Ilkeston Man Donates Last Morris Minor to Great British Car Journey

Published: 23/06/2022

The last-ever Morris Minor saloon manufactured in 1970 has been donated to Great British Car Journey, Derbyshire’s premier classic car visitor attraction in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

The Trafalgar Blue two-door saloon was generously donated by Ray Newell, Club Secretary of the Morris Minor Owners’ Club (MMOC) which also restored car over a four-year period. 

Ray, who lives in Ilkeston, commented: “It is a fitting tribute to all those involved in the restoration – as well as the generous benefactors who supported the club in completing the undertaking – that the efforts of all concerned can be seen and appreciated by a much wider audience at Great British Car Journey.”

MMOC, which is headquartered in Derby, acquired the vehicle in 2016 and completed a four-year restoration project. Original components, including the engine and gearbox, were rebuilt after a specialist welder and fabricator handled the significant and essential structural repairs. The bulk of the remaining work was undertaken by volunteer club members.

Following its restoration, the last ever ‘Moggy’ was displayed at the MINI Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire, where it originally rolled off the production line on 12 November 1970.

Now, it joins more than 140 classic British cars on display to visitors at Great British Car Journey, sitting alongside famous marques and models, including the classic Mini, Ford Escort and Capri, the Austin Seven and Metro – all cars that were produced in their millions but have long since disappeared from the nation’s roads.

Richard Usher, Founder and CEO of the visitor attraction said: “Ray lives locally to us and has been a great supporter of the Great British Car Journey since its inception. I’m delighted that he and the club have chosen the visitor attraction as a fitting venue. It’s a beautifully restored example and fits in perfectly here.”

The Morris Minor is among the most famous vehicles in British motoring history which were designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1942 before making its debut at the 1948 British Motor Show. It started a new generation of small cars, with drivers quickly falling in love with its light, rack-and-pinion steering which made it a delight to drive.

More than 1.6 million Morris Minors were manufactured between 1948 – 1970.
To find out more about Great British Car Journey and purchase your tickets for an interactive experience celebrating British motoring, please visit greatbritishcarjourney.com. Or, for those looking for the ultimate trip down memory lane, pick from the 38-strong Drive Dad’s Car fleet and get behind the wheel of your favourite classic car. Visit drivedadscar.com to learn more.

Image: Ray Newell is pictured outside Great British Car Journey with his Morris Minor Saloon, the last one to be manufactured in 1970.