Description
Morris Minor 1000 | 1956
Highlights:
* Recent 1.5-year restoration with 250-photo documentation
* Matching numbers: chassis 465159, RHD configuration
* Rebuilt mechanicals, including engine and gearbox
* Renewed interior with original styling
* Ready for Belgian registration with all papers present
The seller offers for sale this 1956 Morris Minor Series III 1000, a right-hand drive saloon presented in a clear-coated primer finish. The vehicle underwent a comprehensive restoration completed at the end of 2022.
Under the hood lies a 948cc four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a manual gearbox. Mechanical work included a engine and gearbox removal and overhaul, with a new clutch, gaskets, thermostat, water pump, alternator, fuel pump, spark plugs, distributor cap and wires, and a freshly treated fuel tank. The braking system was renewed with a new master cylinder, lines, cylinders, and shoes. Fluids (engine, gearbox, differential, coolant, brake) were replaced using Kroon-brand lubricants.
Inside, the car has been reupholstered: the seats have new foam but retain the original frames, a new headliner (non-stretch type) has been fitted, and the interior has been painted in Old English White, matching the repainted dashboard and metalwork. New carpeting, door panels, seals, and operational original heating complete the interior.
Exterior improvements include new window and trunk rubbers, bumpers, emblems, mirrors, and indicators. All four wings were stripped and treated against rust and stone chips. The wheels were sandblasted and painted to match the interior and are now fitted with new tyres. Original chrome hubcaps are also included. A new wiring loom, exhaust treated with heat-resistant paint, and new handbrake cable were also fitted. Currently, the car is in clear-coated primer, ready either for final colour or to be driven as-is.
The interior shows minimal wear, consistent with a recent and thorough refurbishment. While the headliner is slightly loose in one corner, this is easily addressed with spray adhesive. A new turn indicator stalk is included but still needs installation. The fuel gauge is not functioning. Lights, including brake and turn signals, are operational.
Mechanically, the car is in a good condition. There are no technical upgrades like power steering or disc brakes—this car retains its classic mechanical simplicity. The vehicle does not yet have a valid technical inspection due to not being registered in Belgium, although all required documents are available, including the pink form (E705) and a certificate from FPS Mobility.
The Morris Minor, introduced in 1948, was Alec Issigonis’s first major success—long before he designed the iconic Mini. Over 1.6 million were built, and the Minor became a symbol of practical British motoring. The Series III, launched in 1956, brought the 948cc A-series engine and marked the first “Minor 1000” model. It was known for its advanced design in the budget car segment, offering rack-and-pinion steering, torsion-bar front suspension, and a unibody shell—features more commonly found in more expensive contemporaries.
Its iconic rounded shape and wide availability made it a staple of British roads through the ’50s and ’60s. In classic car circles, the Minor remains one of the most accessible and user-friendly classics to own. Its simple mechanics, wide parts availability, and charming presence make it a solid candidate for first-time collectors and enthusiasts alike. The fact that this example is a right-hand drive model, restored to a high level with substantial documentation, makes it even more appealing to connoisseurs of post-war European motoring.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
[expander\_maker id=”1″ ]
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Flemish Brabant province, Belgium.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Belgian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
[/expander\_maker]
