Bonnet Handle when did it first appear?

[Tony H]

Hi. When did the Bonnet Badge with the M logo first appear on the Morris Minor. I have a '54 OHV that has a chrome strip on the bonnet above the bull logo badge right at the front of the bonnet. Is this correct? If it is not will the Bonnet Handle fit the same holes as the chrome strip? Thanks Tony.[frame][/frame]

[mike.perry]

Your bonnet strip and badge are incorrect for the car. That design was used on the Series MM 1948-53 and continued on the LCVs and I believe on Scandinavian cars. Series IIs were fitted with the later badges.
You also have a Minor 1000 bumper blade, the overrider obstructs the side light. The valance on your car has holes drilled in line with the edge of the grill where the overriders fit on a Series II and four door Series MM.

[Tony H]

Your bonnet strip and badge are incorrect for the car. That design was used on the Series MM 1948-53 and continued on the LCVs and I believe on Scandinavian cars. Series IIs were fitted with the later badges.
You also have a Minor 1000 bumper blade, the overrider obstructs the side light. The valance on your car has holes drilled in line with the edge of the grill where the overriders fit on a Series II and four door Series MM.

Hi Mike. Thanks for the quick reply. The car would have been built in '53, do you [or anyone else] think that '53 cars used up what was in the parts bin first? The strip and badge look original. Do you know if the correct strip and badge are a direct swap fit?
Re the bumper, I did think it looked a bit odd. I've had a quick look and it seems to me all I have to do is drill the bumper where the valance inner holes are and move the overiders inward and fill the old bumper hole with a bumper nut and bolt. Regards-Tony

[mike.perry]

I tried drilling a chrome bumper bar once, it took ages and ruined several drill bits..
The badges and trim are interchangeable
I would have considered it unlikely that Series MM badges would have been fitted to Series IIs as the badge was the only external distinguishing feature

[Tony H]

I tried drilling a chrome bumper bar once, it took ages and ruined several drill bits..
The badges and trim are interchangeable
I would have concidered it unlikely that Series MM badges would have been fitted to Series IIs as the badge was the only external distinguishing feature

Re the badge I tend to agree with you Mike. I can't get hold of the guy that re-built the car back in the '90's at the moment to ask him. He did a very good job and tried to use the original parts where he could [not the front bumper though!]. I just can't see him putting the wrong badges on the bonnet especially as they are readily available and not expensive. There would be no point in trying to make the car appear to be a MM. I don't want to rush into changing the badges especially as the long chrome strip badge has marked the bonnet paint!

Is there anyone out there that can agree or disagree with Mike or help in any way?

[Dean]

Hi Tony, Mike is right.

Perhaps an owner well before the car was rebuilt (maybe even the first owner), just preferred the older bonnet badge set up. Personally, if you prefer that look yourself, keep as is. It is your car to look how you like/want it.

[Boomlander]

I agree with Mike, the series two should have the pointed badge and "Comet " handle but I like the MM style badge and trim that my 1953 splitty wears so you are not alone.
A lot of early cars, mine included, were restored with whatever parts could be rounded up so welcome to the "Frankenstein Club" and enjoy your Moggy whatever it looks like!

[Boomlander]

Just noticed that both ESM and Bull Motif list the early bonnet badge and chrome strip as applying to Series MM, Series II and commercial (Pickup & Van).

[Dean]

Just noticed that both ESM and Bull Motif list the early bonnet badge and chrome strip as applying to Series MM, Series II and commercial (Pickup & Van).

I bought their series II wheel bolts too and found they didn't fit because they were in fact MM wheel bolts!

[Tony H]

I tried drilling a chrome bumper bar once, it took ages and ruined several drill bits..
The badges and trim are interchangeable
I would have considered it unlikely that Series MM badges would have been fitted to Series IIs as the badge was the only external distinguishing feature

Drilled the bumper OK [I have a pillar drill!] and moved the overriders inwards. Still not sure about the badges, how can I find out for sure, who is the oracle on SII assembly, is there a MM/SII assembly line worker that is a member of the club?

[brucek]

Both Paul Skilleter (Morris Minor - The Worlds Supreme Small Car) and Ray Newell (Original Morris Minor) highlight the changes that occurred between the end of Series MM production and the start of Series 2. Outwardly, the only difference between the two models was the introduction of the new bonnet badge and bonnet handle to the new Series 2's. It appears that production of export Series 2 (OHV) saloons and home market Series MM (sidevalve) saloons continued in parallel between 11th July 1952 - introduction of the OHV 803 engine/Series 2 and 23rd February 1953 - the date of the production of the last Series MM. initially only the export 4 door Series 2 saloon was fitted with the OHV engine, the remainder of both export and home market vehicles retained the side valve unit and were designated as MM's not Series 2's.

Whilst it is clearly possible that a Series 2 left the factory wearing a Series MM badge, it is probably unlikely to have escaped quality control at the time, especially given the importance BMC would have attached to the new model. Also, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a previous owner just liked the earlier badge or was offered a replacement MM bonnet at some point in the past. Perhaps you might like to obtain a heritage certificate which will clarify the original engine number/chassis number and which will also confirm which model you have.

At the end of the day, I think most afficianados and experts agree that all Series 2 cars carried the later badge and bonnet handle, and all Series MM's carries the earlier flatter badge and bonnet flash. In reality, it doesn't matter that much unless you intend to show the car in a concourse/masters event where originality gains points. If you like the flash - keep it Either way, it does not detract from the look of a very nice car.

[ASL642]

Get yourself a copy of Ray Newell's "Orignal Morris Minor" (available through Club Regalia - top left of page here).

Everything you ever needed to know about a Morris Minor and the various changeover styles, both exterior and interior.

Very good reference book!

[Tony H]

And Finally...
New bonnet badge and bonnet handle fitted [thanks ESM]. Bumper overriders moved inwards. Job done! Another step neared to October 1954! Thanks for everyones help![frame][/frame]