Morris Minor. The World's Supreme Small Car

Descripción

The Morris Minor (MM), a small car from Nuffield Organisation, the British automotive manufacturer, was introduced in the years following World War II and was significant to the motoring public, bringing a modern motorcar within the economic reach of many. Development of the Nuffield concept for as small and light four seat saloon car began during the 1939-45 conflict, with the object of providing the company with a high sales volume vehicle in the post-war period. A prototype model named the Mosquito was road tested in 1943 and it provided the basic design for the MM. In 1947, when the first production models were under test, it was considered to be the "most advanced small car in Europe, and possibly the world." However, many senior executives at Nuffield did not see the new vahicle in that light and some were against its production, which was delayed as a result. While MM was immensely popular with motorists and exported in large numbers it never matched, in terms of production totals, its nearest popular rival, the VW Beetle. Production of the MM reached one million in late 1960 and when its manufacture ended in mid-1971 the figure for the MM and its near relatives had reached an estimated 1.6 million vehicles. Paul Skilleter's book on the MM is said to be the first complete study of the type. It certainly covers in detail the concept and early design sequence, the first models on the market, the improvements and upgrading over the succesive varients of the car. The basic MM was transformed and adapted to a wide range of uses including convertibles, vans, estate cars and pick ups, in addition to providing the basic format for a number of versions carrying the Wolseley and Riley names. MM were also popular competitive machines, many being modified and re-engined. This aspect of the MM's record is covered by the author, with another section examining the continuation of the breed through restorations, making improvements and modifications to the survivors, with hints mechanical and asthetic provided. The MM was widely exported, with left-hand steeing where required. One appendix records the reception of the car on the US automotive scene. Other chapters relate to statistical and mechanical data, the progression of the successive varients, with tables for production and performance figures. Prototype and experimental versions are noted as are the colour schemes applied to production MM. A fine recorcd for a much loved car, described as being "cheeky and chubby." First edition of 1981 for Osprey, 224 pages including list of MM international clubs and index, illustrated throughout with b/w photographs some diagrams and reproductions from early design drawings. Green hard covers with silver spine titles are NF, as is the text block, no inscriptions. NF colour DJ front panel carries a 1949 MM adverisement from the Autocar magazine, interior shown in a colour photograph on rear panel. N° de ref. del artículo 004877

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