Morris Minor Owners Club

geoberni wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 8:15 pm Yes, it's to do with cylinders and their pistons, if not exercised.

So, might be budgeting for some then - things keep happening

mrs.smith2012 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 9:27 pm I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be anything like a modern car

In doing my own repairs on more modern cars I've owned - once you rip off the door panels, take out the safety equipment and expose all the metal work - there's little difference between them, just boxes of metal with some controls

Truthfully, you may find it easier driving the Minor compared to a modern car - though you'll have to get used to the indicator stalk being on the correct side (unless you also drive a Japanese vehicle in which case you'll be fine).

Mentioning different control locations and going slightly off topic, my Mini has the reverse gear position selected by moving the gearstick FORWARD to enable the car to go backwards !! You’d think the designers would pick up on this ——- but no.

Sounds like the Mini was ahead of its time. In our 2023 LR Defender you push the stick forwards to go backwards and pull backwards to go forwards. I would love to have been in the meeting where they agreed that.

Probably just back from a liquid lunch. (Incidentally I’m talking about the BMW Mini) the classic Mini got it right.

Driving it is much easier than you think.
First gear has no synchromesh, which means you will have to come to a complete halt before getting first gear in.
At a standstill slide the gearstick to second without letting the clutch up, then in to first, it aligns everything and makes selection of first easier.
The choke comes with practice, but very quickly you will get the hang of it.
Its a very relaxing car to drive, requiring more time to stop, go and everything in between.
Steering is not heavy, particularly once you are rolling a little.
With all the talk of modern ergonomics, the most comfortable seats I have are the standard Morris units.
Getting in and out is easy, its a goldilocks car for entry and exit, just right.
Leave plenty of time when parking, people want to talk to you.
On the subject of conversation, you will find yourself talking to your car, this is quite normal.
Should you hear the car answer back however, that may need some investigation.

moggiethouable wrote: ↑Tue Nov 25, 2025 8:22 am Driving it is much easier than you think.
First gear has no synchromesh, which means you will have to come to a complete halt before getting first gear in.
At a standstill slide the gearstick to second without letting the clutch up, then in to first, it aligns everything and makes selection of first easier.
The choke comes with practice, but very quickly you will get the hang of it.
Its a very relaxing car to drive, requiring more time to stop, go and everything in between.
Steering is not heavy, particularly once you are rolling a little.
With all the talk of modern ergonomics, the most comfortable seats I have are the standard Morris units.
Getting in and out is easy, its a goldilocks car for entry and exit, just right.
Leave plenty of time when parking, people want to talk to you.
On the subject of conversation, you will find yourself talking to your car, this is quite normal.
Should you hear the car answer back however, that may need some investigation.

That's an interesting point. I too have always found the standard seats comfortable and so do my passengers, even on long trips. It frustrates me that new owners often want to change the seats for something modern before they even know the car. I admit the standard seats don't look like they would be comfortable but they are, provided of course the webbing and padding is in good condition. It's quite amusing when non-Morris Minor enthusiasts comment with surprise about the comfort and space in the car. Issigonis achieved a remarkable design as he had intended.

The go into 2nd before 1st trick does help but sometimes 1st can be reluctant or at least that has always been my experience with several different gearboxes. Quite often I will move off from a standstill in 2nd for that reason.

Adopting an attitude where one does not try to rush or fret makes for a relaxed experience. The car is what it is and that is elderly and not fond of being bullied!

Stephen

Thank you for the tips all,
The choke bit doesn’t concern me too much as my first car was an old fiesta with a choke and I do recall many a cold morning doing battle with it (then giving up and walking to work )

The gears are a bit scary as I haven’t properly driven a manual for over 20 years so it will be like learning again, but I’m sure I’ll pick it up! I had a little sit in the car I viewed on Sunday and found her very comfortable, a perfect fit with regards to the steering wheel and pedals! I have no intention of swapping seats out!

The choke comes with practice, but very quickly you will get the hang of it.

My own experience is if I haven't driven in a while, I forget and flood the engine

Steering is not heavy, particularly once you are rolling a little.

This is what I like most about the Minor.

provided of course the webbing and padding is in good condition.

The one thing I've always found uncomfortable on mine regardless of new padding/webbing etc. is the top bar of the front seats' back frame.