INTERIOR - Your Shop for British Classic Cars

CAR IDENTIFICATION MORRIS MINOR

Morris Minor - A Brief History

Following from the success of the Series MM the Morris Minor went through numerous changes throughout its production life. The brief history below details some of the changes which occurred in each version of the Minor.

Car Model	Chassis Numbers	Years
Series II	(c) 160001 to 448714	August 1952 to September 1956
803cc A Series Engine
The Series II Morris Minor saw some key changes in the Morris Minor's history. Following the merger of Austin & Morris companies to form BMC the Minor was fitted with Austin's 'A Series', 803cc engine, replacing Morris's side valve engine. Other notable changes that took place during the Series II production include: fitting of A type rear axle; a revised dashboard with a central speedo and glove boxes either side; slatted grille with repositioned side lights; Deluxe models with leather faced seats, heaters, passenger sunvisor & overriders were also offered. The Series II also saw the introduction of new body styles; the 4 door Saloon, Traveller, along with the light commercial models - quarter ton Van & Pick up.
Series III	(c) 448801 to 990289	October 1956 to September 1962
948cc A Series Engine
The introduction of the Minor 1000 brought with it more improvements. The engine's capacity was increased to 948cc giving improved performance desired by many motoring journalists of the time; the split windscreen was replaced with a larger single piece, curved screen; the rear screen was also enlarged; a dished & wire spoked steering wheel was introduced; horn & trafficator controls were moved to a stalk switch on the steering column, latterly indicators were introduced with an integrated warning lamp on the end of the stalk, the horn was repositioned to the steering wheel; larger side lights were also added during production.
Series V	(c) 990290 to 1294082	September 1962 to April 1971
Late 1000
1098cc A Series Engine
The Minor 1000 was further updated with the 1098cc A Series engine, again giving more power & torque, fitted with a new design of air filter; the body remained largely unchanged from the 948cc model but the wipers now operated in tandem and were fitted with longer arms & blades; external changes included the fitting of combined side/indicator lamp units; the fascia was changed to include the chrome & alloy surround for the speedo and a glove box lid added to passenger's side with driver's side open; two-spoke safety steering wheel introduced; redesigned interior trim with heat-formed vinyl panels.

BMC 'A' Series Engines ( 1952 to 1999)

Car Model	Engine cc	Prefix number

Morris Minor Series 2	803cc	APHM
Morris Minor 1000 Series 3	948cc	APJM
Morris Minor 1000 Series 4 after 1956	948cc	9M
Morris Minor 1000 Series 5	1098cc	10MA
Morris Minor Series 5, close circuit breather	1098cc	10ME
Morris 1000 GPO van	948cc	8AG after 1962
Morris 1000 Van, low compression	1098cc	10AB
Morris 1000 Van closed circuit breather	1098cc	10V
Morris Marina 1300	1275cc	12V

Serial Number Identification Plate Locations

Car Number

The Car Number is stamped on a plate secured to the right-hand side dash panel.

Engine Number

The Engine Number is stamped on a plate secured to the right-hand side of the cylinder block.

Rear Axle Number

The Rear Axle Number is stamped on the front of the left-hand axle tube adjacent to the spring seat.

Gearbox Number

The Gearbox Number is stamped on the top of the gearbox casing adjacent to the dipstick.

SEAT COVERS, CARPETS, SCUTTLE PANELS, SOUND DEADENING

TRIM PANELS, MIRRORS, DOOR SEALS & PULLS, CLOVE BOX

DASHBOARD FITTINGS