Once again I captured an unsuspecting classic on my way to a family visit, and this is probably one of the eldest classics I happen to run into.
Not so much of a surprise, though- I recall a classic meeting was to take place on that Saturday and no doubt this Minor is heading there, in a what you’d call a “dignified” matter:
Obviously I cannot tell the exact vintage of this Minor, especially from the back. But given the small, low rear lights and the license plate (which sets this car firmly as an original import to Israel back in the 1950s), I’d place it as one of the series II Minors, build between 1952 and 1956. Respect.
*Edit: Comments below suggest this is actually a younger, post 1956 “1000” series Minor, and I agree for lack of knowledge. Thank you.
In Israel these cars were very popular. The Israelis liked its comfortable ride and external, “classic” design. It was mostly successful among what-was-then middle-class Israel, with many freelance profession punters being proud owners the Minor. And whad’ya know, many of them survived quite well, for cars that are over 60 years old.
As usual, here are some more Minors I photographed in various meetings throughout the years:
The Minor was imported to Israel in every shape and form, be it an estate, truck, panel-van or this convertible, which looks to be somewhat modified a-la 1970s style.
This Minor could have been the car in the video; it has the same color and is one of the series II models. But the license plate is different. Almost there.
I’ll finish off with this photo of “Three little maids from school are we”…
In my opinion, the coolest-looking Minors were the early cars with the low headlights.
+1.
+2. Though in all cases, 2-door only.
I think it’s an early Morris 1000 (1956 on) as it has the enlarged back window and (from looking as we passed) a single piece front screen. The small rear lights lasted until 1961 when the semaphore arms (still present on this early model) were eliminated in favour of enlarged combined light units front and rear with orange indicators.
I’d go with that. Interesting 2 tone scheme on the red and white car, and the bronze convertible is a non factory colour (and many other features!) as well. But still great cars, IMHO.
Agreed – the Series II still had a split windscreen, which I don’t see here. Our 1958 Tourer had the small taillights and semaphore arms (non-functional for the Canadian market).
Thanks for the correction, I’ve added an edit to the post.
My third favorite imported car of all time, right after a Volvo P1800 and a Volvo PV544!
In the late 1960s in the STL area, I saw lots of these and really wanted one.
Despite my advancing age, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Morris Minor, although I know they are a legendary design. Aren’t they the basis the basis for the Indian ‘Hindustan Ambassador(?)’ et al still in production today?
No the Hindustan Ambassador is a Morris Oxford two sizes bigger, This one is a late 50s version Morris 1000 the big back window gives its age away.
Thanks Bryce! This kind of stuff is what makes CC so great…
You have previously spoken of the “CC effect” when it comes to spotting cars featured here. I saw an early Minor convertible this morning, sporting semaphore signals rather than indicators, and the only surviving Minor convertible here – we have several four-door models and estates still, including a resto-modded one I haven’t seen for a while.
My uncle had a Minor s.II convertible back in the ’60s. Here it is outside our house in the Winter of 1962-63.
They were plentiful in Aus too, and I very nearly bought one as my first car – until I hit the brake pedal. And thought, once I had cleaned my underwear, “I think not.” I didn’t then realise that most single-circuit drum jobs of that era were as bad. I also didn’t appreciate then just how much better handling these were than even many cars well post-dating them.
They were slow buggers, though. 50mph is a realistic cruising max in standard form, accompanied at all times by a most unpleasant trumpet-through-a-straw exhaust note. Not cool enough for an 18 y.o. in ’86.
Cool enough for an old fart in 2018, but.
Yohai
In many of your posts you mention cars being imported into Israel. is there official dealership networks in Israel? Something like Toyota of Israel or Ford of Israel for example
Or is the Israeli new car scene one with middle men in which cars from various makers are imported in to Israel and sold at a dealer that offers many different car makes?
I would be interested in seeing pics of car dealerships in Israel
Well, yes. there are official dealships in Israel for almost all the major manufacturers, and externally, i.e. in websites and on dealerships you’ll see “Peugeot Israel” and “VW Israel”.
But the importers are, for instance, “Lubinski” (for PSA) or “Champion” (for VAG group). Some of those have actually been holding the import rights for decades. If you’re an Israeli, you’ll know who they are.
However, when I write of classic cars being imported into Israel recently – this is by private individuals and have nothing to do with the importers of new cars mentioned above.
As for dealerships of the official importers – the manufacturers have strict instructions how they should look, so you won’t be surprised that they look very similar to what’s going on abroad. Here’s a recent example of BMW Israel and you’d agree that this could be anywhere in the world:
Confirmed from Vienna…