Well...
Following the publication of the most recent newsletter, it seems the cat is out of the bag!
I have acquired the ex-Mark Lynch car, SV14930.
Plans are well and truly afoot, and I will update you shortly. In the meantime, here is a quick snap from the retrieval mission - a 12-hour round trip on the hottest day of the year, with my trusty Skoda and my brother Bruce riding shotgun.
More to follow.
Morris Minor Special SV14930
Moderators: Ian Grace, Will Grace
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Morris Minor Special SV14930
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
Time for an overdue update on the special, now that I have made it through both the argh-what-have-I-done phase and the sitting-looking-at-it phase.
I have been working on it on-and-off over the past 12 months, with lengthy pauses to enjoy rallies and driving tests in the SV 2 seater and also to moonlight as a trials bouncer in a friend’s Austin 7 (I know, I know…).
So, what have I got?
An SV Minor that was exported as a rolling chassis to Australia when new. I will delve into the history in a future post, but the car was repatriated by Mark Lynch in 2015, wearing a very eccentric trials body and knobbly tyres. I bought it from Mark last summer.
The good bits:
- The chassis is rust-free and solid
- The axles are in good nick
- The wood is all sound
- The bonnet is alli, and weighs less than a feather
The not-so-good-bits:
- The engine is seized
- The gearbox is about to detonate
- Mice had moved in and caused havoc
- It doesn’t look very vintage!
Here are a few photos as bought. It looks ok from afar, but the deep shagpile carpet hides a multitude of rodent-related sins. Enjoy the crusty engine, complete with absurd intake trumpet!
I have been working on it on-and-off over the past 12 months, with lengthy pauses to enjoy rallies and driving tests in the SV 2 seater and also to moonlight as a trials bouncer in a friend’s Austin 7 (I know, I know…).
So, what have I got?
An SV Minor that was exported as a rolling chassis to Australia when new. I will delve into the history in a future post, but the car was repatriated by Mark Lynch in 2015, wearing a very eccentric trials body and knobbly tyres. I bought it from Mark last summer.
The good bits:
- The chassis is rust-free and solid
- The axles are in good nick
- The wood is all sound
- The bonnet is alli, and weighs less than a feather
The not-so-good-bits:
- The engine is seized
- The gearbox is about to detonate
- Mice had moved in and caused havoc
- It doesn’t look very vintage!
Here are a few photos as bought. It looks ok from afar, but the deep shagpile carpet hides a multitude of rodent-related sins. Enjoy the crusty engine, complete with absurd intake trumpet!
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
So, what are the plans?
The dream has always been to go hillclimbing. My SV 2-seater is far too original to molest in the name of motorsport, so here is the blank canvas that will (one day, I hope) get me on the start line. Let’s see how much speed we can get out of a sidevalve!
Plans are still evolving, but I would like to go for something that could have left the works in period. A sort of skunkworks special, if you like, put together by the boys at the Morris works to see how quickly they could get a Minor to go.
Purists, avert thine eyes! Although I will try very hard to make it as “period” as possible, and anyway, that’s why I started off with a car that had already been messed about with.
One thing it definitely won’t be, is an M-Type clone. As much as I love them (the M-Type is my dream car), there are plenty about, and I think it should remain a Minor.
This is very much a budget backyard build, but stay tuned, we’ll see where this goes.
The name? Well, the working title is LVS (for Light Van Special, or Light Van Sports) as this mongrel of a car seems to comprise a number of bits from a Minor van.
Here some photos from phase 1.
The dream has always been to go hillclimbing. My SV 2-seater is far too original to molest in the name of motorsport, so here is the blank canvas that will (one day, I hope) get me on the start line. Let’s see how much speed we can get out of a sidevalve!
Plans are still evolving, but I would like to go for something that could have left the works in period. A sort of skunkworks special, if you like, put together by the boys at the Morris works to see how quickly they could get a Minor to go.
Purists, avert thine eyes! Although I will try very hard to make it as “period” as possible, and anyway, that’s why I started off with a car that had already been messed about with.
One thing it definitely won’t be, is an M-Type clone. As much as I love them (the M-Type is my dream car), there are plenty about, and I think it should remain a Minor.
This is very much a budget backyard build, but stay tuned, we’ll see where this goes.
The name? Well, the working title is LVS (for Light Van Special, or Light Van Sports) as this mongrel of a car seems to comprise a number of bits from a Minor van.
Here some photos from phase 1.
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Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
That looks like it'll be a good project, George. You could supercharge it, like Cowley did back in 1931, and get the SV Minor to hit 100mph 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-Oc6O ... 5vcg%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-Oc6O ... 5vcg%3D%3D
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
Great reporting, George, and don't fret about the end product being less than original.
We were both at VSCC Prescott on Saturday. How many of the 'vintage sports cars' in the Paddock were remotely original? Answer - virtually none. And there was a good number of ridiculous (IMO) contraptions that had scant if any connection with any original vintage make or model.
