Value of my my 1956 totally original Ser. II Saloon

[Uncle Cib]

My 1956 Series II has been in my family since its original purchase by my uncle. I have known it all of my life. I inherited the car a few years ago and have re-registered it and got it through its last MOT. The vehicle is a four door 803cc saloon and completely original in every respect. Everything is in good working order and there is no rust. He has a split windscreen and semaphore indicators. It has 29,000 original miles on the clock and I have spent a good sum getting it up and running as he was off road in a garage for 25 years. I am not sure that I want to continue personally working on and maintaining the vehicle although the thought of giving it up does require serious consideration. Does anyone have any idea what the value of such a vehicle is please?

[Audrey1955]

Hi there,

my series 2 1955 was £5000 and immaculate from a museum. That is for a 3 door.

Prices for a split screen can range wildly, but command a higher asking price than the later Minor 1000s (no split screen, amongst other differences)

If it is immaculate, you perhaps ask £5000 upwards. Some split screens can get prices around the £7000 mark, some more.
Some sell for as little as £2000, but they generally require work.

Would it be possible to see some pictures, (upload them here) so we could all take a look?

I know you dont like maintainance etc, but if you dont need the money, i would be inclined to keep it. For 2 reasons.

1. It has been in your family from new, and is apart of family history. Maybe you could hand it down?
2. Classic cars are a safe investment. Original condition series 2 Minors are becoming increasingly rarer, and there value is only likely to increase. You cant really loose out.

I would be inclined to keep it, and get to enjoy it tbh. But the price you sell it for would depend on how fast you want to sell it.

[MarkyB]

have re-registered it"

Why was this needed, has it retained it's original number?

[aupickup]

it just comes down to what someone is prepared to pay
a lot of minors now are being used everyday so the later ones are more sellable and sell quicker
i dont think they are really an investment a lot of splitties out there
early tourers are th exception comanding high prices

[Dean]

Depending where you are, for £20 you could get a professional valuation.

Everyones opinion on immaculate can vary. Usually the seller has the higher aspirations.

Any piccys of the outside, interior and underneath will help, including the sills with the sill covers removed. Someone wishing to buy will want to see this area anyway.

[Audrey1955]

i dont think they are really an investment a lot of splitties out there

I beg to differ. Many of the minors i see out on the roads are the later 1000s, and intrestingly, quite a lot of travellers. Completely original series 2s are pretty rare nowdays, especially with the original 803cc engine. Many series 2s have had there engines replaced etc.

I reckon they are an interesting investment, because I can positively say in ten years or so, there will not be many original series 2s out there at the rate they are being updated etc.

The rarest though has to be the pick up trucks. I love these and have never actually seen one on the road, only at rallies etc.

[Uncle Cib]

Dear Audrey1955, MarkyB, aupickup and Dean.

Thank you for your comments. I note what you say about the condition of the vehicle. Mine is 4 door by the way. The car is completely original with no alterations except that my uncle fitted flashing indicators in about 1959 but the semaphore indicators still work as well. I had to re-register it as we were unable to find the original logbook; luckily I was able to keep the original registration number. It had been off road since 1987 and kept in a dry garage but occasionally tinkered with by another uncle who had taken it on. I inherited it a few years ago.

It was originally valued by my first insurance company, for £5,000 but a subsequent company reduced this to £3,500. The 29,000 miles are definitely genuine. Audr's advice to keep it is quite right. I used to be very enthusiastic about cars and built two kit cars in the 1980's; a 3 litre V6 Dutton and a 3.8 Jaguar based Kougar. I just do not have the interest anymore in servicing cars but I have definitely decided that I must keep the car and just do odd jobs on it when the fancy takes me. I thank you all again for your assistance.

[ASL642]

If you contact the MMOC office in Derby 01332 291675 they hold a list of valuers around the country. These are usually MMOC members with a good knowledge of the vehicles value. Suggest you fill in your location as this helps us point you in the right direction of help in future. We have branches all over the country who offer support/assistance especially when it comes to recommendation with regard to local welders, MOT testing stations etc.

[Uncle Cib]

Thank you ASL642 Lou.
Point taken re my location.