MORRIS MINOR SERIES II (1952-1956)
The Morris Minor might not have been as forward-thinking at launch as its designer had wanted it to be, but it was still an up-to-date small car – and one that proved immensely popular. The one thing that held it back was its ancient sidevalve engine, which in 1952 would be replaced by a new overhead-valve unit. The merger of Morris with Austin had made the A-Series engine available, and it was installed in its original 803cc form in the Minor, coupled to a new Austin-sourced gearbox, driveshaft and rear axle to create the Minor Series II.
The Minor range also grew during the Series II’s run, with Traveller estate and commercial (van and pick-up) versions added to the existing saloon and convertibles. A four-door saloon had arrived just prior to the introduction of the Series II, adding to the Minor’s practicality. While the 1956 Minor 1000
