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.)

Here is a section of artwork which was used on the front cover of 20th January 1931 edition of the Motor magazine. It depicts an OHC Minor chassis on a dais in a salubrious Morris dealership. Unfortunately, the artwork is unsigned.

With the Network’s rally less than a fortnight away, rallyists are busy preparing their cars for the rigours of those hectic three days in June. Here 1930 Minor Semi-Sports VJ 3156 is parked-up while its driver checks the water depth along part of the rally route.

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…

Another excellent Kate Martin image of Minors on the move. This photo was taken during the recent Morris Register West Region expedition to Torbay. The cars in shot are John Nagle’s 1934 Two-seater (OW 4224) and the 1932 Two-seater (PJ 5155) owned and being driven by Toby Sears.

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 23^rd 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 Arthur Bell photo of his 1933 Minor Saloon JJ 9069 was taken in early March. It stands as a timely reminder to those of us who are not quite so adventurous that our driving season is a short one and is to be made the most of!

The West Region of the Morris Register hold, what has become, an annual weeks sojourn for members and their car’s to somewhere exotic. This year’s destination was Torbay and its environs where Ken Martin and his 1930 Minor Coachbuilt Saloon VX 4590 recreated this 1932 postcard image.

John Paternoster is the owner of 1929 Minor Tourer SV 9091. He recently took his 91 year old Mother for a maiden short trip in his car, John reporting that she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.