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Morris Minor Owners Club
Series MM Register
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Paul
Hurd's
1953 Highlight Tourer.
Click on image below for a bigger, higher resolution version.
PHY 28 is one of the last of the series MM's. I
have a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate which records
the date of build as 12-13 January 1953.
Date dispatched 14 January 1953. Destination
Bristol Motor Company Ltd. The registration mark PHY 28 was issued in Bristol
19 January 1953.
Fixed to the bulkhead of the car there is a
small brass plate just below the vehicle identity plate. (see photo) This
confirms the car was sold by The Cater Motor Company Ltd. Bristol. The chassis
number is FCA11/176385. As I live just 4 miles from the Cowley factory you
could say 'it's come back home'.
I have been unable to trace the early history of
the car. I purchased it in 1995 from an old friend who, sadly is no longer
with us. In 1997, as there were signs of corrosion, I commenced what
turned out to be a complete reconstruction of the underside including rear spring
hangers, sill panels, rear quarter panels, new front wings and a complete
repaint. This was all completed in a rush just in time for the Golden Jubilee
Rally at Blenheim in the summer of 1998.
Over the years the brakes, suspension and engine
have all received attention. In an effort to make the car safer radial tyres
have been fitted and the most recent addition has been the fitting of
flashers. However, these have been wired in so that they work in
conjunction with the original trafficators in an effort to retain the
character of the car.
As you might guess from the photo's PHY 28 is not
an every day car. However, it dose get used during the summer months and is
well travelled being a regular attendee at National rallies, the series MM
rally and has been to Ireland on several occasions. May be on the MOT next
year!
As the chairman of the Oxfordshire and Berkshire
branch I and my little car get to attend lots of local events and, as with
most things organised by our branch, they usually turn into a party of some
kind. As a branch we don't take life to seriously. So if you are in the
Oxford area on the first Wednesday of the month pop in to meet us at the
Foxcombe Lodge Hotel. See branch details.
By the way, as I am originally from Yorkshire the
Reg. No. is apt. PHY = Paul Hurd from Yorkshire and, as my brother in law
informs me I am always in a two and eight!
Best wishes to all you fellow Moggy lovers.
Paul.

