1957 morris minor -convertible

1957 Other Makes convertible Description

I am listing this beautiful morris minor convertible for my elderly friend, he purchase the car as describle below, he know longer is able to drive it. The car is sold as is, where is, buyer responsible for pick up and delivery and any taxes due to your state when you register it. I can tell you the car is beautiful, runs and drives great, no issues known. Good luck bidding. Supporting the cars history are the following: * The title indicates "Date First Sold" of 1957 suggesting that the Morris has been in the USA since it was imported into the United States * Remarkably, the car not only has the original black and gold license plates that were issued to the car in 1957 but they remain in beautiful original condition both front and rear NOTE: Should the car remain under California ownership/registration, we can make no guarantee that the plates can be retained by the cars new owner. However, the photos and numbering sequence of the "black plates" support that the car was originally delivered in California * An original Morris Minor Operation Manual * VIN # FCP 41512112 indicates a correct, factory produced Morris Minor convertible "FC" indicated F = Morris Minor, C = Tourer (convertible) P = Color VEHICLE DESCRIPTION / SUMMARY Offered for sale is a lovely 1957 factory produced convertible (as opposed to an incorrect "chop top" sedan) that was delivered new in California and has remained in Northern CA ever since. The Morris represents a beautiful blend of originality and period modifications that in no way detract from the charm of the Morris Minor but improve performance, reliability and safety. Finished in a beautiful shade of light, creamy exterior color very befitting the Morris with a contrasting, lovely "blood red" interior and color coordinated boot cover & top. With no signs of accident damage, the Morris is exceedingly straight, with a rust free body and undercarriage, the Morris has consistent and correct panel fits and gaps. While the British cars of the late 1950's and early 1960's did not enjoy a reputation for the highest level of "fit and finish", but this car is an exception to most of the cars that we have seen over the years. The doors close solidly and line up well as do the trunk and hood. The hood opens with the interior release (on the right side of the car) and the trunk locks securely. The glass is excellent, the windows roll-up and down easily and all of the lenses are excellent. The exterior chrome and "bright-work" is excellent and with the exception of some upgrades (badges, driving/fog lights, improved wheels/tires, etc.) the car is offered in its original exterior configuration. The car's interior is very clean and, while it has been updated over the years, to the untrained eye, has the appearance of being extremely original. Finished in wonderfully era-specific "ox-blood red", the front and rear seats have been professionally rebuilt and reupholstered and show very well. While the interior of the Morris can be characterized as "minimalist", the carpets and interior panels are also in very nice condition. Front color coordinated mats compliment the red interior and a host of period style aftermarket optional equipment add considerably to the character of the Morris. When the car received a repaint, the dash and inner door panels were also re-painted. The Morris Minor retains its original functional speedometer / odometer and additional gauges have been added to monitor important systems. Specifically, there is a small, working tachometer along with a center mounted, under dash 3-gauge panel with a temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge and ammeter. The car runs very cool even in our 100 degree California climate with oil pressure readings in the range of 60 lbs. and a fully functional charging system. Other switches include a pull switch (on the far left side of the dash) to operate the functional front driving light and fog lights. Both of these lights are authentic, desirable "Lucas" units and are nicely mounted to the front bumper. Perhaps two of the more interesting and enjoyable parts of the interior are the unique horn and the functional "Trafficators" (also known as Semaphores, by some other manufacturers). Not only does the Morris have a traditional deep horn that is operated by pushing the left side stalk inward, it also has a button on the steering column that operates the AH-OOO-GAH horn. Clearly the most unique feature on the car is activated by a white switch, that has a light to remind the driver that it is on, that operates the "Trafficators" that extend out on either side of the car (to the rear of the door) to signal a turn. When in the "On" position, they light up and return inside the car when turned off. Of all of the British cars that we have had in 25+ years, this is the only example that we have enjoyed with functioning Trafficators. Lately, you've probably heard of a variety of "finds" when it comes to automobiles. These days it seems as if "barn finds", "garage finds" and any other kind of car "find" has become the latest fad. Well, we'll jump on the band wagon and call this Morris Minor an "Original Restoration." While the words may appear contradictory, they actually best describe this particular Morris Minor convertible. As a result of having had virtually no exposure to the elements over the last 10+ years, the car has remained in beautiful cosmetic condition, as the photographs suggest. It also continues to run and drive very well and has always been a reliable car, despite its occasional use. Specifically, by category, the following represents a summary of this 1957 Morris Minor Convertible: EXTERIOR * Car properly prepared for paint including removal of interior, front and rear glass and rear cargo area * Older re-spray in light cr�me color that shows very well * Repaint included both sides of hood, complete dash, door jambs, & trunk * Very nice panel fit for a 1957 British vehicle with NO signs of damage or rust through of frame / chassis or significant exterior body rust * Additional Lucas lights (One fog & one driving light) * Bright, "Tri-Pod" headlights * Clean, straight and rust free undercarriage and frame * Update wheels for improved safety (wider wheels with excellent tires) * Factory original grill with mounts for badge bar and/or badges * Older but good rubber trim and weather-stripping * Most exterior bright work, what little there is, is in beautiful condition and appears to have been recently re-done - Shows great and in lovely "California condition." * Damage free lenses front & rear * Factory style alloy windshield wipers (functioning and complete with working washers!) * Front fender mirrors (2) * Original black/yellow license plates (front & rer) * Rear British