Final U.S. Import Morris Minor 1000 Convertible Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a 1967 Morris Minor 1000 Deluxe Convertible, marking the final model year that Morris officially imported the British classic to the United States. This acquisition represents a significant addition to automotive heritage preservation, as these vehicles have become increasingly rare in American collections since their official importation ceased over half a century ago.

Originally sold new in California before moving to Oregon, this particular Minor 1000 was acquired by its previous owner in 1979 and underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 1981. The restoration included fresh white paint, a reupholstered red vinyl interior, and a tan cloth convertible top, creating what museum owner Ron Sturgeon describes as "a beautifully preserved reminder of when less was more in the world of motoring."

Mechanically, the vehicle features a 1,098cc inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission that was rebuilt during the 1970s. The rear-wheel-drive convertible maintains the light, simple driving characteristics that made the Morris Minor popular among enthusiasts during its production era. The car comes with correct VIN documentation and decades of careful ownership records, adding to its historical significance.

The Morris Minor's importance extends beyond its mechanical specifications. As one of the last officially imported examples, it represents the end of an era for British automotive presence in the American market. The model's classic silhouette, unmistakable front grille, and modest charm made it a favorite during its production years, and it now stands as a symbol of practical post-war automotive design that prioritized functionality over extravagance.

This acquisition matters to automotive historians and enthusiasts because it preserves a tangible connection to a period when European manufacturers were establishing footholds in the American market. The vehicle's journey from California to Oregon and finally to Texas at the DFW Car and Toy Museum illustrates the migratory patterns of classic car preservation and the growing importance of institutional collections in maintaining automotive heritage.

For visitors to the museum located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, the Morris Minor offers an opportunity to experience automotive history firsthand. The museum's free admission policy and extensive 150,000-square-foot facility make this piece of history accessible to the public, supporting broader cultural appreciation for automotive design evolution and international automotive exchange.