PRE-WAR MINOR NETWORK
The online magazine for enthusiasts of the vintage Morris Minor 1928 -1934...
Page updated 08/04/10
The Chassis Page...
The Minor rolling chassis evolved over the six years of its production, as did the engines and bodies that were placed upon them. The 1929 and 1930 chassis shown below were identical as the two photos illustrate, however from then on subtle changes can be noted as the years progress.
Upon the cars launch it was fitted with a heavily dished steering wheel and a single bonnet 'steady'. No sign of the Sparton Horn or Advance/Retard arm and lever. The inset shows the same page as taken from the 1930 owners Operations Manual and shares an identical image to that used in the 1929 edition.
For 1931 the heavily dished steering wheel has gone and the single central radiator 'steady' has been replaced by a pair attached to each side of the radiator header tank and the bulkhead. Bumper bars are also seen attached to the chassis for the first time. The handbrake arm has gained a round black bakerlite nob and the advance/retard lever can also be seen.
The 1931 side valved engined car had an almost ientical chassis to its OHV predecessor. Note however the painted radiator souround, lack of a Calormeter and wings and the bracket attached to the rear of the chassis frame.
For 1932 the fuel tank has been moved from the scuttle to a position between the chassis frame at the rear of the car. The Sparton Horn re-appears, this time suspended from the nearside radiator 'steady'. The coil is now mounted on the steering column and a petro lift can be seen attached to the bulkhead. The advance/retard arm is shorter and the lever much smaller than earlier cars. A new back axle design can also be seen together with the new Dunlop Magna wheels. The new radiator souround is not obvious here although the dipswitch on the horn button is visible.
For 1933 the car had the option of a four speed gearbox, another new rad design and the Sparton Horn has vanished once again! (as has a battery!)
The 1933 long wheel base chassis models (by now named the Morris Minor Family Eight & Special Coupe) were 12" longer than the standard short wheel base Minors, upon which were placed significantly heavier bodies. However the power plants remained the same 847 cc side valve units which developed just 19 BHP resulting in a detrimental impact on performance when compared with the swb models.
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