Maddy the Morris Minor Van. (and me)
‘Maddy’, my Morris Minor, was first registered in September 1968. She has been in use ever since. When I purchased her for my Seagull business, in about 1994, she was in need of a little TLC! The entire floor was replaced from the engine bulkhead, to the rear doors. Front wing, door panels and even the roof! Then a full re-spray.
Mechanically
she still has the 1098cc ‘A’ Series engine, but I’ve fitted a Mini
manifold and carb, (it’s more efficient). Lead free head, Duplex timing chain,
and a stainless exhaust, (which still burbles on the down hill stretches!). Polyurethane suspension bushes, front anti-roll bar, disc
brakes and servo assist. Wider
radial tyres, (vans had a slightly wider wheel rims.)
Quartz Halogen headlamps,
electronic ignition,
variable
delay wipers and
even
an up rated heater!
Most
of this is not really visible, and can be reversed, for the purist.
Modifications have been done, mainly, for safety.
She is in regular use, clocking up about 8,000 miles a year.
A
creditable 40 M.P.G. is achievable in normal urban driving.
Top speed is in excess of 70mph, (Minor saloon rear axle).
