‘Blown’ 1932 McEvoy Minor VK 6518 is piloted by Sarah Gibson through the ‘Esses’ at the recent Pre-war Prescott event. Seated alongside Sarah is Simon Hodgins, the owner of a Jensen version (EC 9783) of Sarah’s car, although his model has been retro fitted with an OHC Minor engine which replaced the original SV unit.
If you weren’t watching the cricket World Cup at Lords, the men’s singles final at Wimbledon or even the British Grand Prix at Silverstone then the place to be to watch exciting live sport was Chateau Impney near Montpellier Droitwich in Worcestershire. It was here that Janie Maeers and Geof Wilson spent the weekend, displaying VJ 1756, Janie’s 1929 Minor Tourer in the grounds of the chateau while the famous Chateau Impney Hill Climb took place around them. (Photo Geof Wilson)
Brian Barling from Cumbria has owned this 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon (TF 889) from the Fifties, placing it in long term storage in the early Sixties where it remained until just a few weeks ago. It has now been passed on to David Bowman who recently successfully started the car for the first time in over 50 years.
Peter Green hosted the annual Triple M Garden Party at his South Bucks home on 7th July. Keith Durston reports that the event was very well attended with plenty of M Type Midgets present, their owners celebrating the 90th anniversary of the commencement of Midget production in Oxford in February 1929. (Photo: Keith Durston)
London resident, Mick Roberts restored and maintains both of these beautiful cars. The award winning 1932 Minor Two-seater (RB 6357) was the smallest car in the pre-war Morris range while his six cylinder 3.5 litre Morris 25 model (JT 667) probably ranks as the largest car dimensionally ever to have left the Cowley works!
Ken Martin reports that this 1931 £100 Minor (EV 719) was spotted at a Morris Register pub meet near Marlborough recently, the female driver pulling-in having seen the collection of Morris cars in the pub car park. Unfortunately, details were not exchanged and she drove off, although not before Steve Knight had taken this photo. The Network’s archive contains just one further image of the car, copied from a DVCA auction ‘ad’ dated March 2013 where it was listed with a guide price of £5-£6K.
After a weekends rallying, a hose down and leather off is a must if vintage cars are to be maintained in a good cosmetic condition. Janie Maeers and Geof Wilson went one better with Janie’s 1929 Minor Tourer (VJ 1756), when they opted for a shampoo at their local car wash facility, having wisely decided not to take it through the fully mechanised version!
The summer solstice is upon us, with upto 19 hours of daylight available to some. There can be no better time for those who live in the northern hemisphere to remove dust sheets, fill up with fuel and make use of these great little cars – far more fun than just talking about them! (Seen here: Steve Lewsley doing just that in his 1929 MG Midget replica and appropriately registered SL 9739)
Peter Brock from Newcastle-upon-Tyne recently took part, along with his 1934 Minor Four-door Saloon (AAO 463), in the annual Beamish Trial. The field of 150 historic vehicles were tasked with completing a gruelling hilly course through Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Here, part of the field are parked up on the village green at Bainbridge in Wensleydale for their scheduled lunch stop.
Many of the Wiltshire Downs have gradients that can test 90 year old vehicles to the limit. Here Avril and Tim Ovenden in their 1932 season Minor Two-seater are approaching the summit of one such incline, safe in the knowledge that ‘what goes up…..’ Photo: Kate Martin. The 2019 Rally Galleries page is now open to view – Many more images will be added over the coming days.
The recent 2019 PWMN Rally took-in some of England’s most picturesque and unheralded villages. This unnamed gem appeared around a bend in the road and gave those taking part a very pleasant surprise. Here Chris and Sue Hipwood in their fully renovated 1934 Season Saloon follow the Morris Eight of Gary and Anne Keys along the village’s deserted main street. (Photo: Norma Lambert)
Shelsley Walsh, Worcs was the venue, when on 9th June 1934 Barbara Skinner competed in the White Minor Skinner Special for the very first time. To celebrate this important 85th anniversary, current custodian David Baldock has painted the car in its original all-white colour scheme. Next stop Shelsley?
The sun made several appearances during the course of the Network’s Saturday tour and shone continously on the righteous at the cream tea stop. Nick Jarman’s Semi-Sports and Bob Howden’s M Type enter the car park of the The Millstream pub at Marden to top up the calorific intake prior to the rally dinner just a few hours later!
Despite the worst that Storm Miguel could offer, almost all rally entrants made it to the Castle & Ball Hotel for the traditional ‘Meet & Greet’ event. Included among these intrepid motorists were the Roests from the Nederlands with their beautiful 1930 Jarvis Hornet Special, seen here alongside Peter Yate’s 1933 Minor Saloon and John Nagle’s 1934 Two-seater.
The tenth annual Pre-war Minor Network Rally commences on Friday 7th June with a record entry due to take part. The event is based upon the historic English coaching town of Marlborough, Wilts from whence news and photos from the rally will be posted on the website’s forum here. (Photo Kate Martin)
Final Network rally preparations are underway across the UK as rallyists prepare their cars for the rigours of a trip to Wiltshire on 7th June. The boot of a Minor Semi-Sports is difficult to access, (via the tilting seat back) and awkwardly shaped, with a good 40% of of its capacity being occupied by the spare wheel. A tool roll, petrol can and essential spares take-up much of what remains, so a luggage rack is almost a necessity if anything more than a change of underwear is required over the course of the weekend!
The 2019 PWMN Moonrakers’ Rally kicks off in less than a weeks time, centered upon the historic Wiltshire town of Marlborough. A record entry of 32 cars and their crews are scheduled to take part and will traverse the county’s rolling countryside using byways and lanes ideally suited for these 90 year-old vehicles. The image above was taken at the start of the Saturday tour on the 2014 ‘Olde England’ rally based in the Suffolk village of Cavendish.
1930 MG Midget WM 5429 2M/1771 has a new owner in Tony Gamble from Selby, North Yorks. It transpires that the motive behind Tony’s recent sale of his Minor projects was to clear some garage space for this, another car requiring significant work before it is ready to take to the Queen’s highway. Congratulations on your new acquisition Tony!
During the course of a long rally tour it’s not aways convenient to stop where the facilities are located, hence the reason for these abandoned Minor saloons. The photographer stumbled upon them in the Gloucestershire countryside with the occupants nowhere to be seen, although it transpired, the culprits were very close by.
Richard Hurdwell owns this 1934 Abbey bodied E.W. Wolseley Hornet special (VE 9956) and attended the VSCC’s Suffolk Tour on 19th May. However, in this photo taken deep in the Suffolk countryside to the north-east of Newmarket, it’s not Richard at the wheel but a young family member given the opportunity to taste the delights of vintage motoring.
Geof Wilson is endeavoring to finish his Wasp Minor Special in time for the Network’s rally which is now just three short weeks away. His car is seen here being loaded for a trip to his panel-beating shop for the remaining panels to be fitted, prior to the addittion of wings, radiator, instrumentation etc., plus of course some initial proving runs.
