The Morris range going into the Sixties was headed by the immensely successful Minor model, powered by a 948-cc engine, and now known as the 1000.

While carrying almost the same body and chassis, the most noticeable difference from its predecessor the Minor, was that the two-piece split windscreen had finally put out to rest, replaced by a modern and highly stylish curved one-piece unit.

The Morris Minor 1000’s the rear window was also enlarged partially in favour of congruity but also to increase visibility, often a problem with the Minors. In 1961 Morris also retired another British institution, the semaphore style trafficators, replaced by flashing directional indicators.

A final update was put together in 1962 that gave the 1000 a 1098cc engine along with other minor improvements.

Now marketed as the Morris Minor 1000 A-Series, this new power plan, based on an excellent shell and suspension system, finally provided the power the vehicle deserved to make for quick and exciting transport in comparison to the slightly underpowered and turgid form when 1000 had first appeared on UK roads.

The under square engine now produced 37 bhp gross at 4,800 rpm, drive transmitted through a nicely spaced four-speed gearbox and Hardy Spicer prop shaft to the spiral valve gear (hypoid) back axle.

Independent front suspension was by a well-controlled torsion bar system, while at the rear a semi-elliptic leaf-sprung axle was used.

With rack-and-pinion steering these rather simple but nicely finished little two- and four-door saloons were surprisingly quick and controllable through corners although hardly in the sporting class in a straight line.

1961 marked an exceptional landmark for the Morris Minor when the model became the first UK produced vehicle to top sales of over one million units.

This major achievement for BMC was not allowed to go unnoticed, marked by Morris producing a limited edition of just 350 two-door saloons that stood out from the crowd thanks to a distinctive lilac paint job offset perfectly by gleaming white interior.

In case anyone missed the effect, each lilac coloured "Morris Million " proudly displayed a special badge modified accordingly.

In 1968 as part of a major reshuffling that was going on in the UK car industry, BMC was absorbed into British Leyland to form BLMC, a development that ostensibly marked the end of the Minor.

The following year, BLMC began to make cuts through the range, in June 1969 the much-loved Morris 1000 convertible was taken out of production with the 1000 Traveller following shortly after, meaning that the saloon and the van versions were the only survivors.