There are SO many rotting wrecks of SV Minors out there that will never be rebuilt to original specification - particularly in the coachwork department. With the depressed value of our cars these days and the enormous costs involved with building even a 2-seater body, they will remain in hibernation unless a reasonably decent looking body is built (and don't worry about fitting doors - they are a pain to make), generic cyclewings bought off the shelf, aero screens fitted, etc. At least that way they would be back on the road where they are supposed to be and giving enjoyment to all.
Keep up the very good work.
Ian
We were both at VSCC Prescott on Saturday. How many of the 'vintage sports cars' in the Paddock were remotely original? Answer - virtually none. And there was a good number of ridiculous (IMO) contraptions that had scant if any connection with any original vintage make or model.
There are SO many rotting wrecks of SV Minors out there that will never be rebuilt to original specification - particularly in the coachwork department. With the depressed value of our cars these days and the enormous costs involved with building even a 2-seater body, they will remain in hibernation unless a reasonably decent looking body is built (and don't worry about fitting doors - they are a pain to make), generic cyclewings bought off the shelf, aero screens fitted, etc. At least that way they would be back on the road where they are supposed to be and giving enjoyment to all.
Keep up the very good work.
Ian
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
Ian - I agree with your comments about the Vintage paddock at Prescott.
Amongst the really tasty sports cars (real ones) and racing cars (real ones) are the Specials. Leaving aside the ones with genuine provenance, the new-builds seem to fall into two camps: the really authentic looking cars, and then some really shady looking ones! A lot of these are Austin 7 based.
It seems to me that Details Maketh the Special. Once the proportions are all right, one then needs to pay attention to the small details like gauges, fasteners, etc.
Jonathan - great bit of video, that. I don't think my skillset (or wallet) will stretch to supercharging at the moment, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it!
Initially, I would like to see if I can give the Austin lot a run for their money. I had a slight reality check in December: I had a drive in a friend's well-sorted Ulster Rep. And, err, it was quick. Really quick! This isn't going to be easy.
Anyway, much progress over Christmas - updates to follow.
Amongst the really tasty sports cars (real ones) and racing cars (real ones) are the Specials. Leaving aside the ones with genuine provenance, the new-builds seem to fall into two camps: the really authentic looking cars, and then some really shady looking ones! A lot of these are Austin 7 based.
It seems to me that Details Maketh the Special. Once the proportions are all right, one then needs to pay attention to the small details like gauges, fasteners, etc.
Jonathan - great bit of video, that. I don't think my skillset (or wallet) will stretch to supercharging at the moment, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it!
Initially, I would like to see if I can give the Austin lot a run for their money. I had a slight reality check in December: I had a drive in a friend's well-sorted Ulster Rep. And, err, it was quick. Really quick! This isn't going to be easy.
Anyway, much progress over Christmas - updates to follow.
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
So – progress.
As previously mentioned, the engine that came with the car was seized. The water jacket was full of mud and coppery swarf, so not sure what happened there! I did toy with the idea of trying to unseize it, but then I also want to get the car running this side of the next millenium, so pulled it out and parked it on a trolley in the corner of the garage, in disgrace. To be revisited another day.
The engine:
Fortunately, I had a spare motor. A late SV engine (from about ’34 I think) that I found in a shed in Beaconsfield. I know nothing of its history, save that it had not run in decades, possibly 35 years. I had clearly had some work done on it, but how much, and to what standard, I have no idea. It turned over nicely on the handle, and appeared to have good compression. Would it run after all this time? One way to find out…!
I fitted new NGK plugs, thoroughly cleaned the oilways and filter, and glugged in a few pints of 30-grade.
Ignition:
The spare distributor from the Road Minor was commandeered, with new consumables, and I made up some temporary ignition wiring and HT leads. You will see from the photo below that it is not very pretty, but should see the car through the proof of concept stages.
Carburation:
The carb is a complete bitsa, a Beaulieu Special. All the bits are authentic OM-type SU, but I’m pretty sure none of them left Adderley Park on the same day. Anyway, after spending an absolute fortune with Burlen Fuel Systems for the consumables, it slots together ok.
My brother and I dropped the whole lot onto the chassis over Christmas, added some seriously shady temporary wiring, and bought a small Yuasa battery. Air, fuel, spark. Close eyes, cross fingers…
As previously mentioned, the engine that came with the car was seized. The water jacket was full of mud and coppery swarf, so not sure what happened there! I did toy with the idea of trying to unseize it, but then I also want to get the car running this side of the next millenium, so pulled it out and parked it on a trolley in the corner of the garage, in disgrace. To be revisited another day.
The engine:
Fortunately, I had a spare motor. A late SV engine (from about ’34 I think) that I found in a shed in Beaconsfield. I know nothing of its history, save that it had not run in decades, possibly 35 years. I had clearly had some work done on it, but how much, and to what standard, I have no idea. It turned over nicely on the handle, and appeared to have good compression. Would it run after all this time? One way to find out…!
