Slowly, very slowly, I’m coming around to the idea that modifying collector cars can be acceptable if done in good taste. But this is going too far. It’s a Morris Minor convertible with, among other things, Mercedes headlights, custom interior, Chevy truck steering column, and a Buick 3.8 V6 engine. Not that I object to modded Minors; back in my racing days Bill Sadler ran a Minor with a Ford flathead V-8 and old friend Tom Berent once loaned me his modified Minor to compete in a hillclimb. Finished first in class, which was embarrassing as Tom had never won a trophy with this or his Formula Junior single-seater. He gave up racing after landing on his head in the FJ. Recently I was passed on the highway by a Minor driven vigorously by an older lady and when seen from behind (the car, not the lady) it was obvious changes had been made to engine and suspension. “Good for you,” I thought. So why am I displeased with this car, featured in Western Driver’s British Car Show report? Because the Morris Minor’s shape was perfect for its time and should never be messed with. Do you agree?

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