Back in 1936 the designer Sir Alec Issigonis joined Morris Motors. He went on to design two of the most iconic recognisable cars on British Roads, the Mini and the Morris Minor. After many years of design and redesign in 1947 the Minor fitted with the 918cc side valve engine was finally submitted to the test all potential new Morris's had to pass, 10,000 miles in 10 days without giving trouble. The car passed and the order to proceed with production was signed. It was at the 1948 Motor Show at Earls Court London where the car was released to the public.

The First Morris Minor (Type MM) with its 918 side valvel engine left the production line on 8th October 1948 and continued in production until February 1953. In this time 171,021 had been built.

In 1950 the low light model was replaced with the more familiar high light version. This was due to American law stating headlight height. In the same year the 4 door version joined the line-up.

In 1952 the famous "A Series Engine" was born, an 803cc OHV. This was fitted to Series II Minors. First used in the four door followed by the two door, Traveller and convertible in 1953. The A series was a great improvement for the Minor and was welcomed by the Motoring press.

1953 brought the Light Commercial Vehicles into production in the form of a van and pick up. Early Post Office vand has rubber wings fitted in an attempt to reduce damaged caused by their drivers and the type of work undertaken. They shared the same engines as the cars finishing with a 1098cc.

1956, saw the minor 1000 launched. This sported a 948 37bhp O.H.V engine. The car loast its split screen and a larger rear screen was fitted. With its new gearbox and engine a top speed of 72mph was achievable. This was much improved over the 62mph 30bhp 803cc.

In 1960 the Millionth Minor was sold. This was more than any British manufacturer had achieved before. For the achievement BMC made a special run of 350 Minors painted in Lilac with off-white upholstery, white wall tyres and special touches including "Minor 100000" bonnet badges.

Morris 1098cc Last of the Minors.

The final stage for the Minor was in October 1962. Fitted with the new 1098cc engine and improved stronger gearbox. Producing 48bhp and a top speed of 73mph, this made the car future proof and usable today.