1962 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE - 2 CA OWNERS FOR 40+ YEARS - LOVELY RESTORED ORIG

Description for Other Makes Minor 1962

Very Original California Car 1962 Morris Minor ConvertibleFactory Old English White. Tartan Red Interior & Convertible Top Produced as an "Export" (USA) Left Hand Drive Car Previous Owner for 25+ Years - Always in California w/ "Black Plates" Documented with a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate _________________________________________________ NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy. They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model. considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our firm. However. we continually hear from out of state / out of country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide. However. if you are not prepared to read the full listing. please read the OVERVIEW below along with the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom. If you'd prefer. please call us at 925-846-1451 and we'll gladly discuss the Morris and answer any questions over the telephone. including our "Buy it Now" policy. Yes. the Morris can be purchased prior to the end of the eBay auction. PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE NOTE: EACH TIME WE LIST A VEHICLE ON EBAY WE RECEIVE COMMENTS THAT THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OF THE INTERIOR. ENGINE. UNDERCARRIAGE. ETC. OF THE CAR. THERE ARE CLOSE TO 100 PHOTOS OF ALL AREAS OF THIS MORRIS. BUT WHEN YOU REACH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE LAST PHOTO. YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL DOWN ON eBay TO VIEW THE REMAINING PHOTOS. IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEE THEM. PLEASE CALL US AT 925-846-1451 AND WE WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK. NOTE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF EBAY POLICY FOR US TO LIST THE URL ON THE EBAY LISTING. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF ANY PART OF THE MORRIS. ALL OF OUR PHOTOS ARE TAKEN IN NATURAL LIGHT AND WE DO NOT "PHOTO-SHOP" OR TOUCH-UP THE PHOTOS IN ANY WAY. INTRODUCTION The "madness" is underway in the various auction venues around the country. We often times see a wide range of collectible cars / special interest cars sell for inflated amounts in the "heat of the moment. " This car is offered at a realistic price and. unlike bidding on cars in an auction environment. you will have the benefit of extensive information & history on the car prior to making a buying decision. Equally as important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for 20+ years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with nearly 800 positive eBay feedback responses. Please keep in mind that we will gladly. 1. Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451). 2. Assist with locating a quality. suitable transporter at very competitive prices. 3. Provide proof that we are licensed. bonded (for the financial transaction). fully insured. and operate from an established showroom environment. 4. Provide feedback from previous buyers. and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name) 5. Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle Thank you again. please let me know if I can be of assistance. Happy "eBaying"! Paul R. Wankle. Pres. Classic Cars Ltd. Pleasanton. CA 925-846-1451 OVERVIEW-THIS PARTICULAR 1962 MORRIS MINOR 1000 CONVERTIBLE This particular 1962 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible is a very original California survivor. It has been a California black plate car since new with two total owners. the last for 25+ years. The VIN is the proper factory code MAT (the "T" indicating convertible) for a true factory convertible rather than a modified sedan. It is extremely straight with no evidence of accident damage. Areas that normally rust in a Morris are totally solid and not patched. Although not fully restored. it shows very well and is a car you can be proud to own and drive. Major features are: - Northern California car for virtually its entire life - Very straight. rust free body with original body panels - Old English White exterior w/ nicely contrasting. fresh Tartan Red interior - New Tartan Red convertible top and convertible top "boot" (Ordered directly from England) & Professionally installed - Excellent glass all around - Proper 948 cc engine w/ factory 4-speed transmission. smooth clutch - Recent front disc brake conversion w/ new master cylinder and all new brake pads - Excellent Pirelli P4 tires - Car cover included - British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certified factory record - Spare bare engine block and transmission DETAILS--THIS PARTICULAR 1962 MORRIS MINOR 1000 CONVERTIBLE HISTORY OF THIS PARTICULAR CAR This particular Morris Minor convertible has remained in excellent original condition for its entire 52 years and has led the easy "California" life. It comes with the original California black plates DVR072. "Morrie". as he was affectionately named by his most recent elderly British owner of over 40~ years. was an important part of the family and was used on sunny days for brief excursions around Northern California. Of course. the car was always garaged and received ongoing service and maintenance by its mechanically proficient owner. "Morrie" is unusual in that "he" has never received the major modifications that so many Morris Minors have been subjected to over the years. This convertible retains the same size engine & drive-line as when it was manufactured by Morris on April 16-25. 