Network members, Linda & Toby Sears and Kate & Ken Martin have just returned from a Morris Register organised tour to the south west of England. Unfortunately, Ken Martin’s Minor Saloon developed an engine issue just prior to departure, necessitating the use of the family’s Vanden Plas Princess. No such issues for Toby and Linda who drove across from the New Forest in their 1933 Minor Saloon (YG 2017). Photo: Ken Martin
Les Beardmore in Lytham, Lancs has just completed a six-year restoration of this 1931 Minor Semi-Sports (EC 9689). The Westmoreland registered car has not been on the road since the 90s and will sit alongside a Stewart & Ardern registered 1931 £100 Two-seater (MU 3272), which was also restored by Les. EC 9689 joins a growing number of roadworthy (genuine and replica) Semi-Sports models, a Minor variant that until 15 years ago was a rare sight at Morris gatherings.
Great swathes of the UK countryside are currently splashed with bright yellow as the flowers from the vast oilseed rape crop bloom. John Paternoster spotted such a field on Romney Marsh, East Sussex while out and about in his 1929 Minor Tourer SV 9091 and took this photo on his phone. He was at pains to point out that no plants were damaged in the taking of the photo as his Minor was parked on a barren strip of soil.
Network member Ian Judd is the long-term owner of a much travelled 1930 MG Midget, registered MG 703. Like many other old car enthusiasts, Ian took his MG for an outing on Drive-it-Day last Sunday (28th April). His run from his Leeds home took him to the North Yorkshire Moors and this stunning view of the local scenery. It looks like it’s still winter up there!
Kartik Lunia, the current custodian of 1930 Minor Tourer USJ 1795 has been researching its history. As a result, he has made contact with a previous long-term owner, Mr. Virendranath (VN) Misra, a retired former officer of the Indian Police Service and the Lucknow Fire Department. It was one of Mr. Misra’s three daughters who supplied this photo, taken in the early 90’s. There now exists the real prospect of a reunion of the recently renovated car with members of the family who owned it for many years right upto 2010.
This great shot of Mike Dalby in his 1930 Southampton registered MG Midget (OU 4824) was taken by photographer Colin Murrell at the recent Kimber Classic Trial. Organised by the MG Car Club’s South Western Centre, the trial took place on 13th April in and around the Somerset/ Dorset border and was centered close to Yeovil. This photo was originally spotted on the Triple M Register’s forum which contained a link to the club’s Facebook page here. (Image courtesy Colin Murrell and Triple M Register)
A settled spell of weather across western Europe has tempted some Minorists’ and their cars out of hibernation. Joe Rayner is certainly not one of those as he uses his 1932 Minor Two-seater ZV 83851 all-year-round. This photo was taken in beautiful weather at Fourmilewater, Waterford where the road crosses the River Nire.
This 1933 model year Minor Saloon was first registered in Buckinghamshire in October 1932 and has been locked away in a garage for over 50 years. Its new owner intends to restore the car to running order. The full story can be found on the website’s forum.
The prize for Tineke Roest‘s winning entry for the 2018 POTY Competition was the selection of an image from the vast LAT collection owned by Motorsport Images. The Roest’s chose this pit scene from a 1927 Brooklands event, a huge print of which now adorns their garage wall in which rests their almost contemporary 1930 Wolsley Hornet Jarvis Special.
Almost 45 years ago Tony Gamble began his long association and passion for the pre-war Morris Minor. Back in 1975 one of his very first models was this 1931 SV scuttle tank Saloon, bought in a run-down state and partially renovated before being passed on just a few months later. Many more were to follow, mainly OHC models although at least two further SV cars passed through his hands. Next month’s (May) Morris Monthly is due to feature an article on Tony and his Minors – look out for it!
With the Network’s rally just 6 weeks away, the club’s trophies are being gathered together prior to a visit to the engravers, where the names of the 2019 winners will be inscribed on their bases. The 2018 winner of the Brian Maeers Claret Jug, Dan Brockway, took this photo of the trophy along with his 1932 Minor Two-seater (APC 484) by way of a memento of his award which was presented at last year’s rally dinner.
The MG Workshop, in The Hague suburbs, is a mecca for Dutch MG enthusiasts and particularly so for those with an interest in Triple M cars. Here Henri de Jong’s MG F1 Magna sits alongside Halbe Tjepema’s award winning Minor Fabric Saloon as their owners discuss the Nederland’s chances in the upcoming cricket world cup.
For prospective buyers of a pre-war Minor, Midget or Hornet, quite a choice are currently available. There are cars to suit most budgets from projects at just £1 or £2K, to pristine fully restored cars for upwards of £20K. Take a look on the Network’s forum for further details and comment for those shown above.
This 1934 Stewart & Arden registered Minor Two-seater (MU 8234) appeared for sale in the north of England on four separate occasions earlier this decade before subsequently going to ground once again, as so many Minors do. Its image has now re-surfaced on the internet showing the car appearing at a show. Is its current whereabouts known?
The Network’s annual rally is now just two months away. Over 30 entries have been received to date and only a few more remain available. It’s not too late to book – click here to find out more.
Although there is a signal to start the Saturday tour of a Network rally it isn’t signified by the dropping of a flag. Given the word, drivers don’t race in an undignified manner across the tarmac to scramble into their cars, they start as they mean to carry on, at a leisurely pace with a polite “After you” gesture to those entering the traffic stream. However, the Saturday rally dinner is another matter entirely… Above: The scene at the start of the 2018 Network Rally as drivers begin to leave the 100th Bomb Group Museum assembly area for a days drive through rural England. (Places still available on the 2019 Moonrakers’ Rally to be held in June.)
For 32 years the London Motor Show was held each October at Olympia, W14 before eventually moving to the newly constructed Earls Court, SW5 in 1937. The show was a huge event in the motoring calendar with all major manufacturers (bar Ford) exhibiting. The three main motoring magazines produced a series of mammoth Motor Show special editions throughout the month of October, all crammed with advertisements, reports and photographs. For the visitor , the show programme was a gargantuan, almost 500 page tome, while the cover of the publication pictured here was perhaps the most diminuitive at 4″x3″ and just 30 pages. If you wanted to know how much your 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon was worth then this booklet contained the information, in much the same way that a similar sized edition of Glass’s Guide (launched 1933) would.
The Eight Bells in Bolney, West Sussex was the venue for the Home Counties spring meet. Keith Durston’s 1930 MG M Type, along with John Emmett’s 1932 D Type (WM 7500), ensured there were two Minor derived 847 cc power units flying the flag, while the other seven attendees arrived in their moderns. (Photo: Philip Butland)
Rallies are not always blessed with wall to wall sunshine. This shot of Garry Waiting’s 1930 MG M Type BF 5508 (now owned by Sam Christie) pictured alongside Halbe Tjepkema’s Aston Martin Le Mans was taken at Old Warden Airfield on a very wet Sunday lunchtime during the course of the Pre-war Minor Network rally in June 2011.
Simon Edwards recently travelled from England to Kangaloon, New South Wales in order to finalise the purchase of this 1929 Minor special, M7490. As can be seen, the Minor’s original roadster body is beyond salvation but plans are now in hand for a new body to be constructed locally, which will reflect the car’s Ozzie roots. Watch this space for progress reports as the rebuild gets under way.
Kenneth Allen from Woking, UK met up with fellow Network member Michael Mullins while holidaying recently in New South Wales, Australia. Michael is selling his immaculate Holden bodied 1931 Minor four-seat tourer, full details of which can be found on this website’s Discussion Forum.