I fitted new NGK plugs, thoroughly cleaned the oilways and filter, and glugged in a few pints of 30-grade.
Ignition:
The spare distributor from the Road Minor was commandeered, with new consumables, and I made up some temporary ignition wiring and HT leads. You will see from the photo below that it is not very pretty, but should see the car through the proof of concept stages.
Carburation:
The carb is a complete bitsa, a Beaulieu Special. All the bits are authentic OM-type SU, but I’m pretty sure none of them left Adderley Park on the same day. Anyway, after spending an absolute fortune with Burlen Fuel Systems for the consumables, it slots together ok.
My brother and I dropped the whole lot onto the chassis over Christmas, added some seriously shady temporary wiring, and bought a small Yuasa battery. Air, fuel, spark. Close eyes, cross fingers…
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
IT STARTS!
We couldn’t believe it. It didn’t run for long, though it was several degrees below freezing at the time. The timing is clearly way out, and the mixture needs a little tweaking, but at least the engine appears vaguely functional, with no nasty noises. Also, it sounds awesome unsilenced!
Amazing good luck! See the below stills from the victorious start-up video. I will have another go this weekend and report back.
We couldn’t believe it. It didn’t run for long, though it was several degrees below freezing at the time. The timing is clearly way out, and the mixture needs a little tweaking, but at least the engine appears vaguely functional, with no nasty noises. Also, it sounds awesome unsilenced!
Amazing good luck! See the below stills from the victorious start-up video. I will have another go this weekend and report back.
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
Woe! Setbacks!
It turns out the engine is incontinent, as I found out when I filled the radiator with water, and it all seeped out from round the water inlet. No problem, I thought – simply tighten up the retaining bolts. The left-hand bolt promptly shot out, closely followed by several pints of water!
Upon removing the water inlet casting, it appears that at least one of the threads is shot, and that both mounting points seem to be cracked. Not good. An engine that started last weekend is currently unusable.
Please see photos below. I would be very grateful for any thoughts you may have.
It turns out the engine is incontinent, as I found out when I filled the radiator with water, and it all seeped out from round the water inlet. No problem, I thought – simply tighten up the retaining bolts. The left-hand bolt promptly shot out, closely followed by several pints of water!
Upon removing the water inlet casting, it appears that at least one of the threads is shot, and that both mounting points seem to be cracked. Not good. An engine that started last weekend is currently unusable.
Please see photos below. I would be very grateful for any thoughts you may have.
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George Rodford
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2022 5:14 pm
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
Whilst I am appealing for your expertise, can anyone tell me what colour SV engines were painted when they left the works? The weird grey bothers me!
I have seen several painted black (I am an admirer or Stuart Clarke's tidy satin black engines), and also a few in dark green (my Road Minor included). I tend towards black, but grateful for any historical insight.
I have seen several painted black (I am an admirer or Stuart Clarke's tidy satin black engines), and also a few in dark green (my Road Minor included). I tend towards black, but grateful for any historical insight.
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
I can't expand the photos to zoom in and see the detail, but I think I'm right in saying you'll probably benefit from a water jacket base repair. Thankfully it's the same pattern as the ubiquitous Austin Seven.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204704290695 ... R4yZuseUZQ
A 'how to' https://www.ba7c.org/technicalArticles/ ... epair.html
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204704290695 ... R4yZuseUZQ
A 'how to' https://www.ba7c.org/technicalArticles/ ... epair.html
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
That is a brilliant repair scheme, Jonathan. I don't suppose the Seven plate fits the Minor engine. If not, we should have a batch made for the Register.
I have the same problem with the McEvoy block and Ian Harris supplies some new studs with nuts to fit inside the block, but this looks like a far better engineering job.
I have the same problem with the McEvoy block and Ian Harris supplies some new studs with nuts to fit inside the block, but this looks like a far better engineering job.
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
OK, so I have contacted Paul at Austin7Ulster and I will co-ordinate a batch made for the SV Minor. I'm sending him a gasket as a pattern.
Anyone interested in one, please let me know. I'm ordering one for the McEvoy.
More details in the February Newsletter - due out this Friday and a more comprehensive Technical Topics article on the subject in the spring Magazine - M 193.
Anyone interested in one, please let me know. I'm ordering one for the McEvoy.
More details in the February Newsletter - due out this Friday and a more comprehensive Technical Topics article on the subject in the spring Magazine - M 193.
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
I won't guarantee it 100% but I'm sure I've read somewhere that the two engines have the same shape/size water jacket, and at least one SV Minor engine has had the above kit fitted successfully. It's how I came to know that such a thing exists.
Re: Morris Minor Special SV14930
If George or someone can send me the pertinent dimensions, I can check. It would be super convenient if they do fit the Minor.