also a wealth of period photos and advertising material, much of which I was amazed to have never seen before. Then there's a large chunk of the book that covers the Minor's post-production life, from the worldwide club scene to the popularity of modifying Minors. It's all written in Ray's well-developed easy-going, informal style, which is always a pleasure to read. - Minor Matters. Lavishly illustrated with informative text from a well-respected author. The book has some wonderful colourful nostalgic advertising illustrations. - Classic Van & Pick-up. Celebrating the Minor's 70th anniversary, this new release updates the similarly-titled book that hit the shelves some ten years ago, though there's much that's been changed for this revision - it's not just a tacked-on chapter at the back of the book. There are more period advertisements and art featured throughout, while extra content includes details and photographs of the electric Minor that was famously created by London Electric Cars. Unquestionably, this is a book for those who want to read the entire story of the Minor, from genesis to the present day. - Classic Car Weekly. This book is a must to complete any collection of Morris Minor memorabilia, but it is also an interesting and entertaining read for anyone interested in vehicles of the era and particularly the story of the Morris Minor. - New Zealand Classic Car.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
David & Charles
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 253 mm
Width: 251 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
1085 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78711-207-0 (9781787112070)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2018
Princeton University Press
€18.49
Available for download
Person
Ray Newell is a long standing classic car enthusiast with a particular interest in Morris cars. His first car was a 1964 Morris Minor purchased for GBP117.50 in 1974. Since then he has owned most variants of the Morris Minor including Series ll commercials, a 1949 Series MM Tourer and a number of Traveller models. He has been involved with the Morris Minor Owners Club since 1981, and is one of the longest serving Club Secretaries, having been appointed in 1983. In 2013 he helped establish the Morris Vehicles Association in an effort to help Morris and associated car clubs work collaboratively to provide mutual support and remain sustainable in the future. He has written extensively about classic commercial vehicles and the Morris Minor in particular. His most recent book, Morris Cars: A Pictorial History covers the period 1948-1984.
Content
INTRODUCTION
1 From sketch pad to production
2 Early Years. Series MM Saloons, Tourer and Convertibles
3 The Morris range
4 Nuffield exports
5 The Series ll models
6 Production methods and testing
7 Morris 1000
8 The Traveller models
9 The Light Commercials
10 Power and performance
11 Optional extras
12 Towards the end
13 Variations on a theme
Index and Brochure cross referencing section
The post production era. (developments since 1971) including upgrades
Morris Minors Around the World. ( the continuing interest in and support from clubs and organisations to ensure the continued use and preservation of the Morris Minor.)
1 From sketch pad to production
2 Early Years. Series MM Saloons, Tourer and Convertibles
3 The Morris range
4 Nuffield exports
5 The Series ll models
6 Production methods and testing
7 Morris 1000
8 The Traveller models
9 The Light Commercials
10 Power and performance
11 Optional extras
12 Towards the end
13 Variations on a theme
Index and Brochure cross referencing section
The post production era. (developments since 1971) including upgrades
Morris Minors Around the World. ( the continuing interest in and support from clubs and organisations to ensure the continued use and preservation of the Morris Minor.)