Precisely one year ago the editorial 1930 MG ‘M’ Type GH 6758 was paraded in the heavy snowfall to capture a few images for the website. ‘The beast from the east’ was at that point sweeping across great swathes of Britain causing travel mayhem for all those needing to be out and about. Twelve months later (to the day) the contrast couldn’t be more striking. Another highly unusual and as yet unnamed record-breaking weather event is enveloping most of the British Isles providing a very early taste of summer. (Both photos taken mid-morning on 27th February, 2018 & 2019 respectively) Drag the arrows to fully reveal each image.
Most of the United Kingdom has been basking in warm spring-like sunshine for a number of days now. Martin Gregory (and others) have been taking advantage of this unseasonal weather by exercising their cars, many of which have been holed-up under dustsheets in garages and look-ups awaiting spring’s official arrival. Here 1931 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon (UF 7090) is captured ‘paused’ alongside a quiet Northamptonshire byeway after a recent run-out.
Autocar (India) magazine are joint sponsors of one of India’s most prestigious car events. the Cartier Concours D’elegance. Held over the weekend 23rd & 24th February a 1930 Tourer (USJ 1795) is flying the flag for the pre-war Morris Minor (seen here on the assembly day Friday 22nd). Flying the flag for Cartier was HRH Prince Michael of Kent who is seen standing alongside Kartik Lunia’s recently refurbished car.
USJ 1795, Kartik Lunia’s Jaipur, India based 1930 Minor Tourer is currently undergoing a program of refurbishment which has included, new paintwork and a complete re-trim. The car has been entered for a rapidly approaching concours d’elegance event and hopefully will be completed in time for it to participate!
Entries continue to be received for the 2019 MoonrakerRally to be held next June in Wiltshire. While the common thread of a love for Minors, Midgets and Hornets bind together those entering the event, another significant factor is that it provides opportunities to renew old friendships and to make new ones. (For entry details – scroll further down this page.)
In January 1975 Paul Harris was the custodian of 1934 Minor Two-seater OW 4224. On a very frosty morning he took his car for a run around the by-ways of rural Berkshire, this shot (scanned from a 35mm slide) was taken near his home in Wokingham. To read more about Paul’s Minors follow this link to a spring 1979 article he wrote for the Morris Register Journal.
The VSCC’s annual New Year Driving Tests took place at Brooklands on 27th January in mixed weather conditions. The Minor, M Type Midget and Hornet communities all had solitary representatives among a 58 car field. Here, Andrew Lucena’s 1932 paneled Midget (GX 1047) is seen being enthusiastically driven around one of the sections positioned upon the circuit’s original Start/Finish straight. NB.Biggles would have been horrified to see an untethered flying helmet!
Tim Stubbs and his eight strong team of helpers have made a rapid start to the restoration of this Surrey registered 1932 Minor 5 cwt van (PJ 7901) in their Burton-on-Trent workshop. There are a number of other images of the van available to view on the website’s forum, most of which feature tea cups…
Barbara Skinner‘s illustrious, albeit short motor sport career ended on the 25th May 1938 when she took part in the Spring Shelsley meeting in her brother’s Red Hudson ‘Straight-eight’ powered, Skinner Special. Her sibling also competed in the same car that day gaining a class win. The White Minor page within the Member’s Area of the website has been updated with a short article describing Barbara’s extra-curricula motor sport career, which includes a gallery of images from the Network’s archive and elsewhere. This May 1938 photo of Barbara in her brother’s car appears courtesy of David Baldock.
Toby and Linda Sears both look surprised to see Avril Ovenden in her 1932 season Minor Two-seater gaining on them, while both cars race along a section of the Thorpe Abbotts perimeter track which was originally built in 1942 to handle the mighty Flying Fortresses of the 100th Bomb Group. Philip Butland’s photo was taken during the afternoon of Sunday 10th June on the final day of the Network’s 2018 rally.
Some 15 years ago Philippe Prigent from Brest, France purchased a 1929 OHC Minor special in the UK. Over the next decade Philippe rebuilt the car, disposing of the old body and creating a new one from scratch. The pleasing result can be seen in this image of the car, which was taken at the famous pre-war circuit of Montlhery in May 2017. Car and driver return to the same circuit in May this year, when once again his special will take on all comers!
Despite the brevity of daylight hours and the mucky conditions on some of our roads at this time of year, some Minorists continue to exercise their cars at every opportunity. Here, an outing by Marlborough based Ken Martin to Salisbury Plain in his 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon (VX 4590) was recently captured to good effect through the lens of his digital camera.
The media traditionally uses this time of the year for reflection, peering both into the future and the past. This home page screen-snip from July 2009 may be familiar to some but it does serve to remind that 2019 represents the tenth anniversary of the fledgling website’s Image of the week (IOTW) feature, the top of that first offering being visible here. The image was an overhead view of the Minor production line, taken in either 1929 or 1930.
A Sunday highlight of the 2018 ‘Pacesetters Rally’ in Suffolk was an impromptu challenge between two tuned Minor Tourers driven by Janie Maaers and John Paternoster respectively. Having disappeared into the distance along the Thorpe Abbotts perimeter track the two adversaries can just be seen returning beyond the editorial Semi-Sports and Halbe Tjepkema’s newly restored Fabric Saloon. (Photo: Halbe Tjepkema)
Thanks to those who submitted images and reports of holiday capers, all of which can be found on the website’s Discussion Forum here.
The archive team at Motor Sport Images Ltd have ajudged that the winner of the 2018 PWMN Photograph of the Year Competition is Tineke Roest’s entry, ‘Alpine Winter Sports’. In 2017 the winning image was entered by Ari Roest, Tineke’s husband, so very much a case of keeping it in the family. Congratulations Tineke! The winning image was one of 12 from the 61 photographs entered that were selected by the adjudicators to appear in the 2019 Pre-war Minor Network calendar. The calendars will be available for delivery in early January and are priced at £11.50 U.K. and £12.50 European Union (p&p included). Order via chris@prewarminor.com
The River Tar flows through County Tipperary in the Irish Republic and at Ballybacon, in the Barony of Iffa & Offa, the river passes under a humpback bridge. Seeing a photo-opportunity, Joe Rayner did no more than park his 1932 Minor Two-seater (ZV 83851) on the crest of the ‘hump’. The resulting photograph can be seen above while the traffic jam Joe caused took almost 20 seconds to clear.
The brightly painted (and very expensive) beach huts that line the sea wall at Southwold, Suffolk provide a colourful contrast to the blue seas and skies to be seen here in high summer. In the winter it’s a different matter, although an overcast sky and rough seas can be a dramatic, as opposed to a picturesque, backdrop for a photograph of a Morris Minor!
Taken at Thoresby, Notts in August 2012, this photo of David Brown‘s Minors displays their twin carburettor configuration to good effect. The OHC Minor in the foreground is known as the ‘Baby Bentley’, while the SV variant behind, famously completed a tour around the UK mainland coastline in the early years of this millenium. (Photo: Philip Butland)
The Home Counties group met recently at the illustrious Royal Automobile Club at Woodcote Park, Epsom, Surrey for what has become their annual pre-Christmas ‘bash’. The meet was organised and hosted by RAC member Alister Reid who was joined by a disparate band of enthusiasts from across the south of England. Apparently, a good time was had by all!
