Few cars look as sweet and innocent as the much-loved Minor – but, as Paul Guinness explains, it’s one of today’s top choices for fans of modified classics.

We all know that the Issigonis-designed Morris Minor dates back to 1948, replaced by a more powerful 803cc (A-series) powered model by the early Fifties. But it’s the bigger-engined Minor 1000 of 1956 onwards that’s the most common version you’ll see on sale today. And, happily, that’s also the model most suited to a range of genuinely effective modifications for modern-day drivers.

The original Minor 1000 of ’56 pushed out 37bhp from its 948cc engine (shared with its in-house rival, the Austin A35), before giving way to a 1098cc version by 1962 – which saw power boosted to 48bhp. And that simple increase in power and engine size managed to keep the Minor reasonably competitive throughout the Sixties, despite its age.

 These days, though, even a 1098cc Minor 1000 is nowhere near powerful enough for many enthusiasts. And in modern everyday driving conditions, its all-drum brake set-up isn’t really up to the job. All of which explains why the famous Morris has become one of the most modified classics on the road today.

That’s why there’s no shortage of Minors now benefiting from 1275cc A-series engine swaps, transforming the power and performance of Issigonis’ little saloon thanks to this ex-Midget (or Marina/Ital) transplant. And to complement the extra ‘oomph’, you’ll find a good number also treated to front disc brakes and even five-speed gearbox conversions.

Other owners prefer to go even further, of course, which is why it’s not that unusual to come across a Minor with a Rover V8 or Fiat Twin Cam unit nestling under its bulbous bonnet. But such work is best left to those who don’t object to virtually re-engineering every mechanical aspect of their classic.

For the rest of us, what are the best routes to take? A rear-drive 1275cc motor is a straight swap, and will make a huge difference – particularly in a Midget state of tune. But if you fancy keeping the original powerplant, you’ll find Lumenition electronic ignition, a K&N air filter and a sports exhaust will add a tad extra power and usability. And if you want to improve your Minor’s handling, fitting modern polyurethane suspension bushes instead of the standard rubber units if a good first step. But for the biggest change, fit an anti-roll bar – available from Minor specialists from around £150 upwards.

Then install a set of front disc brakes – which you can do either by modifying a Marina set-up or by spending extra (just under £480 from Moss) on a complete off-the-shelf conversion kit. Oh, and if you’re really going to splash the cash, a Moss five-speed gearbox conversion kit can be yours for less than £1700.

How far you go with your Minor mods will depend on your available budget. But one thing’s for sure: the little Morris is very well catered for when it comes to readily available upgrades.

Produced: 1956-71
Engines: 948cc / 1098cc A-series 4-cyl
Prices: £250 (for restoration) to £10,000 (superb, original Traveller / Convertible)
Upside: With so much available ‘off the shelf’, the Minor is a top choice for modifiers
Downside: No shortage of overpriced and poorly restored examples still around
Why You Want One: Transforming the district nurse’s favourite into a modified classic for the 21st century is great fun! 
Club: Morris Minor Owners’ Club (www.mmoc.org.uk)
Specialists: Moss Europe (www.moss-europe.co.uk), Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre (www.morrisminor.org.uk), Tom Roy (www.tomroy.co.uk), Morris Minor Millennium Company (www.morrisminorworld.com), Minor Mania (www.minor-mania.co.uk), ESM (www.morrisminors.com)
Parts Prices (including VAT) via Moss Europe: front disc brake conversion kit, £478.95; brake servo kit, from £143.00; K&N air filter, from £42.86; five-speed gearbox conversion, from £1681.95; hydraulic clutch conversion kit, £149.95; Lumenition electronic ignition kit, £239.95; sports exhaust system (1275cc upgrade), £227.95

Published in the July 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.

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