For Sale: 1959 Morris Minor in Lutz, Florida

This one is just too much fun to pass up. It only takes a quick glance to know this 1959 Morris Minor is not just some classic British economy car. The wild paint and wheels are just a hint at the beastly 400 hp turbo motor, five-speed, and custom sports suspension that lies underneath. This is the full custom build for someone who knows really cool things come in small packages.


The Morris Minor might have helped put England on wheels, but it's a rare sight over here today. In fact, many British car fans might be keen on seeing a Minor at their favorite car show. But don't let them get to close, or else this wild child might make them spill their Sleepy Time tea. After all, the red on this one is brighter than on the Union Jack. Plus, no factory Minor had the need for a custom front splitter to vent an intercooler, and the wide Billet Specialties wheels outshine the crown jewels. But all kidding on the British Empire aside, any nationality who loves cars will respect the quality of the bodywork. This is a cool interpretation on how to take a classic economy car and make it into a show-stopping custom build.


The custom work continues on the inside with bucket seats out of a Honda Prelude, and it utilizes gray cloth on the doors and carpets to match. This interior has some nice features like power windows and an R-134a air conditioning that doesn't take much to keep this small cabin nice and cool. Also, it doesn't take much power for the Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo to fill this car with sound, but that didn't stop them from installing a thumpin' system with a powered subwoofer mounted on the rear parcel shelf. The driver gets a nice three-spoke Grant steering wheel with a wood rim that also matches the dash panel. Beyond that is a full set of AutoMeter gauges, which is another clear indication of the beast that lurks under the hood.


There's nothing from Britain left in this engine bay except the build plate. Instead, you're looking at the 2.0-liter motor out of a Mitsubishi EVO VIII with a 35R turbo running 20 psi. The motor was rebuilt to add a Mazda RX-7 intercooler, AEM fuel management system, and howling custom exhaust. Now you're looking at a package that's reliably putting out 400 hp according to the consignor. That's more than 10 times the Minor's original horsepower, so you better believe the entire drivetrain was upgraded, too, to handle the extra grunt. This includes a five-speed manual transmission from an FD Mazda RX-7 and a stout Ford 9-inch rear end running a versatile 3.73 gear. You love darting down the road in this one thanks to a reinforced independent front suspension and four-link coilover rear. And control is well in hand with four wheel disc brakes and wide Firestone Firehawk tires.


Every once in a while you get a chance to see a small car with a lot of personality, and so this Minor must be Herbie the Love Bug's devilish cousin. It's a one-of-a-kind that won't disappoint with the smiles it gives you in private, and the crowds it attracts in public. Call today!!!