Arguably the fondest-regarded of Britain's post-war saloons, the Alec Issigonis-designed Morris Minor was launched at the 1948 Motor Show.

By 1961 the Minor had achieved its millionth sale, and would continue in production for a further ten years.

The first post-war Morris design, the unitary-construction Minor boasted torsion bar independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and a four-speed synchromesh gearbox.

Powered at first by the company's existing 918cc sidevalve four, the Minor received an 803cc overhead-valve engine in 1953.

Two two-door models were offered initially: a saloon and a convertible.

A four-door saloon appeared in 1950, with estates and commercials following later.

In 1967 the British Motor Corporation decided that the Minor van should also be available as an Austin, which in the latter form was identical to its Morris sibling apart from the badges, radiator grille and engine colour.

Within a few years all the Corporation's commercial vehicles wou...