"Ye Olde Moggy"

[khyndart in CA]

There does not seem to be much on this forums except for the "Morrari" about a vehicle that many of us were around when growing up, either a visit from the "aunties", working on them as apprentice mechanics etc.They got left behind to Minis and Anglias etc..and they were not very cool but I have fond memories of the "Moggy". ( Morris Minor )
Some still argue what the G stands for in MoWoG from either Garages, Group or the G from MG but there is no doubt the Morris Minor is a classic and I am glad it did not go with the original idea of being called a Morris Mosquito !
I was blessed to buy a Moggy 1000 in 1972 to trundle around London. It looked like the one featured in the BBC series
"Call the Midwife" but although mine wasn't used for that it was not through lack of trying ! Although my 983ELD Minor did not compete it certainly went to a lot of races while I had it and was a regular taxi from the Trojan cafeteria to the Trojan Racing workshop in Croydon transporting staff such as Patrick Head and Barry Sheene, VDS Team members, Graham Donaldson plus Neil Doyle and showing Donn Anderson and Graeme Lawrence around when they visited in 1973.
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Outside 34 Outram Rd, Croydon. Christmas 1972.

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The Moggy 983 ELD at Trojan Racing in a Stirling Moss autographed photo.
Bob Evans posing by his Trojan F 5000 car a brand new T101


(Ken Hyndman )

[khyndart in CA]

One thing about a Minor is that you could just take off the hubcaps and go have fun such as this photo from South Africa shows.
Put on a number 9, put some friends in the front and back and away you go.
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If any one wants to add to this thread with a Morris Minor story please do.
Ken H

[Milan Fistonic]

Ray Willis at a Chamberlain Road Hillclimb in the mid-seventies.

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[ERC]

A sad one I'm afraid. Back in the mid 1960's I was involved in the UK's first Scout and Guide Group. The bubbly lady who was in charge of the Guides had a ratty old Morris Minor convertible.

When she changed jobs and became a Probation Officer, she updated to a VW Beetle. Early in 1970, she was killed in a head on car crash. The other car was - you've guessed, a Morris Minor.

The company my dad worked for had a Morris Minor Ute. He brought it home a few times and I had the pleasure of driving it to the local filling station - 3 doors away... It lived outside and Dad used to leave a small paraffin (kerosene) heater underneath in winter and then started it on the starting handle. It always fired first time as do most A series engines.

My brother, who played drums, had two Morris Minor Travellers as they were ideal for carrying his kit. Nicknamed 'Bullit'...

Followers of the UK Coronation Street will be aware of 'Roy Cropper's' Minor Traveller - immaculate but fitted with highback seats!

Who could forget Lovejoy's Convertible - 'Miriam'? Alloy wheels and sporty exhaust.

[Roger Dowding]

My mate Richards car, he was given it as his first car by his Grandmother ..' Morrie " Think " Minor ' was painted in silver on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Photos at Muriwai on the sand and New Lynn, in our driveway ..
Note the silver stripes,made the car go faster .. another " Tui Yeah Right " comment,
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[khyndart in CA]

In 1959, English driver Harry Ratcliffe, was wringing out all he could in the 1 litre class in his Moggy against drivers such as a young Brian Redman who was also in a Morris Minor except his was a Traveller version! Harry was a skilled engineer and driver and his engine work was sought by many. He went on to a successful career racing Minis on the track as well as at the Monte Carlo Rally etc.
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DRIVER : HARRY RATCLIFFE
CAR : 1956 MORRIS MINOR 1000 'PDK 495'
ENGINE : BMC A-series increased to 962cc from 948cc
PERIOD ACTIVE :
1959-1962
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Harry sadly passed away last year at age 80 but he will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him.


(Ken H )

[Paul B]

I learned to drive (or bunny hop) in a 1959 Morrie grinder. Great car, it ran on the smell of an oily rag.

[khyndart in CA]

in 1967 England saw their version of the Morrari when Mike Bennion raced his Series 1 Minor in Super-saloon races.
It had a Chevy 4.7 V-8 with Jaguar suspension and gearbox. It was a mean machine.
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note the tyres and wheels are a little bit wider than the Morrari wire wheels.


