The Morris Minor, launched on 1st of September 1928 was William Morris's attack on the small car market - specifically the Austin Seven. It boasted several minor innovations such as, a dry plate clutch, coil ignition and wire wheels, but the most significant innovation was infact the overhead camshaft Wolseley derived 847cc engine. The sporting edge provided by this magnificent engine resulted in the first MG Midget, Britains first truly practical, cheap, small sports car.

The overhead cam engine was later removed from production in 1930 and resulted in no small Morris car using overhead valves until after the second world war. The period over which the first Morris Minor was produced saw Morris's market share plumet from 51 to 27 percent - due mainly to the effects of the depression and too great a model range.

All text and some images are © Kris Bubendorfer 1996, and the text may be freely copied and republished in any form on the condition the source is acknowledged.