Morris

The Morris Minor made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in London, in October 1948. It was designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis. Initially available as a two-door saloon and tourer (cabriolet), the range was expanded to include a four-door saloon from September 1950. A stationwagon with a wooden frame (the Traveller) was produced from October 1953 and panel van and pick-up truck variants from May 1953. It was the first British car to sell over a million units and is considered a classic example of automotive design. 

In 1956, the Minor received a major programme of updates intended to keep the car competitive into the 1960s. Where previously the Minor had been offered with a broad range of colours and trim options, the Minor 1000 (so named for its 948 cc engine) shifted emphasis towards rationalisation of components. This improved economies of scale and enabled increased production volumes to help the Minor retain a significant share of the small car market during a period where car ownership was becoming more commonplace. The Minor 1000 was fitted with a new 948 cc engine and a substantially revised gearbox. A series of changes to the body pressings for the roof and bonnet panels yielded a large wraparound rear windscreen and one-piece curved front windscreen, which markedly improved visibility and lent a modernised appearance to the car at relatively small outlay.