
Morris Minor Coach-built Saloon 1930
The Morris had been in the same family since being first bought on 9th October 1930 and stayed its entire life in East Sussex. It is understood that its longest trip outside Crowborough was in 1934, which totalled 27 miles from and back to home! It was used very little during WW2 and painted firstly dark blue, then black; when new it was Morris Maroon. It was laid up from 1957 in a small shed at the bottom of the family's garden for 48 years; at one time the back seat was used by the family dog 'Pip' as a bed in the summer months - this is how the car became to be known as Pip.
In 2005 the old Morris made its way from Crowborough to Cooden where it rested in a garage until I bought it on 9th October 2008 - exactly 78 years to the day from when it was first registered, making me only its second owner! After a few years in my ownership I found the right chap in Ray Bennett (Bexhill100 member) who would be able to restore the old Morris to its former glory.
Lee Dunn
Engine
4 Cylinders in line, OHC
Bore & stroke: 57mm x 83mm
Displacement: 847cc
Compression ratio: 4.751 to 1
Carburation: single SU 7/8in diam
Power output: 19bhp at 4,000 rpm
RAC rating: 8.056hp
Transmission
Clutch: single, dry plate 6 1/2in diam
Gearbox: 3 speed, no synchromesh
Ratios: 1st: 3.5 to 1, second 1.833 to 1,
top: 1 to 1
Propellar Shaft: Shaft and spiral bevel
Rear wheel drive
Brakes
Cable operated 8in drums all round
Performance
Maximum Speed: 55 mph
Acceleration: 0-50 N/A
Overall fuel comsumption: 45-49mpg
Steering
Bishop cam
Suspension
Front & rear: semi elliptic leaf spring with single action friction dampers
Construction
Chassis: steel ladder type
Tub: ash frame with steel skin
Wings & bonnet: pressed steel panels
Interior: wood dash
Wheels & Tyres
3 stud bolt-on 3.50 x 19 in wire
400 x 19in crossply
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 78in
Track - front & rear: 42in
Toe in: 1/8 in
Castor angle: 3 in
Overall length: 120 in
Overall width: 49.5 in
Overall height: 57 in
Ground clearance: 5.5 in
Turning circle: 34ft 6 in
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5 gals
Sump capacity: 7.25 pints
Production
Sept 1928 - Aug 1934: 86,309
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