Pat Oliver, the Network’s guest-of-honour at the 2016 Jurassic Rally, died yesterday (30th November) following a period of illness. Her daughter Jackie Hammond had notified the Network earlier in 2016 of her Mum’s desire to be reunited with a Minor Tourer, a car in which she had learned to drive in the early fifties and then went on to pass her test. Thanks to current Minor Tourer owners Janie Maeers and John Paternoster, Pat’s wish was fulfilled. Our condolences go to Jackie and all of Pat’s family members.
(Photo: Janie Maeers)
The webpage setting out the rules for this year’s PWMN Photograph of the Year Competition has now been launched. The page can be found here or under the red button on the website header image. Entries are now being accepted, the first items appearing in the competition gallery on Saturday 1st December. As one famous East Anglian female resident eloquently put it, “Let’s be avin ya” – its time to submit your entry! Please email them to info@prewarminor.com
This internet sourced image shows a 1930/31 CF3 Wolseley Hornet Special (13-ELT-95) on the steeply banked Montlhery racing circuit 19 miles south of Paris. The circuit, opened in 1925 and in the years running up to WWII was host to many record breaking speed events as well as a number of French Grand Prix. George Eyston was a regular visitor during this period, his runs in the Magic Midget resting many class H records away from Austin. In recent times Montlhery has hosted a revival meeting each year, this photo being taken at one such event.
Avril & Tim Ovenden have owned their 1932 season Minor Two-seater (KJ 3553) since 2012. In the meantime they have extensively used their car, taking it to six Network rallies, attending a similar number of MR Thoresby Hall events, have been to Pre-war Prescott, used it for an ‘Around the Edge’ section and much more besides. It travels to these events contained within the luxury of an enclosed and converted horse-box and as can be seen from this photograph, is a cossetted and well tended thoroughbred!
The recent glorious autumn sunshine has been cause for the delay of many pre-winter chores of late as vintage car owners have opted to take advantage of the weather by heading for the lanes and byways. Joe Rayner was one such owner who exercised his 1932 Minor Two-seater ZV 83851 on very quiet Irish roads. ‘Doris’ is seen here parked-up on the approaches to Knocklofty Bridge in County Tipperary.
This photo of Garry & Marge Schultz with their 1930 Australian bodied Minor Tourer first appeared in Queensland’s Toowoomba Chronicle newspaper. The Schultz’s were attending the end of a stage of the Great Endeavour Rally, a challenging charity event held in what is jokingly described as ‘rural Australia’ and better known as ‘the outback’.
Originality is a hot topic in the pre-war car world but some things should not stand in the way of progress, particularly where safety is concerned. Plenty of Minor owners are now fitting LED lamps to their cars, these being many times brighter than the low wattage tungsten bulbs they are replacing. Peter Yates was an early convert, fitting LED bulbs to his 1933 Saloon (LV 975) some years ago. It means that now his Minor can be used around-the-clock, which of course includes attending his local Morris Register evening noggin as can be seen in this shot.
All is not what it seems with this internet sourced, Minor pick-up image. The front half of the vehicle’s bodywork was originally fitted to a 1930-31 Coachbuilt Saloon while the load carrying area is a recent addittion, as of course is the age related plate, BS 9340. There are two towns in the UK named Netherton, one in the West Midlands the other in Merseyside. A Google search revealed that this ‘P. Smith – Decorator’ resides in Netherton, near Dudley, in the West Midlands.
Earlier this year Tineke & Arie Roest completed a 1600 mile road trip from their home in Holland for a tour around the island of Ireland. Their 1930 Jarvis Hornet special proved to be an extremely reliable mode of transport which attracted attention whenever it stopped, despite their best efforts to ensure it blended in with the background.
![Bilmuseum Autoseum, Nisse Nilsson Collection, Simrishamn, Skåne | Car museum, Scania, Sweden [2015]](https://www.prewarminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1932-Minor-Two-seater-Nisse-Nilsson-Collection-Museum-Scania-Sweden.jpg "Morris Minor 8 SV, 1932")
A great photo taken in April 2016 by Pete Edgerler at the annual Amberley, Sussex meeting. RX 9207 is an excellent example of a 1932 season Minor Two-seater and had been offered for sale on various platforms for over a year before being passed on to an Essex trader. The car has now sold and is hopefully in the hands of someone who will make regular use of it.
The 2019 PWMN Rally is proving to be the hottest ticket in town! Over two thirds of the available spaces have already been allotted, just seven days after booking availability was announced. If you have been considering entering, don’t delay – you can find a booking form here.
Simon Edwards is about to embark on a trip to Australia to finalise the acquisition of a 1929 Minor rolling chassis along with the remnants of a locally built two-seater body. Upon arrrival back in the UK he will be seeking a restorer to renovate the rolling chassis and to build an appropriate body. If you know of someone who would be prepared to take on such a task, please contact the Network.
The Network’s 2019 Rally is returning to Marlborough and the rolling downs of Wiltshire. The 30 available entries are sure to be taken-up very quickly, so download and submit your entry form (to be found on the newly launched rally page) in order to guarantee your place!
Please note an unavoidable late change of venue for Sunday’s pub meet. The new venue is The Manor House at Wortham, just off the A143, approximately 2.5 miles distant from the Cross Keys. Start time remains noon. The late change was made necessary by sickness among the catering staff at the Cross Keys.
Mike Jones took along his recently acquired 1933 Minor Saloon to the VSCC’s September monthly pub meet at North Lopham, Norfolk. Just 10 months previously the VSCC Committee had voted to add the SV Morris Minor to their PVT list, thereby permitting the SV cars to compete in VSCC events alongside the already eligible OHC models. Also present was Dave Philips in his 1934 EW Wolseley Hornet special along with the editorial Semi-Sport. (Still minus a numberplate digit.)
The Network’s Far Eastern Autumn Pub Meet is scheduled to take place at The Cross Keys pub in Redgrave, Suffolk on Sunday 7th October. A small reconnaissance party called by on a glorious September day in order to test the facilities and sample the local ale. All boxes were successfully ticked. Put the date in your diary and just turn-up – from noon onwards.
In May this year the seaside town of Eastbourne, Sussex held a classic and vintage car parade. The parade was reminiscent of the twenties and thirties Concours d’Elégance events which were held each September in the town throughout that pre-war period. Here a 1933 Minor homebuilt special (JO 7209) is captured taking-part by photographer, Nigel Buckner.
If you haven’t as yet taken a photo for entry into this year’s POTY Competition, it’s certainly not too late to do so. Autumn sunlight and old cars could prove to be an alchemic mixture and would provide an excellent reason to exercise your Minor, Midget or Hornet, should you need such justification!
Frank Higgin’s has owned his 1930 OHC Minor UY 9222 for over 30 years. It’s story is an interesting one as told by Frank himself: “My Minor (originally a saloon) has been messed about with over the years I believe at one time it had a “replica” glass fibre Edwardian style body! Later it seems that somebody found a rather rusty £100 body patched it up with liberal use of body filler put a home-made exhaust system and a modern (MinI?) carb on it and that was what it was like when I got it. Over the years I have sorted it out and although the body is still a bit scruffy (but most of the filler has been removed!). It has never been restored as such, but just maintained and improved.”
