Synopses & Reviews
The post war Morris Minor, designed by Alec Issigonis was one of the most popular British cars. 2008 will mark 60 years since the first production models rolled off the production lines at Cowley in Oxfordshire. In this celebratory publication, Ray Newell looks in detail at the development of the wide range of models produced during a production run which spanned twenty two years in the UK.
Using mainly contemporary materials spanning four decades he transports the reader back to an era when the pace of life was much slower and the marketing of the vehicles was considerably different to the slick advertising of today. The worldwide appeal of this trend setting vehicle is examined in the context of the "Export or Die" mentality which dominated post war Britain as are the innovative production methods used to ensure that Morris Motors Ltd lived up to their "Quality First" reputation.
Variations from standard specifications are considered with reference to mechanical up rating, different body styles and the use of period accessories to enhance further the comfort and styling of what was dubbed "The Worlds Supreme Small Car." Issigonis sketches of the prototype cars, sales brochures, promotional materials, and rare and unusual photographs make this a fascinating book.
Review
Australian Classic Cars, June 2008Review by Pat Quinn
Australian magazine
Circulation: unknown
Without doubt, the Morris Minor is the most enduring of all British classic cars and I would suspect that true believers relish every new publication that reaches the bookshops. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the MM and this new publication commemorates this momentous milestone. What I find interesting is that it tells the story of the birth and the production life of the MM, not through photos of highly polished restored examples, but through reprints of brochures, period photos, promotion material and sales documents. It starts with a short section on Alec Issigonis and then works its way through the early low-light models and the first of the high-lights. It goes into detail not only about Minor history in the UK, but also about all those countries to which the MM was exported in complete, CKD or PKD form. You'll find details on those cars that were built to fulfill specific needs in countries like Holland and India. A chapter on period extras is included as well as one on bigger brothers like the Morris Oxford and Morris Six. A charming publication.
Review
"A superbly produced and characterful reminder of a quintessentially British car that stole the hearts of millions of motorists, not just in the UK, but all over the world." – Gay Classic Car Group
Synopsis
The post war Morris Minor, designed by Alec Issigonis, was one of the most popular British Cars. 2008 will mark 60 years since the first production models rolled off the production lines at Cowley in Oxfordshire. In this celebratory publication Ray Newell looks in detail at the development of the wide range of models produced during a production run which spanned twenty two years in the UK. Using mainly contemporary materials spanning four decades he transports the reader back to an era when the pace of life was much slower and the marketing of the vehicles was considerably different to the slick advertising of today. Isogonics sketches of the prototype cars, sales brochures, promotional materials, and rare and unusual photographs make this a fascinating book.
About the Author
Ray Newell is a recognized authority on the Morris Minor having written extensively on the subject over a number of years. He is a true enthusiast with a wealth of experience in owning, driving and restoring Morris Minors. He is also the National Secretary of the UK based Morris Minor Owners Club, a position he has held since 1983. Ray has recently written the Morris Minor Essential Buyers Guide in the Veloce series and this new and exciting publication has been compiled to celebrate the land mark achievement of 60 years since the Morris Minor entered production. Using contemporary materials Ray has drawn on his expansive personal collection as well as those of fellow enthusiasts to produce a striking publication which transports readers back to the decades when the Morris Minor was in production.