Series MM with side-valve engine was replaced by split-screen Series 2 with OHV engine during 1952. Series 2 was facelifted during 1954 but retained split-screen until phased out during 1956.
If your shell still has a chassis/id plate on the bulkhead, the chassis number should tell you whether it's a Series MM shell (prefix SMM) or a Series 2 (prefix starting with F).
If it IS a Series MM shell there may, depending on it's age be a number of differences between it and earlier/later shells.
With respect, I don't think this is quite correct.
The new ID plates with F-series prefixes were introduced 1 April 1952, presumably to rationalise with the Austin system in the newly combined BMC. It started with serial # 139439, and the old Nuffield practice of allocating separate RHD and LHD sequences ended.
But the first Series II car wasn't until August 1952, at chassis # 160001. So I believe all Series II Minors should have "F" prefixes, and even some late Series MM cars as well.
best, jv.
palacebear wrote: ↑Sun May 20, 2018 11:31 am
If your shell still has a chassis/id plate on the bulkhead, the chassis number should tell you whether it's a Series MM shell (prefix SMM) or a Series 2 (prefix starting with F).
If it IS a Series MM shell there may, depending on it's age be a number of differences between it and earlier/later shells.
I have two Minors in upstate New York. One is the 1961 Traveller my dad bought new that year in London, where I was born. It's had a hard life but is still running cheerfully at 54K miles. The second is the oldest Minor confirmed to survive in North America, a LHD high-light Tourer built in April 1949. It's a total basket case, but will be restored over the coming years.
JohnV wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:52 pm
With respect, I don't think this is quite correct.
The new ID plates with F-series prefixes were introduced 1 April 1952, presumably to rationalise with the Austin system in the newly combined BMC. It started with serial # 139439, and the old Nuffield practice of allocating separate RHD and LHD sequences ended.
But the first Series II car wasn't until August 1952, at chassis # 160001. So I believe all Series II Minors should have "F" prefixes, and even some late Series MM cars as well.
best, jv.
I think you're probably correct. I'd overlooked the 'small' fact that S-MM and S-II were built alongside each other for a few months, hence S-MM with numbers higher than 160001 would in all probability have F prefix numbers!
I've already got my new copy of Minor Matters and was fascinated by the feature on Clementine. What a great project! I wish you well with her and hope that you keep us all updated on your progress
Thank you for the good words! Clementine will be quite a project, for sure.
But, hey, everyone needs to do one ridiculously complicated, horrifyingly expensive rotisserie restoration in their life ... right?
palacebear wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 4:39 pm
I've already got my new copy of Minor Matters and was fascinated by the feature on Clementine. What a great project! I wish you well with her and hope that you keep us all updated on your progress
I have two Minors in upstate New York. One is the 1961 Traveller my dad bought new that year in London, where I was born. It's had a hard life but is still running cheerfully at 54K miles. The second is the oldest Minor confirmed to survive in North America, a LHD high-light Tourer built in April 1949. It's a total basket case, but will be restored over the coming years.
I hope this is posted in the right section; while I have had A-Series Morris Minors for nearly 40 years, I have just entered the world of MMs having also acquired a 1952 convertible with original 918cc engine and am on a steep learning curve!
Are there any recommendations for spark plugs other than Champions? I know the current application is L86 (replacing L10) but wondered if there is much to chose between different makes now. I have used NGKs in my other car with a 1275 Midget engine, after having troubles with Champions many years ago and was advised by the last AA breakdown man to ditch them and switch to NGKs, which I did.
I know the sidevalve engine is not a performance beast(!) and it may not make much difference, but know there will be some informed opinions on this website!
1960 2 door 'Mostyn' - 1275 Midget engine - WOI 577 - owned since 1990
1952 MM convertible 'Mawdie' - 918 SV engine - MWD 305 - owned since 2023
