"I GET A LOT of letters and emails at Minor Monthly from people looking at buying their first Minor and wondering if they make a viable everyday car. My answer is always yes, because although they are now classed as a collectable classic, their original purpose was to provide everyday transport for the masses, and other than the roads now being more congested and modern cars being fitted with more gadgets nothing has really changed, a car is still for getting you from A to B. It wasn’t all that long ago that the Morris Minor was just a cheap old car, and this was brought home to me whilst reading a book recently. Touching From A Distance is the tragic story of the late Ian Curtis, the lead singer with Manchester band Joy Division. In it Ian’s widow recounts the events leading up to his suicide, and mention is made of the Traveller that they purchased simply because it was a very cheap run-around. This was in 1978 and the Minor is now an iconic motoring symbol much like Ian has become an iconic figure in the music world. Whilst the cars may not be as cheap these days, they are still a very usable classic and its heart warming to still see so many out and about on a daily basis, but there’s always room for more! Next year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Morris Minor and as such the MMOC are holding a major event at Stanford Hall, the ‘Minors Are Forever’ national rally. This was planned for the weekend of the 28&29th June, but due to circumstances beyond their control the date has now been moved to the 21st & 22nd of June, you can see the full report in the news section, but be sure to amend your diary so that you don’t miss out."

Jon Betts - Minor Monthly Editor

Table of Contents

Regulars

5 Staff List & Ed Speak

6 News and Products

10 Your Views

38 Staff Cars Alison Hall tells us all about her latest acquisition.

40 Alternative Classics. The first of our new series looking at alternative classics to the Morris Minor starting with the Humber Sceptre.

46 Once Loved. Can you help with the mystery of the 4 abandoned Minors in Wakefield?

Features

12 The Mobil Oil Economy Run: Part 5 Mike Foster brings us the final tale in this long running saga.

14 Fanatical About My Minors. Find out about Jay Le Huray trips to the IOW Rally and the Wessex Classic Car Show.

18 Working Commercials Russ Harvey begins another series looking at Minors that are still earning their keep.

22 Treasure Trove. We take a look inside Sandy and Rosie Hamilton’s private collection.

28 The Big Trip. Over 3000-kilometers in a side valve Minor!

32 Roger Rust. This month’s cover car as told by Zoe Powell.