When I first come to it, I wish I was a young blonde girl in a pink outfit. Then I could start the test with the words " God, that's cute! ". But with my unshaven face, I'm probably the same singer as the Eurovision winner, so I'll have to come up with something else.
The Morris Minor is a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive small family car from Great Britain , produced from 1948, when it replaced the Morris Eight , to 1971 in three versions. A total of 1,368,291 cars were built before it was replaced by the more modern Marina type (that's the one that often gets the piano cap in Top Gear). By the way, it was the first British car of which more than a million examples were produced. In addition to Britain, it was also assembled in Australia and New Zealand . Sir Alec Issigonis is behind his appearance. And if the car seems somewhat disproportionate to you, perhaps it is because it is as wide as it is tall (1524 mm). It was originally produced as a two-door sedan and a convertible , from 1950 a four-door sedan was also produced, and two years later, a station wagon , a van and a pickup truck . The idea was a family car with small external dimensions and sufficient internal space, which would be excellent to control. The first version of the MM was produced until 1952, then there was the so-called Series II , and finally in 1956 the Minor 1000 appeared, which we have today. A total of 847,491 of these were produced. In 1956, the car underwent what we now call a facelift , when the engine volume was increased and instead of a split windshield, the car had a single panoramic one. In 1961, instead of tilting levers, it got classic blinkers.
When I come to it, it seems very old to me, despite the fact that the IFA F9 , which we presented to you in our column earlier, is older. But the Ifa had an aerodynamic body, while the Minor looks quite old-world. The raised fenders, sloping trunk and forward-tapering hood just don't look as modern as the East German car. Appearance aside, I find that I actually quite like it. It is small, really tiny, it looks more like a child's pedal car . If you put a handle on the back and leave it at a supermarket, people will start stuffing babies in there like in those shopping trolleys. In short, I have to like it, I like tiny cars that don't play for anything. Here, no one will tell you that " small is big ". This car is small and you can be happy that it fits two adults and two children. Just an ideal English post-war family, who puts a basket of food (and mint sauce) in their trunk and goes on a picnic.
We have already said that there is not much space inside, but a two-meter-long person can fit in the front seat. Yes, your head is just below the ceiling and your feet are resting on the wheel well, but there you are, sitting. And in addition, your knees can fit under the dashboard, which is not a given in the city car category today. And there is even a castle . That is, a box, two holes in the dashboard in front of the driver and passenger. Unfortunately, it can't be locked, so don't leave valuables there. You know, back then they didn't have mobile phones and navigation. Don't expect much comfort either, the seats and backrests are short and there is zero lateral support. But this time we're not in a sports car, so we'll take that into account. And the back seats ? Well, if you are not children, they are almost a punishment. Although, in revenge, all those little Johns and Lucys could use their feet to let their parents know what they thought of their car. It is very easy to kick the backs of people sitting in front with your legs. But the S-class Mercedes also have massage seats… Otherwise, the interior is nicely colored and matches the color of the body. The trunk is hidden in the back under a domed lid. But its floor is higher than the lower loading edge. The spare wheel is located in the lower part.
As I sit down in the most important seat on the right, I have mixed feelings. Yes, you read that right, right ! This is a truly British car, so it also has a steering wheel on the " right " side. Wow, the second right-hand drive car in my life, and it's older than me and has a manual . But those who are afraid are not allowed behind the wheel, so go for it. There is a very large steering wheel and I almost always have trouble getting my foot under it. When I finally fit in, I feel like everything is close. Pretty close, I'd say. My breath almost fogs the windshield. Well, at least there is a great view in all directions from the car. So everyone, I'm looking for rearview mirrors in vain, they just aren't here. So the rear glass is quite large, but in short you have to turn your head. In the middle of the dashboard is a large speedometer like a Mini and it looks sensational. I almost want to use the word retro, but this is really old. After all, the Minor has more in common with the Mini. To be clear, I mean the old Mini, not the current one from BMW. This liter engine also found a home under the hood of the classic " dumpling ". Thanks to it, the car is very lively and agile. They also weigh 775 kg, so the small unit doesn't have much work to do with it.
The clutch engages all the way down, you mustn't be afraid to press it hard, then realize that you'll be shifting on the left and you're in first gear. And it's actually not that hard to get used to reverse steering and shifting. But of course I didn't drive at a sharp pace either. It is possible that if a person drives really sharply, he will grab the door instead of shifting. I didn't dare to go for a wilder ride, but the Minor is quite nimble. Although… maybe it has something to do with the fact that in my thirties I thought we were going 70km/h and I kept suspecting the gauge was in miles. The phrase " on the tach 50 and in the eyes of death " finally took on real contours. The miniature dimensions are also behind this impression, because you always feel like you are sitting in a toy. A tiny window, a tiny door, a tiny motor under a tiny hood, which you are afraid to smash (but you have to, otherwise it won't close). I've always felt that the brakes work on a hole-in-the-floor basis where you press the sole directly onto the tire. Maybe not even that, because the brakes are downright tragic. If something runs into you or gets in your way, accept the fact that you will die. You can hit the right pedal, but it slows the car down the same as if you increased drag with your hand stuck out the window. But at the same time, you will immediately start wanting to drive the car faster, because it has small leans in corners and is manageable and readable.
I can only recommend buying a vintage Morris Minor . It is unadorned, drives quite well and has a certain amount of practicality. And what's more, it's a real adrenaline rush, so it's also a boy's car.
Finally, we ask the owner a few questions:
Why did you choose this particular car, was it your long-term dream or a momentary decision?
It's a nice little English car .
How hard was this car to get?
I auctioned it off at Aukra.
How do you live with the car in normal traffic? And do you have it for pleasure or for daily use?
It is of course for pleasure, thanks to its size and large glass surfaces there is no problem in operation .
What was the most interesting experience with this car?
The purchase of the car itself .
Are you planning any modifications or repairs on it?
Boil a little and fix the interior.
What is your biggest motoring dream?
Jaguar XK120.
We thank the website Veteráni na Truc for facilitating the test
