Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Guys
I have just give up 32 years of classic scooters and have decided to move into classic cars. I have looked hard and long at what i want and the Morris Minor tick the boxes. I am a lover of automatic cars is it possible to fit an auto engine or gearbox conversion. The answer to this will be the big decider on if i spend my money in the coming weeks on a Morris Minor

Marina 1.3 autos are probably the most frequently used in converting a Minor, the problem being now is the Marinas, especially autos are quite rare cars so finding a scrapper would eb a challenge.
With the use of Ford type9 gearboxes for the 5 speed conversions, presumably theres an equivalent autobox that was used in Sierras which could in theory be used. Never heard of anyone doing that though but it may be worth looking in to.

I think there is a Toyota 1.3 auto that our members over in Oz use that doesn't involve too much cutting to the bulkhead.

I know that a lot have used Datsun as donors, but they're not so available over here.

This subject has been discussed quite a few times now, but it seems that it is quite difficult to find the parts, hence it's not a common conversion. Whilst I'm a fan of autos, I consider that you really need a decent amount of power to overcome the drag of the auto box. I certainly wouldn't consider one behind anything less than a 1275.

Pete

teebee wrote:Hi Guys
I have just give up 32 years of classic scooters and have decided to move into classic cars. I have looked hard and long at what i want and the Morris Minor tick the boxes. I am a lover of automatic cars is it possible to fit an auto engine or gearbox conversion. The answer to this will be the big decider on if i spend my money in the coming weeks on a Morris Minor

'lover of automatic cars'??? why exactly? cars are meant to be driven, with the driver in control, having an automatic classic car really is pointless. Its all about the feel and the drive of a classic that make them a pleasure to drive.

Automatic classic = pointless

learn to drive the proper way, ie a manual, and truly appeciate the piece of machinary that is the automobile.

Audrey1955 wrote:'lover of automatic cars'??? why exactly? cars are meant to be driven, with the driver in control, having an automatic classic car really is pointless. Its all about the feel and the drive of a classic that make them a pleasure to drive.

Automatic classic = pointless

learn to drive the proper way, ie a manual, and truly appeciate the piece of machinary that is the automobile.

Does it really matter what attracts a particular person to a classic car? If some people prefer an auto conversion why does that matter? Some people may not prefer it but they can stick with their manual box. The point is all our own cars are unique in their own way and are modded to our own preferences. I dont see why someone needs to conform to someone else's preferences.

Also if an automatic classic is pointless we might as well scrap the vast majority of american muscle cars.

Just my own opinion

As stated the Marina auto would be the one, if you can find a gearbox and then the minefield of finding one in good working order. I can't remember if it was an Automotive Products or Borg-Warner 'box fitted. In any case, failures and/or repairs will be either impossible or expensive, so make sure it is in first class working order and regularly serviced.

Note that a low mileage auto box is no guarantee of quality - I'd opt for a high miler which has seen regular use.

WHOOSH! wrote:

Audrey1955 wrote:'lover of automatic cars'??? why exactly? cars are meant to be driven, with the driver in control, having an automatic classic car really is pointless. Its all about the feel and the drive of a classic that make them a pleasure to drive.

Automatic classic = pointless

learn to drive the proper way, ie a manual, and truly appeciate the piece of machinary that is the automobile.

Does it really matter what attracts a particular person to a classic car? If some people prefer an auto conversion why does that matter? Some people may not prefer it but they can stick with their manual box. The point is all our own cars are unique in their own way and are modded to our own preferences. I dont see why someone needs to conform to someone else's preferences.

Also if an automatic classic is pointless we might as well scrap the vast majority of american muscle cars.



Just my own opinion

the difference is the american muscle cars were built to be automatics, and werent converted. Also, the majority of highways in the US are in grid reference, therefore, lots of straight roads, not many twisting like over here. To enjoy driving over here, manuals are the way to go, as theyre far more enjoyable. Its also why driving in America is boring.

Audrey1955 wrote:

teebee wrote:Hi Guys
I have just give up 32 years of classic scooters and have decided to move into classic cars. I have looked hard and long at what i want and the Morris Minor tick the boxes. I am a lover of automatic cars is it possible to fit an auto engine or gearbox conversion. The answer to this will be the big decider on if i spend my money in the coming weeks on a Morris Minor

'lover of automatic cars'??? why exactly? cars are meant to be driven, with the driver in control, having an automatic classic car really is pointless. Its all about the feel and the drive of a classic that make them a pleasure to drive.

Automatic classic = pointless

learn to drive the proper way, ie a manual, and truly appeciate the piece of machinary that is the automobile.

and what about our disabled members who can't use a manual gearbox.....
are they not allowed to have a classic car converted for there enjoyment....

We had an 59 automatic convertible for a while & it was a pleasure to drive. Kickdown worked via the acclerator linkage.

I do not know who did the conversion or when.
1275 Marina engine + Borg Warner 65 box. In order to fit the gearbox under the steering rack the engine was fitted (on modified mountings) about 2" lower & a bit further forward than normal. The lower position meant that the sump was VERY prone to hitting speed bumps etc.
Also the exhaust manifold had to be custom made to fit.
So...a few added complications by having this arrangement!

After a few months the box went wrong & had to be repaired...new friction linings etc at a cost of £1100. The workshop reckoned that there had been a long period of no use. During this time all the fluid drains away from the linings & they are subject to corrosion & break up.

We did not sell the car on account of the automatic box, but for other reasons.

Fantastic for use in constant , busy traffic. & after all, I wonder how many people would prefer to use manual advance/ retard on the car or even reject a remote control for their TVs?

Hope this helps
Chris