1962. Additionally. the car has always been finished in its original factory produced correct colors of "Old English White" with a "Tartan Red" interior. While the original top was "Pearl Grey" the top has just been replaced with a new color coordinated Tartan Red convertible top and a new matching rear convertible top boot of the same color. With the exception of ongoing maintenance (oil service. brakes (a front disc upgrade). new tires. etc. ). "Morrie" has not been modified or altered and remains in stock configuration. Our inspection of the Morris would suggest that it retains virtually all of the original body parts and there are no signs of accident damage. The Morris is clearly in the category of a "Driver" but will provide hours of enjoyment for someone that is seeking a unique. fun to drive convertible for occasional use. While it is virtually impossible to verify the mileage on a 50+ year old car. it was the opinion of the previous owner that the mileage of 60. 23 (as presently shown). may well be the correct mileage. The overall condition and "patina" are consistent with a car that may have very low mileage. but since we do not have an in depth history dating back to when the car was new. we must declare the mileage as TMU (Total Miles Unknown). A review of the photos of this "Moggie" (as the British call it) convertible will support the old adage that "You can restore a car over and over again. but it is only original once. " Not only is this car virtually 100% stock in its configuration. with the exception of replacement mechanical components (brakes. clutch. tires. etc. ) and cosmetic enhancements (new interior. top. rear boot and re-paint). the Morris Minor is incredibly original. Perhaps most important (and difficult to find in a 1950's - 1960's British car) is the lack of body rust on this Morris. The engine bay reflects the normal patina of an un-restored vehicle of this vintage but is free of rust through or signs of damage. The areas that are typically prone to rust (rocker panels. fenders. engine bay. trunk & floors) are extremely solid and original and show no signs of having been replaced or having received major repairs. Please review the photos closely as "one photo is worth a thousand words". We were told by the car's long-time owner that the Morris Minor has received one recent re-paint in its original. classic Old English White. The interior has been recently updated including the installation of new carpet. door panels. seat covers. seat belts and more. but many of the original components have been retained including a restored steering wheel. original speedometer. dash and glove boxes (both sides). The speedometer. odometer and fuel gauge are functional as is the electrical / lighting system. THE BRITISH MOTOR INDUSTRY HERITAGE TRUST CERTIFICATE INFORMATION Included with the Morris Minor is a certified copy of the factory production record of the car supplied by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. England. Specifically. the following information is shown / documented on the Certificate (#2014/31426): - Make & Model: Morris Minor 1000 (948cc) Tourer (Convertible) - Car/Chassis Number: M-AT3-L/96586 - Engine Number: 9M-U-H/606565 (replaced with the same displacement engine) - Body Number: 68007 - Specification: Left Hand Drive (LHD) - North American Export - Colour: a. ) Old English White (Exterior) b. ) Tartan Red (Trim / Interior) c. ) Pearl Grey (Top)-now Tartan Red - Date of Build: April 16-25. 1962 - Date of Dispatch: April 26. 1962 - Destination / Dealer: Nuffield Exports. USA - Other Numbers: Key Number: FP. 632. Gearbox number: 2518. Rear axle number: 535716 - Other Information: Fresh air heater installed Photo of original certificate can be seen on the listing COSMETIC CONDITION Describing this Morris Minor as a "California Survivor" speaks volumes in the most positive manner. While the car is clearly not a show. or restored car. it is a lovely example of an increasingly rare Morris Minor convertible that has had long term California ownership and has received considerable cosmetic & mechanical improvements over the years. Much of the work has been performed relatively recently including a brand new convertible top. restored top bows. rear convertible boot. replaced carpet. new interior panels and freshening and mechanical improvements. There are no signs of exterior rust or rust-through in any part of the car including the rear of the trunk. exterior rocker panels and inner door areas where rust is commonly found on these cars. The underside of the car is straight. clean and un-restored. The engine compartment is clean with the exception of the expected accumulation of surface grime and remains un-restored. The battery box is solid. According to the cars previous owner. the Morris has received one re-spray in its original color of Old English White that was completed years ago. However. the Morris has been stored in a dry inside environment and. as a result; the paint is high gloss. free from orange peel and other significant defects. When the car was painted. the front and rear fenders were removed and the fender beading was replaced with white trim that is. as a result of being removed. free from over-spray. This beading is in good condition albeit slightly yellowed from age. As the photos suggest the car is very attractive and the "bright work" could