4. 1953 Morris Minor Series MM

1953 Morris Minor Series MM Splitscreen

I’ve owned this dear old Minor, with the famous ‘Cheesegrater’ grille, since 2003.

It sports a very rare accessory …a genuine splitscreen sun visor.

I drove the car for a few years with its original engine and gearbox. But the gearbox fitted to these cars is prone to crunch gears, and I got fed up clunking with every gear-change, so a couple years ago I replaced it with a much more practical 1098cc engine and box.

It zips around much more respectably now.

I’ve left the paintwork in its original weathered condition because it looks so good as is.

The interior is wonderful. The smell of the leather jumps out and bites you on the nose the minute you open the door in the morning.

Though I do like to look at restored cars, I very much prefer the ‘oily rag’ look, ie original and unrestored.

Perhaps it reflects personal dress sense? Do owners of restored cars also wear polished shoes and white shirts? Me? I’m a total scruff and proud of it.

Of course, the worst place for over-restoring cars is Los Angeles. But, there again, it’s also the world capital of face-lifts and cosmetic surgery. Perhaps cars do reflect their owners after all?

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