This very tidy 1960 Morris Minor 1000 could conceivably be considered a resto-mod of sorts. Purchased by a gentleman who recalled driving an identical car when he was stationed overseas, he set out to find the nicest example he could and then modify it to suit his tastes. The result was this beautiful Whistler Gray sedan, which was comprehensively upgraded by the Charles Ware Group, noted experts on the marque. With a very solid body as its foundation, it was given a full restoration with most of its mechanicals upgraded to make it not only entertaining to drive, but reliable and safe in today’s traffic. Highlights include a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, an upgraded 1098 cc engine, and disc brakes, all of which make the diminutive little sedan a delight in cut-and-thrust traffic. If you’re a fan of the Mini but like to walk a different path, this Morris Minor is just the ticket.

Finding one with a solid body and sub-structure is the most critical part, and like many British cars of the period, the Minor was notorious for rusting in the most demonic ways possible. Given that many of them were used up and tossed away due to their low price, discovering one this nice is a real treat. The body panels are factory-issue and finished in Whistler Gray, which, according to the original UK registration card, is this particular car’s original color. The finish is proper with no metallics or other modern touches, so it has a very appropriate look that fits its rounded shape quite nicely. The car’s proportions and shape mask its tiny size, and the rounded fenders and vintage-looking grille have an old-fashioned 1940s look that’s quite appealing. All four doors fit well, the bonnet and boot (hood and trunk to us Yanks) open easily, and all four wings (fenders) show no signs of neglect or parking lot damage. The paint has a soft gloss that’s accented by a single red pinstripe that adds an upscale flavor and highlights the body moldings. All the chrome was probably refinished when the car was restored a few years ago and is holding up quite nicely with only very, very minor pitting on the door handles. It’s a very stately looking little machine.

Deluxe models features leather upholstery as standard equipment, so the burgundy interior features new hides on the original buckets and door panels that were re-dyed to match, so it has a very complete, fresh look. Converted from right-hand drive when it was restored, the workmanship is invisible and you’d never know this was originally a British-market car. Center-mounted instruments make that swap a lot easier, and the lovely Smiths speedometer with integrated fuel gauge is in excellent condition with the mileage shown being since the restoration was completed. An Auto Meter tachometer was added under the dash to keep an eye on the warmed-over four-cylinder engine and to help with speed calculation owing to the transmission and rear-end upgrades (more on those in a moment). It also sports burgundy carpets that are bound in matching vinyl and an AM/FM/cassette stereo neatly hidden in the glove box. In back, there’s a comfortable seat that has probably never been used, and you’ll find that once you’re situated in the car—front or rear—that space is more than adequate, giving credence to Morris’s claim of being the “world’s biggest small car.” Safety upgrades include seat belts, 4-way turn signals and flashers, and a high-mounted third brake light. The trunk is sparsely finished, but carries a full-sized spare and a complete array of tools, just in case.

Originally powered by a 948 cc inline-four, this one was upgraded with a later 1098 cc unit that was rebuilt using many of the same high-performance components that Mini Cooper owners have enjoyed over the years. Those modifications include an upgraded camshaft (Winner’s Circle #WC1 cam), adjustable cam gears with double-row timing chain, electronic ignition, a Mini Spares Center intake manifold with oversized 1.5-inch SU carburetor and K&N filter, a custom exhaust header with a pleasant-sounding exhaust system, and a ported, polished, shaved cylinder head with larger intake valves. For reliability, there’s also a new radiator, rebuilt starter, spin-on oil filter, a new stop light switch, and the electrical system was upgraded to an alternator and negative ground. It was detailed like a stock engine and has obviously been driven, but it’s tidy and clean under the hood, showing no trouble spots or leaks, so you can forget about the myths about British reliability issues.

That’s a Toyota 5-speed manual transmission behind the engine, and thanks to an overdrive 5th gear, this Minor 1000 is a decent highway cruiser that never gets too busy-sounding on the open road. A heavy-duty 9.5-inch clutch from a 1300 cc model and a matching throw-out bearing were installed, along with a Toyota universal joint. Out back, there’s a Toyota differential with 3.90 gears inside, so it still scoots around town with aplomb and delivers fun rear-wheel-drive handling that’s very tossable and nimble. Disc brakes from an Austin Marina were fitted up front, along with a remote fluid reservoir, there are new tubular shocks at all four corners, and the upgraded exhaust system gives it a very brawny baritone voice that’s reminiscent of the best sporting roadsters of the period. The chassis is solid and has been undercoated, and you can easily see that the steel is original and not patched together—this little car has nothing to hide, although it’s not detailed for show. Original 14-inch steel wheels are fitted with simple Morris “M” hubcaps and wear right-sized 145R14 Michelin radials.

Nicely documented with all the modifications, original registration card with years of history stamped on its face, plus a large collection of service manuals, I’m still having a hard time getting over how affordable this car is. You just won’t find more fun for less money, and it really is a sleeper (relatively speaking). For those who find joy in a machine that just works like it should and can be driven close to its limits without endangering the countryside, this is a great little car. Like I said, if you like the Mini, perhaps its more unusual, rear-wheel-drive neighbor would be just the ticket.