Classic Morris Minors roll into Marton for 70th anniversary

Brian Holmwood and his inherited Morris Minor with Denice Mills' red convertible parked alongside. Photo/Bevan Conley

A cluster of Morris Minors was proudly displayed at Marton's Historic Village on Saturday to celebrate 70 years since the first one was made.

Bruce Mills of the Central Manawatu Morris Minor Car Club said there were around a dozen of the uniquely designed British cars on show and he and his wife Denice own four between them.

"It all started when our neighbour let us go for a drive in his van and we've been hooked ever since."

Denice bought the orange van from the neighbour and she also owns a saucy little red convertible.

"She got that for her 50th birthday," says her husband.

"I really wanted a truck and we thought about converting the van but I managed to get a Wellside ute and then a flat deck truck."

Bruce's flat deck won him national prizes in 2016 and again in 2017.

Now he wants to keep it in tip-top condition for the 2021 national convention.

Although Morris Minor production ceased in 1971 there are still plenty of them in good running order in New Zealand and Bruce says getting parts is not a problem as there is a great network of enthusiasts.

Brian Holmwood had his 1962 model on show in Marton on Saturday, a car he inherited from his parents and it is still going strong.

The first Morris Minor made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, on September 20, 1948.

It was the first British car to make a million sales and is still considered a classic in automotive design.

For those who missed the display in Marton, there will be a chance to see the Morris Minor cluster at Viv's Kitchen in Sanson next Sunday, October 7.