be classified as original "California quality". The car is accented with a color coordinated red pin stripe that runs down the center side upper body and hood. The majority of the exterior and interior trim appears to be original and retains a lovely patina consistent with age of the car. The convertible top is brand new and was ordered from England and installed just a few weeks ago by a local Bay area specialty upholstery shop. The top (and matching rear boot cover) was manufactured by the same company that made the original upholstery products. The entire top bow structure was removed from the car. sanded and re-sprayed in a shade matching the Old English White exterior of the car. Both windows roll up and there are no major cracks or chips in the glass. Door weather-strips appears to have been replaced at some point and remain in good condition. Windshield and rear side window rubber is original. The horizontal window "fuzzies" are missing and could be replaced. The exterior trim. while mostly original has retained a nice appearance. The little bright work that is on a Morris Minor reflects the condition of what we often refer to as "California quality" and is not dull. pitted or damaged like many cars that have spent time in inclement weather environments. The front and rear hood latches work and both close with gaps that are common to the era but reflect another era in "fit & finish. " Please review the photos closely to get a better idea of the exterior of the car. MECHANICAL CONDITION As was true for the cosmetic condition. original is also the best way to describe the mechanical condition. The previous owner recently replaced the Morris brakes using a front disc conversion and added difficult to find (and costly) 14" Pirelli P4 tires (in excellent condition). He performed routine service work on a regular basis as owners would have done "in the day" and sought the assistance of professionals for more involved work i. e. clutch replacements. water pump changes and other work requiring expertise beyond his scope. Earlier in the cars life. the Morris received a "transplant". a correct. lower mileage engine (948cc) engine a Morris Minor that was involved in a rear end collision and parted out. The previous owner also located another spare bare block that can be included at no cost should the new owner have an interest in the extra engine. The car starts immediately even after sitting for prolonged periods of time and warms up quickly. There is no abnormal engine noise. significant leaking (of course it is British so some minor "seepage" is to be expected) or issues with overheating or drivability. The Morris has been 100% reliable and trouble free during the time that we have owned the car and. at one time. we used it as our local "run-about" convertible on sunny California days. The Morris runs and drives well and accelerates through all 4 gears without any problems. Of course. as was the case when "in the day". unlike more modern cars. "Morrie" prefers being driven gently with smooth well timed shifts and matching of "revs. ". There is no excessive noise in the transmission and the car does not slip out of gear. The Morris retains what appears to be its original. non-synchromesh first gear transmission but the other "synchros" in 2nd - 3rd are functional. While the Minor can be driven at most posted speed limits. it is more comfortable around town where it draws considerable attention wherever we go. The brakes system was recently refurbished including the following: - Remove & replace rear wheels cylinders - Replace all brake lines with new (from England) - Refresh brake fluid and bleed brake system The brakes are also fully functional and stop the car straight and without any problems. The emergency brake is adjusted correctly and works. The Morris steers straight and stops straight. These cars have neither power brakes nor power steering. but are nimble enough not to need either. The trunk houses a spare tire and jack. The original heater has been removed. A radio antenna is mounted on the right front fender. but the non-factory under-dash radio was removed several years ago by the previous owner. A new under-dash unit could be easily added should the new owner so desire. Regarding the electrical system. the lights. wipers. turn signals. tail lights and horn are functional. The gas gauge is functional and the speedometer is working but is erratic (bouncing). Oil pressure and ammeter are monitored by warning lights. The wiring harness is original and it shows with much of the exterior cloth deteriorated. The battery (positive ground 6 volt) is recent. The Morris has received the benefit of a tune-up within the previous 500 miles including spark plugs and other required parts including a valve adjustment. new valve cover gasket. thermostat and hoses as suggested by the repair facility. Needless to say. this Morris Minor is more of a unique. specialty. limited purpose car than a daily driver or a commuter car. LICENSE / REGISTRATION / INSPECTION - The Morris carries a clear transferable California title - No smog required in California (vehicles 1975 and older are exempt) ADDITIONAL POINTS Morris Minor convertible prices (and desirability) have increased significantly over the years and nice examples are hard to find. In our opinion they are a great choice for weekend use and even for those who are fortunate to be able to use the car for a short commute or to enjoy visits to our local Farmer's Markets. downtown for