Peter Brock and his 1934 Morris Four-door Family Saloon (AAO 463) have been off on their travels once again, on this occasion a 220-mile round trip (by road) from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. The purpose of the journey was to visit both ends of Hadrian’s Wall, which as can be seen on the sign at the Bowness end of the wall, is only 84 miles distant from Wallsend, should you be inclined to follow the route of the wall on foot.
The two images seen here were taken at the 2018 PWMN Rally on Thorpe Abbotts airfield from differing perspectives at precisely the same moment by separate photographers. Probably not a rare occurrence at a large event, but an eerily unusual one with just twenty people present! Please note that bookings will shortly be taken for the Network’s 2019 rally based upon the beautiful Wiltshire town of Marlborough.
A car park scene from a recent Home Counties gathering at The Sportsman in Mogador, Surrey taken by Malcolm Bailey. Malcolm reports that as is the custom at all Home Counties ‘meets’ conviviality reigned! Those to be seen in this image are Tim, Michael, Alister Reid, Keith Durston and John Emmett. Apologies to Tim and Michael for the lack of surnames.
The car sitting alongside Ken Martin’s Essex registered Coachbuilt Saloon VX 4590 is a Chester registered 1932 MG F2 Magna FM 7263. The Magna has been off the road for at least 50 years and has been subject to a painstaking restoration at the hands of Mike Bradbury who is co-owner of the car along with his twin brother Tony. Ken was visiting his friend Mike to celebrate the car’s public debut but a gremlin in the cylinderhead put paid to that, the celebratory champagne being put back on ice. (The F2 Magna uses a thinly disguised version of Wolseley’s six-cylinder 1271cc Hornet engine which was in turn derived from the four-cylinder Minor power unit.)
Former Network member John Pallister completed a thorough rebuild of 1933 Minor Saloon 806 YUJ (ex JF 4238) in the early part of this decade, an article recording his efforts appearing in a spring 2011 edition of the Automobile magazine. John used the car extensively before selling it on to a buyer in the home counties. The new owner made little use of the car before it was sold once again some four or five years ago. Since then it has disappeared without trace, unfortunately a very familiar story. If you know the current whereabouts of this car please contact the Network. The image shows John Pallister standing alongside his Minor at Killhope Wheel, Cowshill, County Durham – the site of a former lead mine and now a museum.
In what is an experiment and an attempt to give the Photograph of the Year competition a little more focus, it is to be themed for 2018. The theme is to be ‘Regional Identity’ which it’s hoped will ensure a variety of backdrops to the images that will eventually make-up the pages of the 2018 PWMN calendar. It will not matter a jot if the shots are clichéd in that the subject matter of car and landscape have been seen previously. The hope being that it may encourage those who have avoided taking part in the competition previously by removing one element of the decision-making process and providing a fixed focus as to location and content. If the past is anything to go by, then we can expect to see some innovative and interesting images as a result. As was the case last year, entrants will be able to submit up to three shots.(Image: Joe Raynor)
(With perhaps two months of the 2018 driving season remaining there is still plenty of time to plan and take your competition entries before the competition proper opens on 1st December)
Ken Martin’s 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon VX 4590 was on wedding duty once again last week, on this occasion in Worcester on 15th August. His Minor has conveyed six other brides to the altar prior to this (including his daughter) and he informs the Network that his shop-soiled confetti business is now in profit. Ken’s Saloon also made an appearence in the recent past at Tony Hale’s funeral, an old Morris Register friend.
This looks like a challenge! Restorer Tony Gamble has just acquired a kit of body parts that had originally left Cowley in 1929 as a Minor Tourer. He advises that this will be his final project although he failed to mention that his workshop still contains two ongoing projects that deserve to see the light of day soon!
A further shot of Peter Stubberfield’s 1929 Minor Tourer VF 6700 has been added to the small gallery of images taken at last June’s LC&ES Rally held in Shropshire. This black & white version of Mike Tebbett’s photo could almost have been taken in period and shows Peter’s Minor passing the blacksmith’s forge in Cleobury North, Salop.
Over the course of the past thirty years Tony Gamble has been responsible for returning many (mainly OHC) Minors to the road and has always supported the model. Just how many Minors are currently running around thanks to Tony’s efforts is hard to prize out of him, but it’s well into double figures. The latest example is this 1928 Tourer GU 4310 which has utilised a redundant body and is now (almost) ready to roll once again!
OV 5562 is a 1931 SV Minor 5cwt van seen here with new owner John Gray at a recent Lincolnshire show. The van first came to the Network’s attention back in 2012 when in the ownership of Martyn Griffiths and was twice sold earlier this year, on the last occasion in April by the Vintage Petrol Pump Garage.
A glance at the handwritten Morris progress books which recorded Minor production throughout the model’s life will show that the vast majority of cars passed along the line in model batches. For example it was not unusual for a batch of twenty saloons to be followed by five Tourers and then by a batch of ten Two-seaters. Occasionally these larger batches were interspersed by singletons. One such car was M30633, a Minor Tourer which passed along the Cowley line in November 1930. These individual cars may have represented small orders from overseas agents as this car has been found in Indonesia, an unlikely spot for such a discovery and all the more welcome for that.
Pre-war Minors continue to be unearthed at an amazing rate. In the month of July three cars previously unknown to the Network surfaced in internet advertisements while other ‘known’ projects are being offered for sale by their current owners. If you are looking for something to keep you productively occupied for a few hundred hours then visit this website’s forum and familiarise yourself with what’s available.
After six weeks of glorious sunshine and soaring temperatures the UK heatwave is set to end this weekend. Hopefully, this won’t curtail the upturn in Minor motoring activity evident throughout this period. Seen here, against a Dorset backdrop, is Dan Brockway’s 1933 Two-seater (APC 484) making the most of the prevailing conditions.
The annual Pre-war Prescott event was held over the weekend on a warm and largely sunny day. Minors, Midgets and Hornets were well represented and this photo of the occupants of Anthony Richards’s 1932 MG M Type OY 2718 summed-up the atmosphere perfectly. More images from this event can be found here.
Mike Summers first acquired 1932 Minor Two-seater OJ 1865 in the late sixties and sold it some ten years later. After a gap of over thirty years and a brief search, the car was traced in Scotland where it had spent the intervening period. Mike struck a deal with the owner and ‘OJ’ headed south returning to his custodianship. Since then the car has been undergoing restoration, the most recent element being a complete retrim at the hands of Burwell, Cambs specialist, Ian Hawkes and what an excellent job he has made of it.
Peter Brock’s 1934 Minor Four-door Saloon AAO 463 had been off the road for many months while its engine underwent repair. Thankfully, these repairs have now been completed and Peter can once again enjoy the freedom of the open road in and around his native North East. Here the car is posed in front of The Spanish City in Whitley Bay, immortalised in the Dire Straits track The Tunnel of Love. (Photo montage P. Brock)
For those looking to fill empty garages with a Minor ‘project’ there are plenty currently available. This 1933 ex Minor Saloon comes with two bodies, that of a two-seater and a later model saloon. Located in Scunthorpe, the item is listed on eBay while further details are available via the ‘Cars for Sale’ section of this website’s forum.
Roger Lucke’s 1933 Minor Two-seater 289 UXG is seen here undergoing its annual MOT test, a procedure that has not been a legal requirement for pre-war cars in the U.K. for a number of years. However, Roger and a growing band of other vintage vehicle owners are submitting their cars to the rigours of this test, while paying for the privilege, and are happy to do so for safety’s sake and their own peace of mind.