emblem & American flag * Correct emblems and logos INTERIOR Highlights of the Interior include: * Beautiful "Ox-Blood" red interior, free from damage, rips, tears or significant wear * Matching door panels, also in red * Color coordinated red carpet * Matching front red floor mats with drivers side rubber mat * Added gauge panel to monitor temperature, oil pressure & amps * Added, functional tachometer * British Meet car plaque from 1992 on dash * Original functional horn and optional working Ahh-ooo-gah horn * Front aircraft seat belts & retractable rear lap belts * Twin glove box compartments * Insulation added under carpet to reduce the noise level in the car * Lap belts both front and rear - Note: Really cool front period belts out of an aircraft in matching red * "Glove boxes" on both sides * Door straps re-done to match * 2 sun visors * Functional "Vent" or "Wing" windows with excellent rubber seals * Original steering wheel & center emblem (shows the typical crazing of the plastic) * Steering wheel column repainted * Dash re-painted body color when car was apart and received complete re-paint MECHANICALLY The car is also excellent mechanically, having been fitted with an upgraded, later model 1098cc (often referred to as an 1100cc) engine with recently tuned and rebuilt twin carburetors. The car starts effortlessly, idling consistently and has very nice power up through the fully syncromesh gears. The transmission has also been updated from the original "smooth case" to the stronger and preferred "rib case" transmission from a later Austin Healey Sprite or MG Midget. The Morris shows signs of having received regular maintenance and it shows. A recent safety inspection resulted in a totally clean "Bill of Health" including braking system, tires, suspension and all electrical systems / components. With the addition of front disc brakes and larger than stock wheels / tires, the car stops straight and sure with no pulling to either side. The emergency brake is fully functional holding the car even on an incline. The major mechanical components are surprisingly good and the Morris always starts even after sitting for literally months at a time. It fires immediately with the use of the functional choke and warms quickly. The car runs very well, does not leak excessive oil (it is British so some "seeping" is expected and appropriate) and does not smoke or use oil in between regular changes. The Morris Minors were originally geared basically for around town, lower speeds but this car has received the benefit of and upgraded geared for around town but this Morris has received improved an upgraded rear axle ratio for improved highway use. We recently drive the car at current California highway speeds for over 60 miles with ease. The car shifts smoothly with the typical longer shift lever "throw" but engages in each gear without any problem and does not pop out of gear, make noise or exhibit any issues. The syncromesh gears operated as designed and without any drama. The engine sounds like a sewing machine with no unusual noises. The car has good power and as a result of the gearing actually performs very well around town. While it can certainly be used on California's freeways the top speed is affected by the car's gearing. There is no noise in the driveline, the clutch does not slip and the steering is free from excessive play. In fact, another benefit of the Morris is its turning radius that is very short and designed for use in tight spaces. Finally, there are no overheating issues as a result of a refurbished radiator and cooling system, despite the Morris being used in warm California temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Of course, the maintenance has been completed including regular oil / filter changes, tune-ups, and other needed maintenance. SPECIFICATIONS * Morris 1000 Convertible (De Luxe), model year 1957 (North America version) * 2-door convertible body type * RWD (rear-wheel drive) * Manual 4-speed gearbox * Gasoline engine with displacement: 948cc Advertised power: 40~ hp Torque net: 68 NOTE: Stock 948 cc. engine * Dimensions: Outside Length: 148 in * Wheelbase: 86 inches * Reference weights: Shipping weight: 1624 lbs. base * Curb weight: 1697 lbs. * Gross weight GVWR: 2370 lbs. * Performance: Top Speed 75+ mph (With stock 948cc engine) * Acceleration: 0- 60 mph 30.5 s; 0- 100 km/h 35.3 s (a-c simulation); 1/4 mile drag time (402 m) 23.2 s (a-c simulation) HISTORY OF THE MORRIS MINOR CARS There were three main model periods spanning nearly 25 years. The Series MM, produced between 1948 and 1952, was powered by the same side-valve engine as seen in the pre-war Morris Eight. The Series II gained the overhead valve engine of the Austin A30 in 1953 after the merger with Morris creating the British Motor Corporation, but still retained the flat-glass split windscreen of the previous model. The Minor came of age with the Minor 1000 when the new 948cc was fitted and eventually ending up with the 1098cc engine in 1962. This was the last significant upgrade to the Minor until it ceased production in 1972 (although in some countries it continued to be made until 1974 to use up stocks of parts) Although all models have their enthusiasts, it would be reasonable to suggest that the Minor 1000s are the most popular, although the early side-valve models have collector appeal. The 803cc-engined vehicles are probably the least popular because the Austin engine was not exactly a ball of fire and the gearbox fitted to this model was a little fragile. Many Series 2 cars have been fitted with transplanted 948cc engines and gearboxes over the years, to improve their performance and reliability. At first glance, all Minors look much the same, the main differences being the position of the headlamps which were originally fitted low down in the radiator grille in the earliest 'low light' models. To comply with US regulations, headlamps were fitted in the guards from 1950 onwards (1949 for cars exported to USA). A curved one-piece windscreen replaced the two-piece flat version with the introduction of the 1000 in 1956, the rear edge of the bonnet changed as a result. At about this time, the mesh-type grille was replaced by a slatted type, the rear window was made larger and the instrument panel was redesigned. The passenger models were two- and four-door saloons, a convertible and an estate called the Traveller, often referred to affectionately as the "Woody." Commercials included 5cwt vans (popular with the British GPO) and utility versions, as well as many specially bodied vehicles built by after-market body builders. Today, the most sought after model is arguably the cute, wind-in-your hair Convertible. There is a very well established spares network in the UK & the USA so finding the parts for a Morris Minor is an easy task.