(Ken H)

[ERC]

Harry Ratcliffe drove the British Vita Mini extremely successfully in hill-climbs. Very highly developed car as I remember. The other really hot hillclimbed Mini was Mike Flather

I have posted this one before. Supercharged Jaguar 3.8 engine. Driving style was straight out of the 'Mark Parson's Book of Spectacular Cornering'. Later, the supercharger was removed. I wonder why?

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[Paul B]

in 1967 England saw their version of the Morrari when Mike Bennion raced his Series 1 Minor in Super-saloon races.
It had a Chevy 4.7 V-8 with Jaguar suspension and gearbox. It was a mean machine.
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note the tyres and wheels are a little bit wider than the Morrari wire wheels.


(Ken H)

Gee Ken, You really have found a ripper there, That is uber cool! right up there with the Morrari!
Is that the Terry Sanger 289V8 Mk1 Cortina behind?
Great find!
Cheers

[khyndart in CA]

Paul,
In 1967 that Mk1 Cortina was driven by Doc Merfield before he sold it to Brian Bolton.
It had a Ford Windsor 289 V-8 engine.
These cars must have been fun to drive.
A "Moggy" on steroids leading the way !

Ken

[khyndart in CA]

I thought it was time to throw in a bit of a "Moggy" movie for all to enjoy;


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sD79yY2diMI&t=1043s



(Ken H )

[khyndart in CA]

James Funnell raced this slightly modified Minor on English circuits in "Special Saloon" events from 1978 - 1993.
It was always powered by a FORD COSWORTH BDA 1.3 engine
The car evolved quite a lot over the years , growing side pods and cut down removable doors as the whole hood was turned into a `clam shell` hinged at the back.
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How the car looked in 1978.

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After later development, note the doors and rear spoiler etc.

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As the Funnell "Moggy" looked in 1992. (Graham Heath photo )




(Ken H)

[khyndart in CA]

This is a very competitive race in 1992 won by Bill Stone driving a Morris Minor.
Is that the NZ Bill Stone from Ngaruawahia ?

Pre 1957 Classic Saloon Car Championship Race Mallory Park 3rd May 1992.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x88nkA3VD0


I enjoyed going to Mallory Park as you could see almost the whole track.(If it wasn't too foggy !)

(Ken H)

[Oldfart]

Good film Ken, that yellow Zephyr now lives in Kerikeri.

[Paul B]

yes great film Ken, the Funnell morri is cool.
Here is a Morri in drag mode
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[Grant Ellwood]

This is a very competitive race in 1992 won by Bill Stone driving a Morris Minor.
Is that the NZ Bill Stone from Ngaruawahia ?

Pre 1957 Classic Saloon Car Championship Race Mallory Park 3rd May 1992.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x88nkA3VD0


I enjoyed going to Mallory Park as you could see almost the whole track.(If it wasn't too foggy !)

(Ken H)

Ken, hope you are safe from the wildfires that are working their way south, I checked my map and think the fires are more inland but you probably can see the glow. Cheers, Grant

[khyndart in CA]

Thanks Grant,
We live about 50 miles north of where these vicious fires are. Some of my workmates are very close to the fires and very concerned tonight and are trying to protect their properties and animals etc. We hope and pray it does not get any worse but we will only know more when the daylight comes in the morning. Scary times.
Ken

[John McKechnie]

yes great film Ken, the Funnell morri is cool.
Here is a Morri in drag mode
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now thats neat, good one paul

[Paul B]

Its ^^^ torque twisting sooo much on the launch that the left front wheel has disappeared upwards. I suppose they don't call it Minor Insanity for nothing! Looks like the driver is siting in the back seat.
I think its from Oaklahoma USA, Its on Face book.
Also looks like it may have had an under hood fire at some stage.

I still like Ken's Morri post #8 - that is a beast with a 283 Chev in it.
Ken your right, they would be huge fun to drive.
You win so far Ken. The heat is on for more Morri pics!

[John McKechnie]

this one still looks a morrie that could pull up next to you at the set of lights, main street, eltham on a busy saturday night...............

[Paul B]

And blow your doors off!