It seems that the good weather here in the U.K. (& beyond) has tempted some owners to take to the highways for some wind in hair motoring, except that in many instances there is more wind than hair! U.K. weather is set fair for at least a week so there is no better time to remove the dust covers and enjoy the sunshine by taking a trip in your Minor, Midget or Hornet. Thanks to Chris Healey, Andy Brown, Janie Maeers/Geof Wilson and Joe Raynor for the photos.
Taking advantage of the superb weather, Garry and Marilyn Waiting took to the roads of the Lake District National Park, Cumbria in order to scale Shap Fell, some 1800 feet above sea level. Garry reported that his 1930 Minor Semi-Sports replica (FD 6409) climbed the narrow pass by making good use of the third ratio in his four-speed gearbox. What a view!
The first section of the 2018 Rally Saturday tour route followed the meanderings of the River Waveney. Here, Keith Durston’s all red 1930 MG Midget heads-up a trio of entrants including a 1932 Minor Sports Coupe, driven by Andrew Miles and a 1929 MG Midget replica piloted by owner Steve Lewsley, around a twisty part of that scenic stretch.
At the rally dinner recently Halbe Tjepkema accepted the LAT Plate on behalf of the 2017 POTY competition winners, Arie and Tineke Roest. Earlier today (Sunday 24th June), Halbe called on the Roests in his 1929 Minor Fabric Saloon to hand over the award in person. Here Arie is seen accepting the plate alongside Halbe’s Minor and his own 1930 Jarvis Hornet Special , the subject of the award winning photograph.
St. Peter’s Hall, Suffolk the home of the world famous St. Peter’s Brewery played host to 22 Minors, 3 MG M Types, a Morris Eight, a Wolseley Hornet and an Austin Heavy Twelve last Saturday (9th). The brewery shop and tea rooms were opened early and exclusively to enable rallyists to make use of the facilities and purchase their wares!
There are more photos on the newly launched 2018 Rally Galleries page.
The annual gathering of the clan began early on Friday evening with a get-together at the Swan Inn, Hoxne. There were some epic journeys undertaken to get there including a 200 + mile jaunt from Lymington in Hants by Toby & Linda Sears, with Ken & Kate Martin’s 190 mile trip from Marlborough not too far behind. Halbe Tjepkema from the Hague had a shorter road trip, the ferry trip from The Hook to Harwich making up most of the journey!
The countdown to the Network’s 2018 rally is underway. While many owners will be engaged in last-minute fettling before ‘the off’, there are at least three owners who are in a serious race against time in order to finish major repairs or rebuilds before Friday’s Hoxne Swan pub meet. (The photo was taken at the last rally to be held in Suffolk in 2014.)
Eric Mouser’s 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon DX 8826 was photographed while taking part in the ‘Felixstowe Run’ earlier this month. His car is fitted with Trafficators, a precursor to the flashing indicator. These semaphore signals are intended to indicate in which direction the driver is intending to turn, however, the mechanical mechanism involved does not always function as it should…
Quote: “Strictly speaking, the new car ceased to be a secret about three weeks ago.”
Quote: “It is ridiculous to say that my intention in making the car was to compete with the Austin Seven.”
Both of these very interesting quotes were reported in the 23rd May 1928 edition of The Motor Trader and were directly attributed to William Morris, although only one of those statements is believable! On the basis of that Motor Trader report it’s fair to say that the Morris Minor can now officially be declared 90! The photo is from the Jennifer Parson’s collection and shows her father, Harold Taylor alongside William Morris with Minor Fabric Saloon prototype UD 2071 at that very first, late April-early May 1928 photo-shoot.
John & Jo Nagle have been forced to withdraw from the forthcoming Pacesetters Rally with a recurring blown head gasket issue on their 1934 Minor Two-seater (OW 4224). The latest occurence took place while car and crew were participating in a Morris Register sponsored trip to Torquay, Devon. (Photo: Kate Martin)
This photo of a Minor speedometer was taken by Kate Martin on a recent drive from Marlborough to Torquay with husband Ken at the wheel of their 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon VX 4590. The car was travelling at the legal limit on an open stretch of arterial road and viewing the speedo needle against its stop is an unfamiliar sight for the vast majority of Minor owners
Most of the United Kingdom was basking in wall-to-wall sunshine over the bank holiday weekend. The New Forest in Hampshire was no exception and Toby Sears saw this as an opportunity to take a pre-rally run-out in his 1932 Minor Two-seater PJ 5155. The New Forest is one of the UK’s National Parks which despite its name, has large tracts of open heathland with hardly a tree in sight!
Ten years ago this week saw the stuttering birth of a new website targeted at enthusiasts of the pre-war Morris Minor. The PWMN came into being because a small group of Minor enthusiasts sought to provide a relevant internet platform for a growing and active community of new Minor owners who were prepared to forego some of the encumbrances associated with a traditional car club. Within weeks the new site’s visitor counter was recording 30 to 40 ‘hits’ a day and in the autumn of 2008 a new discussion forum was added. That forum now contains 59,000 posts while the site’s web counter has recorded 767,000 hits. A heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the Network along the way. (Chris Lambert)
Ken Martin took this shot of those taking part in a Morris Register organised mid-Wiltshire run from Devizes to Box on Drive-it-Day (Sunday 22nd April). Alongside Ken’s familiar 1930 Coachbuilt Saloon VX 4590 is another Essex registered Minor VX 7312, a 1932 Two-seater owned by Henry & Di Harvey. There were plenty of other Morris cars taking part along with an MG and an interloping motor cycle! (View more Drive-it-Day images at the foot of this page.)
Barry Parker from Tasmania, found this 1934 Morris Minor Saloon in an Australian scrapyard and is slowly progressing its restoration. He urgently needs help sourcing the dimensions of the body frame timbers and if you can help please email the webmaster here.
On Sunday 13th July 2008 eleven Minors, a Singer Nine and an Aston Martin Le Mans set out for a run to the coast during the course of that year’s VMR Rally. Their destination was Southwold, Suffolk’s favourite seaside resort where five Minors can be seen parked behind the town’s famous beach huts. A similar run is due to take place this June at the forthcoming PWMN rally, although the destination (for now) remains under wraps.
After 56 years in the ownership of the same family this 1929 Minor Tourer (MT 3286) is reluctantly being put on the market. The car was purchased by the late Roy Hogg in 1962 and has been used in recent years by Ronald, Roy’s son. The asking price is £11,500 and further details can be found on the Cars for sale sub-forum here.
Janie Maeers and Geof Wilson organised a Good Friday ‘run’ through the Leicestershire countryside for friends and family along with their vintage and classic cars. One of the stops on their Dot-to-Dot Tour was the farm shop at the Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co. in Upton, where a range of craft cheeses were available to taste and purchase. Some of the many interesting cars driven by participants can be seen through the farm shop windows. (Photo Wilson/Maeers)
Clive Hamilton-Gould grips the passenger door of his 1930 Minor Tourer (DG 325) while being driven by his daughter at the start of a sharp descent during the course of the recent VSCC LC&ES Welsh Weekend event. Thanks goes to both Steven Kent and Mike Tebbett who have each provided further photos many of which have been added to the foot of the 2018 Event Galleries page here. This photo courtesy of Mike Tebbett.
