The Series II Saloon & Convertible was what is called in modern automobile production a next generation model. However it also introduced two new model variants into the range the Traveller and the light commercial vehicle.
Although the new Series II followed on from the Series MM, the Series II remained virtually unchanged from the previous model. The MM had changed since its introduction in 1948 most notably a change in design of the front wings and bonnet (hood). This was done to comply with the American Road Safety Transport Boards regulation for the height of front headlights. The original style of the front wings followed the lines of the bonnet (hood) with the headlights in the front grille replaced by the now familiar high top wings with the headlights fitted into the wing tops. It took another two years for major production changes to take place mechanically externally and internally. Some changes however happened towards the later end of 1952 with the introduction of Austin's A series 803cc engine and so the Series II was introduced. In October/November 1954 a facelifted Series II was introduced with revised front wings completely new front grille front rear bumpers and rear lights. The biggest noticeable change however was internally a new style dashboard had been fitted. Out went the gold style panels and in line gauges, in its place was a central speedometer and open glove boxes for the passenger and driver. A new model was introduced to the range, The Traveller. It was basically the same. It followed the updates and style changes as the sister cars went through theirs. The big difference being that the traveller added the versatility of an estate car. They consisted of a usual Morris Minor front end with a structural Ash frame and aluminium panelled rear body. The light commercial vehicle or LCV was introduced in May 1953. Using a separate chassis it was available in van, pickup and chassis cab variants and was initially rated at a quarter ton carrying capacity. These vehicles had several unique features and were updated at different times to the rest of the range. AutoCar magazine tested a facelifted version of the Series II and reported saying 'Still has excellent handling for a car of this size. A vast improvement over the Series MM, however it remains greatly underpowered'. Production Dates 1952-1956 Units Produced. Saloon 2dr 38,627 Units Produced. Saloon 4dr 30,189 Unit Produced. Convertible 9,293 Units Produced. Traveller 8,726 Total Units Approx. 80,000 Produced At Oxford, Birmingham, Victoria Park (Australia), India, Malaysia, Eire. LCV Production Dates 1953-1956 Units Produced Van/Pick-Up (269,830?) ?this figure needs further investigation LCV's were Produced At Birmingham, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Eire. |