Before the Second World War, the British Morris already had a model called Minor. However, that model will not be the first thing that comes to mind when the name Morris Minor is mentioned. Then especially the association with the model, which was introduced in September 1948, will be made. "Moggy" celebrates an anniversary and has been enjoying a great deal of popularity for almost seventy years.
The Morris Minor developed by Sir Alec Issigon. It was the time that Issigonis managed to surprise the world with innovative creations. The countless round shapes of the car still belong to the spirit of the times in which the Minor was designed. This also applies to the rigid rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf peat. Building a compact car with plenty of interior space was less obvious in the 1940s. The same can be said for the use of rack and pinion steering and independent front suspension with torsion bar springs. Issigonis did well with the Minor, and moreover succeeded in making the design affordable and reliable.
Kick off with the Minor MM
The first series, the Morris Minor MM, debuted in 1948. NWL 576 was the first to roll off the band. The MM was characterized by the use of a split window and was fitted with the pre-war 918 cc side-valve engine. It was available with two doors, four doors and as a convertible. The MM was replaced in 1952 by the second series. The data coincided with the merger of Austin and Morris. The most important change was in the front. The 30 cc A-Engine developed for the Austin A803 also found a place under the busty hood of the Minor. It provided more appealing performance. The second series also offered space for the arrival of the station wagon variant: the Traveler. Among other things, it was characterized by two swinging doors at the rear, lots of space and an ash wood construction for the rear passenger and luggage section. A Pick-Up and an orderer also entered the program.
Rationalization
From 1956 onwards, the offer and the production method rationalized. Countless personalization options and more expensive types of material disappeared, the parts production became more uniform in character. At a time when car ownership was gaining in importance, it was mainly for Morris to be able to work on scaling up. This was made possible by more efficient production. The Morris Minor received from 1956 the enlarged engine with a capacity of 948 cc. The basis was formed by the excellent A-Engine. The larger rear window section and the disappearance of the split windshield were striking. The new applications were made possible in part by a stiffer roof construction. It was during the production of this series that the Minor reached a milestone. On 4 January 1961, the Minor became the first British car to be built a million times.
Last decade
In 1962 an increased power source was again available, the 1.098 cc engine. He received a less good press compared to the 948 cc engine. The loop culture of the "1100" in particular was critically examined. The fact did not prevent the Minor from being built up to 1971 and regularly receiving minor modifications. After more than one and a half million built copies, production was stopped, although it was still considered to extend the life of the Minor. That did not happen, partly because the successor was ready: the Morris Marina.