Mid-Wales played host to the cars from the Light Car & Edwardian Section of the VSCC over the weekend of 24th/25th March. Stretching their legs during the course of Saturday’s tour Janie Maeers and Geof Wilson can be seen alongside VJ 1756, Janie’s 1929 Minor Tourer. View a short video shot during the course of Saturday here and see more stills at the foot of this page here.
Janie Maeers, seen here in ‘Prudence’ her 1929 Minor Tourer VJ 1756 is about to leave the Metropole Hotel car park in Llandrindod Wells to take part on the second day of the LC&ES Welsh Weekend on Sunday 25th March. Janie was perpetuating a family tradition in that thirteen years earlier her late father, Brian Maeers competed at this same event , also in VJ 1756. (Photo: Geof Wilson)
The name of the venue for the most recent gathering of the Home Counties section seemed entirely innapropriate as the ten jovial attendees at The Grumpy Mole, Brockham, Surrey were displaying no such signs when this photo was taken on 19th March. From left to right: Keith Durston, Philip Butland, Kenneth Allen, Paul Brigden, John Emmett, Alister Reid, Malcolm Eades, Malcolm Bailey, Michael (surname unknown), Phil Sowry, Timothy Edwards Photo:Keith Durston.
For those in the worst affected areas, the wintery weather conditions across the UK throughout most of March will live long in the memory. The lying snow didn’t stop one or two intrepid Minorists taking to the highways as proven by this latest photo taken by Toby Sears, who drove his 1933 Minor Saloon YG 2017 to the hills skirting the Hampshire – Wiltshire borders to capture this shot.
The VSCC’s Herefordshire Trial was hit by the weather over the weekend of 17th/18th March, however it didn’t spoil the fun for David Rolfe in his Riley Nine engined M Type special (VU 7908). David and ‘bouncer’ are seen here negotiating a particularly tough elevated section. (Photo courtesy of Steven Kent)
Some smart detective work by member Toby Sears ensured that David Newlands (Cambs) would achieve his wish to know the whereabouts of his father’s Morris Minor, a car purchased ‘new’ in 1931. The current owners of the vehicle are Jill and Vaughan Jackson, (Hants) UR 9776 having been in their family’s custodianship for over fifty years. Contact between the two interested parties will be made shortly.
The son of the very first owner of this 1931 SV Minor Coachbuilt Saloon (UR 9776) is attempting to track down the current custodian in order to pass on some important historical data. If you can help please email info@prewarminor.com
While Sunday 4th March saw most of the snow in the south of the U.K. disappear following a rapid thaw, plenty of the white stuff remained earlier in the day. Here Janie Maeers and her Lurcher, Maisie, took to the lanes of Leicestershire in ‘Prudence’ her 1929 Minor Tourer (VJ 1756) to discover for herself the joys of Minor motoring in the snow. (Photo: Geof Wilson)
Malcolm Buc submitted this eighties image (taken on the Isle of Man) of what originally was an OHC Minor. ‘Jemima’ was owned at that time by Geraint Owen who built the competition special, it’s believed with the help of his father. Geraint is a long-term VSCC member and competitor. Unfortunately, by the time this photo was taken the Minor had already ‘lost’ its original registration and had been re-issued with an age-related number by DVLA. The special was powered by an air-cooled ‘V’ twin JAP engine and was dressed for competition with taped headlights, timing strut and a competition number. (Thanks goes to James Ashford for providing the revised information.)
Most of the UK is currently feeling the effects of an icy blast from the Urals. The editorial Midget was readied for a photo session in brilliant sunshine but the onset of a sudden heavy snow shower was enough for driver and car to seek the comparative warmth of the garage – at least until the snow had abated.
This representation of a 1934 season Minor Saloon was found on an American fine art website, and is currently for sale at £1891. The image, painted in acrylics, is by Dutch artist Paul Meijering
Almost every edition of the popular motoring magazines of the pre-war period contained illustrations by graphic artists. While many drawings have been lost, some still remain intact in archives, while others were photographed, their images captured on glass plates. The majority of these drawings are unsigned but the names of Ferguson, Millar and Pratt feature on many others. Isn’t it about time that their skills were more widely recognised? This unsigned drawing of a lwb Minor, scanned from a positive print, appears here courtesy of LAT Images.
Russ Salisbury from Texas, USA owns a 1930 Midget (MG 442) with a Brooklands racing pedigree. His car has been ‘off the road’ for well over forty years but has been subject to recent attention and is seen here on it’s second ‘debut’, its first being 88 years previously!
Hopefully, we in the northern-hemisphere are approaching the tail-end of what seems to have been a long winter. Thoughts are now turning to the pleasant prospect of lengthy warm days with productive time spent in the garage, while trips in our Minors will be undertaken without the need for the protective comfort of thermal underwear!
The 2017 Pre-war Prescott event was the venue for the coming together of two Coupes that surely originated via the draughting skills of the same designer. GG 3949 is the well known 1931 MG Sportsmans Coupe owned by Roger Burnett while 1932 Wolseley Hornet Coupe JH 1446 is said to have been commissioned by London Wolseley main dealer Eustace Watkins and built in the coachworks of the Folkstone based body builder, Martin Walter. Thanks goes to Hornet Coupe owner Nigel Stroud for the photograph via the good offices of Network member Keith Durston.
In the absence of Kenneth Allen, Paul Brigden organised a highly successful Network gathering at Brooklands on 8th February. Paul reports that thanks to Bob Webb those with pre-war cars were permitted to park in front of the famous clubhouse while the club bar facilities were also made available to them. Here, some of the throng wait patiently while John Emmett answers a question from a Brooklands Museum visitor. Paul’s report can be found on the forum. (Photo – Paul Brigden)
LV 5437 is a 1934 season Minor Saloon which was first registered in Liverpool in late 1933. This delightful autumnal image was taken by an unknown photographer and was discovered on the internet. In recent times ‘LV’ was owned by Tommy Jardine from the border country and some time prior to that by new member Guy Harris – it was he who was recently reunited with his Minor Two-seater after a a fifty year gap. (see IOTW no.414)
The Jaipur Classic Car Rally took place over the weekend of 3rd-4th February. Network member Kartik Lunia attended along with his 1930 Minor Tourer USJ 1795 the car gaining the accolade ‘Best maintained vintage car’, yet another award to add to a lengthening list. Seen here with Kartik is another sub-continental Minorist and Network member, Parth Mehd, who joined Kartik for the weekend having made the twelve-hour drive from Ahmedabad.
Following the long awaited return to roadworthiness of 1929 Minor Fabric VG 2007, when will 1930 Fabric Saloon UX 6403 appear in a similar condition? The car was discovered and purchased last May by Gareth Jerman, and its condition at that time can be seen in these images – so it’s re-appearance is not going to be anytime soon. Gareth however can count on the support and help from member’s of the Network throughout the forthcoming restoration journey.
While one Minor departs these shores bound for Malta, following its sale to Joseph Zerafa, another is being prepared for its rally debut following restoration. The Tony Gamble restored Semi-Sports, KJ 607, is seen here being loaded upon a transporter to begin a long road and sea journey to its new Mediterranean home. Meanwhile in the Nederlands, Fabric Saloon VG 2007 owned by Halbe Tjepkema is nearing the end of a ten year restoration journey and can be seen undergoing final preparations at the MG Workshop, Monster, in readiness for its hoped-for PWMN rally debut in June.
