Since its inception the Morris Minor has steadily gained popularity until today it is recognised as one of the most successful small cars on the market. While its low first cost is admittedly an attradtion, its low operation charges are even more important. Its petrol consumption is in the neighbourhood of 45 m.p.g., while its performance embraces a speed well in excess of 50 m.p.h.

It differs from the run of most small cars in as much as it is "built like a big car," and in its design there is nothing that is unorthodox or untried. Its frame is full length, and four semi-elliptic springs in conjundtion with the low centre of gravity mean good road holding, safe cornering and excellent controllability.

The four wheel brakes are powerful in application, while the equipment of the 1932 model, with its chromium finished radiator and rear safety petrol tank and many other features of practical value, leaves nothing to be desired.

The Morris Minor is very easy to drive and incorporates rnany pradtical safety features, including 100 per cent. Triplex glass.

General
The basic design of the Morris Minor is precisely the same as that of a big car. It consists of a four,cylinder water,cooled engine built in unit construdtion with a totally enclosed clutch and three,speed gearbox, this povver unit being mounted by four, point attachment to a full, length downswept frame supported front and rear on semi-elliptic springs of generous length. The rear axle is of the three, quarter floating type with spiral bevel final reduction, and is differential, equipped. The transmission from the gearbox to the rear axle is by large diameter tubular propeller shaft and fabric universal joints. The track is 3 ft. 6 in., and the wheelbase 6 ft. 6 in.

Engine
The four cylinder engine possesses a bore of 57 mm. and a stroke of 83 mm., providing a cubic capacity of 847 cc and a tax of £8. The cylinders are cast en bloc with the upper half of the crankcase, which is extended well below the crankshaft centre, thus ensuring great siffness. The cylinders are provided with a detachable head, facilitating decarbonising. The side valves are operated by tappets working in conjundtion with a camshaft of unusually generous diameter which is driven by a Duplex roller chain from the crankshaft. The valve mechanism is totally enclosed by a readily detachable oiltight cover. The crankshaft has a generous roller, type bearing at the rear end and a plain bearing of ample length and large diameter at the forward end. Steel connecting rods of "I" sedtion and aluminium piaons of the three, ring type are fitted. The lower piston ring is of the oil,return pattern. Built in unit conaruaion with this power unit is a single plate toggic, operated clutch of the dry pattern, calling for the minimum of attention and with a very smooth take, up.

Gearbox
The gearbox, which is built in unit construction with the engine and clutch, provides three forward speeds and a reverse. Gear engagement is controlled by a central lever, and all gears are accurately finished to ensure the highea degree of silence. Gear changing is light and easily carried out.

Lubrication
The engine is automatically lubricated by a spur gear pump mounted externally and positoned low down so that it is immune from prirning troubles. The pump is driven by helical gearing diredl from the crankshaft. The oil is effectively filtered by a large detachable gauze filter before being passed into. circula tion, and is delivered under pressure to the main and big,end bearings. The oil filter is readily removable for cleaning purposes, and an external with, drawable dipstick provides indication of the correct level.

Carburation
The mixture is supplied by a highly efficient S.U. carburetter of the automatic piston type, the petrol supply being carried in a 5 gallon tank mounted at the rear of the chassis, and an automatic petrol lift mounted on the dash provides gravity feed to the carburetter. The inlet and exhaust manifolds are an integral causing with adequate hot spots to ensure high economy and even running from cold. Wide control over the mixture sqrength delivered by the carburetter is provided by a conveniently operated control on the dash which enables the beat settings for varying fuels and atmospheric conditions to be attained. The petrol tank is equipped with a dash, reading electric petrol gauge vvhich gives the driver conaant indication of the tank contents.

Transmission
The drive from the gearbox to the rear axle is by tubular propeller shaft of large diameter, fitted with fabric disc universal joints. The rear axle final drive is by silent spiral bevel gears and differential carried in a pressed steel axle of the "banjo" type.

Brakes
Both hand and foot brakes operate internal,expanding shoes in 8 in. diameter drums on all four wheels by cable. 'The brakes are direct in operation and smooth in axftion, and their detail design has been very carefully considered in order to provide the maximum possible braking and ease of adjustment.

Electrical Equipment
Ignition is supplied by a Lucas six volt battery and coil, the distributor being provided with steering column control for advance and retard. Current for the battery and lighting sygem is produced by a Lucas dynamo of large dimensions which cuts in at low road speeds. It is mounted on the cylinder head and belt, driven from the crankshaft, adequate adjustment for the belt being provided by the adjustable cradle mounting. The starter motor is of the sliding pinion type and mounted diredt on the flywheel housing. The entire eledtrical equipment is of Lucas manufacture and incorporates combination head and sidelarnps, tail,lamp and instrument panel illumination.

Wheels
Detachable wire wheels fitted with Dunlop cord tyres are provided. The wheels are secured by three studs with domed nuts of the self locking pattern.

Suspension
Long, semi-elliptic springs are fitted fore and aft and are fully controlled by shock absorbers of the progressive friction type, providing maximum comfort and excellent readability. The springing has been designed to carry a useful load of 4½ cwt.

Tool Kit
The following tools are provided and are housed in a special cornpartment :- Jack (with folding handle), tyre purnp, wheel brace, three tubular box spanners and tornmy, two double ended spanners, diaributor spanner, high, pressure lubricating purnp for chassis oiling system, pair of pliers, hamrner, sparking plug box spanner, two tappet spanners, single ended spanner, screwdriver, tyre lever and oilcan.