[John McKechnie]

yep, i was sitting outside the eltham police station and this rough old v8 morrie was lined up next to a sleek pontiac.
guy in the ponty thought he had it nailed,looked like just a noisy lowlite minor, but never had a chance.
morrie gave the boy racer a head start, then nailed it,
still reckon he nearly sucked the doors right off that gto doing about 95 changing gear right outside the bp
twas a still night, about midnight, sound of that machine continued through hawera, think it backed off going into patea.
man, those crickets sounded noisy after that.

[Paul B]

How would a V8 Morri go in Historic Sport sedan class? - could be fun... I have a spare 289 and T10 in the shed.

John, I also have a heap of photos of your Monaro from Manfield I will try and set up a dropbox for you,
PM me you email. Cheers

[Growler]

How would a V8 Morri go in Historic Sport sedan class?
Would this pass scrutineering?

http://i63.tinypic.com/2irvp1c.png

[khyndart in CA]

I am impressed at what Chris Isaacs did with his mother's 1968 Morris Minor.
Check out all the details at this site ; http://www.chris-isaacs.com/morrisminorcircuitcar.html

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Before the upgrade to a Chevy V-8 383 engine.

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The V-8 easily installed !

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# 68 Looking good and ready to roll.

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I don't think this "Moggy" will be used to go shopping in again !
(What a beautiful piece of workmanship. I hope you visit Chris Isaac's site. )

http://www.chris-isaacs.com/home.html



( Ken H )

[John McKechnie]

How would a V8 Morri go in Historic Sport sedan class? - could be fun... I have a spare 289 and T10 in the shed.

we can talk about this as there is a precedent for minors with v8,- stokes morrari 2 would look good running with the 2ephyr corvette

John, I also have a heap of photos of your Monaro from Manfield I will try and set up a dropbox for you,
PM me you email. Cheers

j.mckechnieaslingshot.co.n2- sorry paul, caps shift and last alphabet letter not working.

[khyndart in CA]

John,
That was a good V-8 "morrie" story from Hawera to Patea.
Thanks for that.


Ken

[Spgeti]

My first experience with the Morrie was my best mate bought a high lite flattie which burnt oil like it was free. Us lads thought it was the bees knee.
Next up was the company van was a 1100 powered unit and that was great to drive...so I thought...!
Next was a friend built up a saloon car for the stock car track, all stripped out and Holden powered....the Red Baron..
I bought in my words a 61 2 door sports coupe for my then wife...I loved it but no she did not so on sold to a work mate.

Yes I have seen a yellow chopped Minor with the Rover V8 slotted in to it and that was on the hot rod circuit.

Great little cars of a by past era.

[Paul B]

Would this pass scrutineering?

http://i63.tinypic.com/2irvp1c.png

Probably would, the real question is, would it get around turn 1?

[John McKechnie]

John,
That was a good V-8 "morrie" story from Hawera to Patea.
Thanks for that.


Ken

ken- the action actually started in eltham right outside the police station, i was sitting at jack stark park on the park bench ........carried on through hawera and backed off at patea.
quiet night, noise carried for a loooooooooooooooooooong time.

[ERC]

How would a V8 Morri go in Historic Sport sedan class? - could be fun...
The answer to that is of course 'not a chance'.

Having built an MG Magnette with an old Rover V8 as a road car (though some thought I was building it as a race car!), MSNZ /T & C rules effectively allow you to build a single seater out of period bits, but not a saloon. Don't ask me why, but unless one was built in period, you can't do it.

It is OK to shove a Ford V8 into what was a 2 litre Ford Capri and call it a Perana, or bung a 1300cc engine into a humble Mini and call it a Mini Cooper, Rover V8 into a TR7 and call it a TR8, a Ford BDA into an Austin A40, a Ford Zephyr with Chev V8 power, Escort V8 etc, because someone did it a few years back, but you cannot build what someone COULD have done in period.

You can also get several hundred extra horses out of an F5000 engine but no, you can't put a 289 into a Moggie - unless you can prove someone did it in period, then it would be up to officialdom to decide exactly what would be acceptable and what wouldn't.

