c1969 Morris Mini Minor Sedan

Description

The Issigonis-designed Morris Mini-Minor and Austin Seven twins made their debut in the UK in 1959. They had a transversely-mounted (‘East-West’) 848cc edition of the BMC A-Series engine (which made its debut in 1947 in the Austin A40 Devon), ultra-simple rubber cone suspension, a starter button on the floor, sliding side glass and huge door bins, a top speed of 73 miles per hour with perky pick-up, fantastic fuel economy and an astonishing amount of room for four adults. Australian production began in 1961 and only a ‘Morris’ version was offered. It was known as the Morris 850 because it was felt that ‘Mini-Minor’ would be viewed by prospective customers as diminutive. In 1965 BMC Australia created a first in the Mini world by developing wind-up side windows. These made their debut on the new Mini Deluxe variant which also acquired the same Hydrolastic ‘floats on fluid’ suspension system as the Morris 1100 which was available locally from 1963, as well as key-starting and, importantly, a more powerful new 1.0-litre engine. By 1966 all Australian Minis featured wind-up windows. The decision to rename the Mini as an 850 was reversed and all variants were now known as Morris Mini. The cheaper Mini still with 848cc engine, floor starter button and rubber cone suspension remained in production. Then in 1969 the Mini K replaced the Deluxe. The ‘K’ stood for kangaroo, which was not only a famous and uniquely Australian animal but could hop all day on just one drink! A much more potent 1.1-litre engine was fitted.