1930 Morris Minor OHC Semi Sports.

We are privileged to offer once again this delightful late Vintage sporting Morris which is ‘on the button’ and ready to enjoy.

Now a rare car, with just 17 known survivors of the 744 made (many having made into fake M Type MGs), the Semi Sports Minor is an absolute joy to drive. Not to be confused with later Minors and Eights, this gem of a car features an 847cc overhead camshaft engine, in this case coupled to a later four speed gearbox which makes it very usable. The original three speed gearbox comes with the car as a spare.

An older restoration and well maintained since, the car still presents well and is finished in the original colours of black with a red fabric covered tail and matching red ‘Karhyde’ upholstery. The double duck hood is in good condition and is easy to operate. There is also a pair of sidescreens in good order as well as a more recent tonneau cover in vinyl. Discreet direction indicators are fitted.

Since we last had the Minor, it has had a full engine rebuild by Brewster Mudie including new white metalling at a cost of over £9,000.

The engine starts immediately and emits a healthy bark; quite different from that of the later side valve engines.  On the road the chassis feels taught and steers well. The four speed gearbox is undoubtedly a bonus and is easy to use once you remember it’s a ‘crash’ box and can’t be hurried. A 12/12 camshaft and new rockers have been fitted which gives the car performance akin to that of an M Type MG. The car runs on Blockley tyres which perform well and also look period correct.

The Minor was first registered on 24^th October, 1930 to Edmund Barwood of Southend-On-Sea, who was to retain the car until 1963. There is a fascinating file of correspondence between Mr Barwood and more recent owners which show how much he enjoyed the car and how far he travelled in it. There is also a wonderful large photograph of him with the car by Rochford church early on in his ownership.

There is much more in the history file including a Heritage Certificate, VSCC Eligibilty Document and previous owners’ detailed log of expenditure and mileage covered. The car is only for sale as the owner has acquired a 12/50 Alvis.

The OHC Minor enjoys good support from the Pre War Minor Network and would make an excellent introduction to Vintage motoring and VSCC events, in particular those of the Light Car Section.

A video of the car can be viewed on the St Andrews Autos YouTube channel.

For more information and to arrange a viewing please call James on the number provided or contact us via the website.

We would consider taking an interesting vehicle in part exchange and nationwide delivery can be arranged.

Thank you for reading.