Personally, the days of V8 A40's, Cortinas and Morris Minors and early UK Super Saloons were magic and far preferable to watching utes racing, but I don't make the rules. Vauxhall Magnum-Aston Martin, Big Bertha and Baby Bertha, Janglia, Corvair V8, Daf Rover, 2 litre and V8 Skodas, Chimp, Berpop V8 and so on. Individuals doing their own thing and making the sport entertaining.

But can you have an Historic car with no history? Nope.

[Oldfart]

I am left wondering why none of the Mainland members haven't posted a pic of Fowog yet!

[Michael Clark]

Somewhere on the net should be a photo, and perhaps a story, of a Minor that was indecently fast around the British hillclimb/sprint scene. If I was to take a stab, the driver's surname was Mann and it had a heavily modified - perhaps turbocharged - Rover V8.

I should have consulted Google before starting to type - I will now check because this could be a test of whether I am 'loosing it'

[rf84]

Nic Mann. Check out one of his other cars called "Mannic" (a rather clever play on words). It's a sports/racing car powered by a turbocharged BDA but is unusual in that the turbocharger is not driven by waste exhaust gases but by a jet turbine (actually a starter motor off a big helicopter). The advantage is that this provides constant drive to the turbo (i.e. no turbo lag). He built his own 4WD system adapted from a Ford Sierra. There is an interesting clip on "Youtube" of them firing the thing up using a big compressed air bottle to get the jet turbine going and then the car taking off from a hillclimb start. Nic annihilated hillclimb and sprint records everywhere he has driven the car.

[Paul B]

Steve Homes posted on the "Brett Young Collection" thread this : (There are some great pics on this thread)

The name on the drivers door says Peter Yock, but this looks to me like the Lotus powered Minor built by Warner Collins. Did Yock buy the car off Collins? I know Warner bought brother Clydes A40 Allcomer after the 1967 season. Either way, really nice shot of a well executed Allcomer. That nose has some hours gone into it. Did Warner build this from scratch or is it a modified sports car or single seater nose?
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http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?875-The-Brett-Young-Collection

[John McKechnie]

in 1970 i had a sidevalve v8 that i was going to put in a model a roadster- 17, i thought i knew enough to do it
changed my mind and a friend who i went to school with- nigel- said he wanted it .
great says i, lets move it and btw what are you putting it into.,i asked.
a morris minor he said.
nigel had a honda 4 500,very dull, predictable, normal, electric start.........and here he was a closet morrie v8 fanatic bursting at the seams, couldnt wait to get started, he would rave at length about how neat it wold be driving it on the road
stopped when he took the sump off and found a nylock locknut on a conrod.............alas, another minor v8 that was never completed.

[Allan]

Is it an optical illusion or is the Peter Yock Minor a split screen model?

[nigel watts]

Pukekohe
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Nostalgia Drags, Meremere
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2017 Beach Hop
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[Spgeti]

The Red Pre65 Minor #82 is currently for sale on TradeMe

[khyndart in CA]

Here is one for you folks. Buy it and get it shipped out in time for the duck shooting season !
For sale; 1960 Morris Minor Traveler. " The Morzuki"

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For sale in Hemmings Motor News Magazine.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/morris/minor/1938025.html


(Ken H )

[John McKechnie]

keeps the floor away from all the rust causing elements such as salt on icy roads, backing the car in the sea to retrieve the boat or the ducks- who needs a spaniel now for this task- and of course, kneecapping on the zebra crossing.

[Paul B]

Here is one for you folks. Buy it and get it shipped out in time for the duck shooting season !
For sale; 1960 Morris Minor Traveler. " The Morzuki"

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For sale in Hemmings Motor News Magazine.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/morris/minor/1938025.html


(Ken H )

Hi Ken..... Ony one word.... Epic!

Human imagination and realisation never ceases to amaze me

[Paul B]

Here is a take on the fiat Topolino - Morrilino
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[Bruce302]

Here is one for you folks. Buy it and get it shipped out in time for the duck shooting season !
For sale; 1960 Morris Minor Traveler. " The Morzuki"

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For sale in Hemmings Motor News Magazine.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/morris/minor/1938025.html


(Ken H )

You're a trouble maker Hyndman. I'm watching you...