LOT 262 •
1958 Morris Minor Quarter-Ton Pickup Chassis no. OFB 477608
Sold for US$18,720 inc. premium
Lot 262•
1958 Morris Minor Quarter-Ton Pickup Chassis no. OFB 477608
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1958 Morris Minor Quarter-Ton Pickup
Chassis no. OFB 477608
Chassis no. OFB 477608
The postwar Morris Minor, one of Alec Issigonis’s first masterpieces, became nearly as iconic during its 23 years of production as its ostensible successor and sister icon, the Mini. Released in 1948, it used unitary construction and torsion bar front suspension, although some other novel features, like a flat four engine, never reached production.
Exports to the United States began in 1949, which required raising the headlamps from their position in the grille in order to meet local codes. This change was soon adopted across the board. Initially the line included both two- and four-door saloons, and a jaunty little tourer which commanded about a third of the market.
After Morris merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation, a Series II Minor was introduced with the 803 cc overhead valve Austin A-series engine from the A30. A Traveler estate car, a van and a pickup were introduced at this time, built on a separate chassis frame. The Traveler had an external structural frame of varnished ash, that added additional cachet. When the engine was enlarged to 948 cc in 1956, the name “Morris 1000” was adopted.
A rust-free Texas truck, this Morris Minor pickup has undergone a complete chassis and body restoration. The original 948 cc engine has been replaced by a 1275 cc unit from an Austin-Healey Sprite, with twin SU carburetors and rib cage gearbox, along with a new clutch. The engine is a bolt-in conversion, resulting in a horsepower increase to 60 and a truck that’s much peppier and a pleasure to drive.
The body was removed, and the chassis and suspension renovated and painted in black. New brakes were installed, as well as a new wiring harness and five Michelin X 5.90-15 radial tires.
The body and pickup bed are painted Dove Gray, an original BMC color. The new interior is new in correct Newton Commercial heat-pressed Cherokee Red vinyl. The chrome bumpers, front and rear, are new.
The truck comes with the correct English-made Olive Green canvas canopy cover, with vinyl rear window. It installs over four metal bows, adding wind and weather protection to the cargo. The original owner’s handbook, shop manual and sales brochure are included in the sale. This truck is both fun and functional, and carries a clear and assignable Texas title. Fewer than 500 left-hand drive pickups were made for the U.S. market. This is a chance to acquire a unique and useful vehicle.
Exports to the United States began in 1949, which required raising the headlamps from their position in the grille in order to meet local codes. This change was soon adopted across the board. Initially the line included both two- and four-door saloons, and a jaunty little tourer which commanded about a third of the market.
After Morris merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation, a Series II Minor was introduced with the 803 cc overhead valve Austin A-series engine from the A30. A Traveler estate car, a van and a pickup were introduced at this time, built on a separate chassis frame. The Traveler had an external structural frame of varnished ash, that added additional cachet. When the engine was enlarged to 948 cc in 1956, the name “Morris 1000” was adopted.
A rust-free Texas truck, this Morris Minor pickup has undergone a complete chassis and body restoration. The original 948 cc engine has been replaced by a 1275 cc unit from an Austin-Healey Sprite, with twin SU carburetors and rib cage gearbox, along with a new clutch. The engine is a bolt-in conversion, resulting in a horsepower increase to 60 and a truck that’s much peppier and a pleasure to drive.
The body was removed, and the chassis and suspension renovated and painted in black. New brakes were installed, as well as a new wiring harness and five Michelin X 5.90-15 radial tires.
The body and pickup bed are painted Dove Gray, an original BMC color. The new interior is new in correct Newton Commercial heat-pressed Cherokee Red vinyl. The chrome bumpers, front and rear, are new.
The truck comes with the correct English-made Olive Green canvas canopy cover, with vinyl rear window. It installs over four metal bows, adding wind and weather protection to the cargo. The original owner’s handbook, shop manual and sales brochure are included in the sale. This truck is both fun and functional, and carries a clear and assignable Texas title. Fewer than 500 left-hand drive pickups were made for the U.S. market. This is a chance to acquire a unique and useful vehicle.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |