Lotta Shine For The Dime: 1952 Morris Minor


Classic car prices have been through the roof in the past few decades…or perhaps inflation has been more aggressive than anyone could have imagined…but any way you look at it, a shiny and good looking mainstream classic will cost you a pretty penny. So if you are financially challenged, or just a tightwad, and you want a classic, you need to dig deep into obscure makes/models and find something like this next thing. Find this 1952 Morris Minor offered for $10,900 in Belchertown, MA via craigslist. Tip from ME.

From the seller:
1952 morris minor
VIN: SMM132750
condition: excellent
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 58240
paint color: grey
size: compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
A wonderful and rare example of a nicely restored 1952 Morris Minor Coupe in its original recently refinished color in two stage Dove Grey. Not a “concourse” condition Morris, but recommissioned to a very high “Driver Quality” condition you can be proud to drive and own.Powered by a matching numbers 918 cc L-Head four cylinder engine, which starts immediately, coupled to a four speed manual transmission it runs and drives nicely. Rack and pinion steering provide for excellent steering response and control.

Period correct new seat belts to driver/passenger have recently been installed. (not shown)
Recommissioning included a complete strip and refinish of the paint, new weatherstripping and seals, new fuel tank, brake master cylinder, wheel cylinders and shoes, reupholstered and rebuilt seats, new carpet and carpet insulation, body insulation, new body and glass weatherstripping, all oils replaced, new points, condenser, new Autolite 456 Spark plugs, new pinion seal, the addition of new halogen driving lights, new radiator and associated coolant hoses, new fuel filter and fuel lines, new chrome bumpers and badges, 5 brand new 14″ radial blackwall tires, new driver/passenger period correct seat belts, and much more.
Glass and wing windows are in excellent condition, and the windows all roll nicely.A recent compression test illustrates a consistent 120-125 psi in all four cylinders, excellent for a engine with a 6.6:1 compression ratio. Its five quart engine oil is comprised of high zinc content Shell Delvac 15/40 oil. The recently replaced four speed transmission and differential oils are 80/90W with the addition of a friction inhibitor.
All lights and gauges (fuel and oil) function as originally designed and oil pressure maintains a consistent 40 psi plus. * Note the illuminated turn signal (aka “Trafficator”) on the side below the B Pillars which deploys horizontally from the body when activated executing a turn. Very fun and almost cartoonish.
The Morris Minor runs best on 87 Octane fuel (higher volatility) to which Marvel Mystery oil and Stabil have been consistently added to the tank at each fill up for valve/cylinder lubrication and fuel stability respectively.

Indicated mileage is presumed to be correct but cannot be conclusively verified given its 68 years of age.
The 1952 Morris Minor coupe is a delightful car to own and drive in the Spring, Summer and Fall garnering tremendous interest when on the road, in shows and classic car tours and rallies. It illustrates a beautiful classic, with zero rust and no evidence of previous body work or damage. Currently not equipped with seat belts, but front and rear seat belts can be added for simply the cost of belts for the new owner.
The Morris interior is deceptively large with ample head and leg room. The rear seat back folds down for additional cargo space and complete access to the trunk.
The early (1952) Morris Minors are rare on today’s market. Parts are readily and inexpensively available and the cars have a great following, and are amazingly easy to service. They are very fun to own and easy to store and park.
The 1952 Morris Minor coupe will be sold with a clear title. Personal inspections are encouraged and Morris Minor will be shown by appointment.
Phone Calls Only appreciated. NO TEXTS.
$11,900 or Best Offer.
Thank you for the interest.

Nice find – looks like an example of the 1950s cars before they went from minor (no pun intended) updates of 1930s designs to their own sense of styling and mechanical bits.