The VSCC’s New Year Driving Tests are held each January at the Brooklands Museum, Weybridge in Surrey. The site has undergone significant change since the 2017 meeting following the reinstatement of part of the former circuit’s ‘start and finish’ straight. Clive Hamilton-Gould is seen here negotiating test 3 in his 1930 Morris Minor Tourer DG 325. Find further images from the event here.
Minor Family Eight CG 5446 is a late 1933 (34 season) Hampshire registered car that was unearthed by Network member Toby Sears last year. It is now for sale on ebay and has already attracted a maiden bid. While requiring much work to restore to a roadworthy condition this almost complete car will make for a very gratifying project to the individual ‘up’ for the task!
Joseph Zerafa, who lives on the island of Malta has purchased Minor Semi-Sports KJ 607 from Tony Gamble. The car was completely rebuilt by Tony after he had purchased the remains of the vehicle from the late Roy Hogg many years ago. It’s hoped that the new owner might be persuaded to attend the Network’s rally this coming June.
Last June this 1931 Eustace Watkins Wolseley Hornet Special (GP 7373) was sold via an internet auction site. The photograph of the Hornet seen here was taken in its 50+ plus year resting place which looks to be a farm outbuilding. Few early CF3 versions of the Hornet survive and this one looks remarkably complete. If the new owner reads this please contact info@prewarminor.com
A journey that began 10 years ago this month is now nearing completion. Halbe Tjepkema rescued this 1929 Minor Fabric Saloon from a Bungay barn in January 2008 four years after the cars initial discovery. VG 2007 could pass very close to its old Bungay home if the car is successfully completed in time to take part in the Network’s 2018 Pacesetters Rally which is to be based at Thorpe Abbotts, just 13 miles from Bungay.
Using an open car at this time of year takes determination, forethought and many layers of clothing in order to brave the vagaries of the British winter. Not so the Minor Saloon owner. Warm the engine, climb aboard and within a matter of minutes, the cabin is as warm as toast. Note the evidence of this cosseting fug on the windows of Martin Gregory’s 1931 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon (UF 7090) parked-up during the course of a recent winter’s excursion to Stony Stratford, Bucks.
There can’t be many, more dramatic images of a Wolseley Hornet than this one taken by Tineke Roest on 5th January. The Roest’s Jarvis Special (AM-62-91) is pictured high in the Austrian Alps, stationary on a snow-covered pass while car and crew compete in the Planai-Classic Rally.
Back in September 2010, the crews of the three Minors seen here visited The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby to view Avro Lancaster B MKVII NX 611 ‘, Just Jane’. The hangar doors were rolled open to permit a series of photographs to be taken of which this is just one. Currently, ‘Just Jane’ is undergoing re-commissioning work which eventually will lead to this mighty aircraft taking to the skies once again. Somewhat ironically, ‘Just Jane’ was originally constructed by Austin Motors at Longbridge, Birmingham.
The winner of the 2017 Photograph of the Year competition is this fabulous shot entered by Arie Roest from the Netherlands entitled ‘Mont Blanc view’. The car in question is a 1930 Jarvis Hornet special. Congratulations Arie and a big thank you to all who have taken part. A list of those entries included on the Network’s 2018 calendar can be found on the website’s forum here.
Calendars can be ordered at £11.50 (13 Euro) each by emailing your requirement to info@prewarminor.com
The passage of time can be unkind, so at 76 years of age some allowances can be made for the odd accident on the driveway. The same excuses however can’t be made for 1933 Minor Saloon YG 2017‘s owner Toby Sears, seen here looking extremely youthful in 2009 and holding a Vintage Minor Register award, although almost ten years later he now can’t recollect why it was given to him?
Network rallies are not competitive in any way and are all about having fun with friends while also providing an opportunity for meeting fellow enthusiasts. Early June is (usually!) a great month for exercising almost 90-year-old machinery on roads that ideally suit our cars. To find out more visit our 2018 rally page here.
Arie Roest from the Netherlands is preparing his 1930 Wolseley Hornet Jarvis Special for the three-day Planai Classic Rally in January 2018. The car’s cockpit boasts some interesting items of equipment including a Tripmaster and an old alarm clock. (Note the similarity between this dashboard layout and that of the contemporary Morris Minor – excluding the recent add-on’s.)
The news of the 31-34 S.V. Minor’s inclusion on the VSCC’s PVT list may have come too late for an example to take part at last weekend’s Winter Driving Test event at the Bicester Heritage Centre, but surely early enough for a member to enter with a SV car for the forthcoming Brooklands event on 28th January? Who is going to write this small piece of motoring history?
This 1931 Minor Two-seater BR 8606 has been a familiar sight at VSCC sporting events for many decades, this courtesy of an OHC Minor engine under the bonnet where an original SV unit should nestle. Thanks to a recent ruling by the VSCC other 1931-1934 SV Minors will now be able to compete alongside Sue Woodward and her £100’er.
After many years of lobbying, the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) has finally agreed to add the 1931-1934 Side Valve Morris Minor to its list of Post Vintage Thoroughbred (PVT) cars. This means that the S.V. Minor can now compete in VSCC events alongside its thirties adversary, the Austin Seven. There are further important ramifications for the model to be considered by owners which will no doubt be discussed on this website’s forum.
It is possible to get lost on a rally. The majority of rallyists have done so at one time or another. In the resulting confusion drivers tend to blame navigators and vice versa, all of which invariably leads to a heightening of blood pressures and sharp words. A map isn’t a cure-all but it will get you home. Ordnance Survey can now provide Custom-made maps, tailored to cover precisely the area you need.
Arie Roest makes good use of his 1930 Jarvis Hornet special, taking part in a number of long distance ‘classic’ rallies while also using his car for his summer holiday transport. This photo of Arie and canine passenger was taken on the Col du Galibier in the French Alps at a height of 9324 feet earlier this year. Arie and his wife along with their Hornet are entered for the Planai Classic Rally in Austria on January 18th of which more here.
The former 1929 Minor Fabric Saloon MM 9326, which later in life adopted a Tourer body, has now acquired a polystyrene tub which is due to act as a template for a new aluminium sporting body to be constructed by current owner, Geof Wilson. The coffee cup to be seen on the bonnet is not part of the intended design which shares some characteristics with the White Minor Skinner Special and is all the better for that.
Mike Summers from Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk first bought 1932 Minor Two-seater OJ 1865 back in the mid-sixties, keeping the car for fifteen years. He then sold it at the end of the seventies and forgot about it until 2012. After deciding that he wanted a back-up to his 1931 SV Minor Saloon he tracked down OJ 1865 in Scotland and managed to persuade the owner to sell it to him. The car has been subject to a long-term re-commissioning program in preparation for a debut (hopefully) at the 2018 PWMN Rally at Thorpe Abbotts. It’s seen here just prior to delivery to a local paint shop where it’s due to receive several coats of fresh paint.
The world’s largest airship has suffered a further mishap while moored at its Cardington, Bedfordshire base. Trevor Wilkinson spotted the crumpled gas bag while out for a ‘run’ in his 1934 Minor Two-seater. The craft, colloquially know as ‘The flying bum’ was involved in two earlier incidents in 2013 and 2016.