coffee or even the occasional local car show. One thing is certain. wherever you go you can plan on answering a lot of questions and having some nice discussions with some friendly folks! We have also been asked about the car's speed potential and "drivability. " These cars are great fun to drive. They are sprightly despite their small displacement engines and the controls are light. The car can be driven at posted speed limits but thrive at travels close to home on secondary roads with speeds in the 50 mph range. Finally. there are a number of enthusiast clubs that share a true passion for these cars and will be glad to assist with technical advice. parts and virtually any other assistance. HISTORY OF THE MORRIS MINOR The Morris Minor (first series MM) was launched at the 1948 Motor Show held at Earls Court. the first such show in ten years. If it had not been for Jaguar's launch of its XK 120 sports car at the same show. the Morris Minor would have been the star of the show. The new Morris was a completely new model which had been designed during the war years by a team led by Alec Issigonis who was to become even more famous in later years for designing the Morris. The Minor was deemed a revolutionary design and indeed it was when compared with the pre-war designs still being offered by Ford. Austin and Standard. The Minor was a delight to drive having superb handling and steering but from its early days suffered from not having a suitably powerful engine. When a half decent engine/gearbox combination was provided (1000 Series) it was almost too late because the Morris Mini was just around the corner. The Morris Minor was potentially a world-beating car and. if it had additional development. could have been as successful as its contemporary the VW Beetle. The story of the Morris Minor with its lack of development and poor management mirrors the overall poor performance of the British motor industry from after the war up to the sale of Rover to BMW. Initially. although the Minor was a revolutionary design and well received by both the public and motoring press. it was not liked by Morris Motors founder and owner Lord Nuffield (William Morris). who is alleged to have likened it to a poached egg. His lack of enthusiasm did not bode well for the future of the Minor and subsequent reorganizations in the Motor Industry sealed its fate as one of Britain's great missed opportunities. During its 23 year production run a total of 1. 19. 57 Morris Minors were produced including 326. 27 vans and pickups. Arguably. the convertibles were the most sought after of all of the variants of the Minor. The Series II (beginning 1952) suffered from the inadequate 803cc engine that worked well in the smaller and lighter Austin A30 but was still underpowered for the larger Morris. As the performance figures suggest. the Minor was still not fulfilling the potential that its handling and steering offered. Salvation nearly arrived in the form of an almost new design "A" series engine. now 948cc. coupled to a new gearbox. The combined effect was to transform the performance of the Minor and created the best of all the Minor models. the 1000 Series (beginning 1956). The "New" Minor included a major facelift with the disappearance of the center windscreen pillar. increased glass area helped by a larger wrap-around rear window and other subtle changes. As a result of the improvements made. the Minor had now entered its most successful phase during the 6 years of this model range. Minors appeared on roads all over the world. and with improved promotion and development. the Morris Minor 1000 was even more successful and lasted well into the 1960's. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MORRIS MINOR 1000 Engine - 4 cylinder 948 cc overhead valve - 37 brake horsepower - Single SU Type H2 carburetor Transmission - 4-speed - Synchromesh in 2nd. 3rd and 4th - Ratio in 4th=1. 0 Steering - 2. 6 turns lock-to-lock - 32 ft. 11 in. turning circle Suspension - Front-independent torsion bar w/ hydraulic piston type shocks - Rear-semi-elliptical w/ hydraulic piston type shocks Dimensions - Wheelbase 7 ft. 2 in. - Overall length 12 ft. 4 in. - Overall width 5 ft. 1 in. - Overall height 5 ft. - Ground clearance 6 ¾ in. - Curbside weight 1. 56 lb. Body and Chassis Construction - Monocoque - All steel - 4 seats PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always. we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including. but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details of the interior. exterior. top. chrome. etc. or are they simply "glamor shots" taken from a distance? - Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance. licensing by the state. and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action. grievances? - Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources. transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. - Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same. small. California town for over 20 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar". indoor showroom. and specialize in the sale. consignment. and purchase of sports. high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. - The majority of our vehicles come from local. private owners and collectors. and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars. with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally. and around the country. As a result. we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales. such as wholesale auctions. salvage sales. or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles. or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. We have sold hundreds of unique. classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay. or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate. complete. and thorough vehicle descriptions. - We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers. terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping. - Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 780 positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. - We are fully insured. bonded. and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. - Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50. 00 Surety bond to cover financial transactions - We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers. and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area. MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION - As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles. we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle). thanks in large part to the Internet. - In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle. California buyers will be subject to sales tax. a documentation fee. DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads. sales-tax. license/registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law. - While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail we will not respond to inquiries asking "What is the reserve". Also. if you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives. etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you. - We encourage inspections of this Morris by serious. qualified individuals or professional inspectors. Please call at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time. - As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However. we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles. and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback. standing in the community. length of time in business. and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. - Minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips. nicks. scratches. etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration. or even a relatively new. used "pre-owned" vehicle. Also. ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles. these cars require regular. ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge. patience. and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said. collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!! - The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but. in some instances. has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result. we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering. Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451 Specifications: Body Type / Style:Convertible Exterior Color:Old English White Interior Color:Red Engine:4 Cylinder Transmission: 4-Speed (Floor) Mileage:60723 Drive:Rear Doors:2 Equipment: "Black Plate" California CarCalifornia Car!California Lic & RegExempt From Smog in CaliforniaFactory 4-SpeedFactory Bucket Seats Local California "Survivor"New CarpetNo Rust CA. BodyOld English WhiteSeat Belts (Front)Tonneau CoverVery Original "Black Plate" Morris Minor Recent Cosmetic & Mechanical Freshening New Interior Panels New Carpet New Convertible Boot Cover (From UK) Extremely Straight Body Excellent "California Chrome / Trim" Lovely OEW (Old English White) Strikling Red Interior New Color Coordinated Seat Belts Chrome Clasp Belts (Old Style) New Door Panels Beatufiul Convertible Top (From the UK Supplier) New Convertible Top (2 Weeks Ago) Freshly Restored Top Bows British Heritage Certificate Receipts Note: Light Surface rust. No Rust Through Stock Configuration Left Side Front to Back Left Rear Lower Rocker Panel Left Side Low Lower Body Panel Front Inner Fender Fender Well Rear Inner Fender Inner Fender Well Left Driver's Side Front - Close Grill - Front Right Close Right Inner Fender / Antenna Right Rear Fender Rear Fender Low - Pass. Side Lower Rocker - Passenger Side Floor - Passenger Side Floor Driver's Side Rear Floor (During Carpet Replacement) Newly Installed Carpet / Belts Front Disc Brakes (Recently Refurbished) Inner Fender Wells Trunk. Jack & Restored Spare Terms & Conditions Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195. 00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction. directly through Classic Cars Ltd. The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451. Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax. DMV transfer. and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California. To avoid shipping the title with the car to our out of state buyers. we mail the title via Priority Mail. While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder. we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World. and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door. to a local terminal. enclosed. open. etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location. We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts. and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid. or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay. please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process. etc. If we do not hear from you. we reserve the right to delete your bid. Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd.