1949 Morris Minor 'Low Light'

The ubiquitous Morris Minor arrived in September 1948 as the 918cc side-vale powered ‘Series MM’ and was replaced by a restyled car in September 1950. They have become known by Minor enthusiasts as the ‘Low Light’ and ‘High Light’ respectively.

Originally supplied by W Watson and Co, Liverpool in July 1949 as a 'Low Light', this well known Goodwood participant is offered fresh to market by its fastidious owner after it being in his care for the past 12 years, during which time its long standing employment as an historic race car, some 30 years to date, has been continued and enjoyed to the maximum.

Well known within the world of Historic Motorsport, SSK 888 is probably best know to the public through its exploits at the Goodwood Revival where it’s been invited five times and raced in the St Marys Trophy, in 2008 driven by the owner and Brian Redman, in 2014 shared with Tony Jardine, in 2017 and 2019 with Rauno Aaltonon and most recently our vendor shared the car with Richard (Dickie) Attwood in the 2019 St Mary's Trophy. Four outings in the Donington Historic yielded a seventh overall in 2019 and the car finished a splendid fourth overall in the 2022 Sopwith Cup at the Goodwood Members Meeting.

However, whilst Goodwood has possibly been its pinnacle, it has also been a regular contender in HRDC Touring Greats, the HRDC Jack Sears Trophy and All Stars Series, BARC Oldies but Goldies, the Classic Saloon Car Championship and more besides and with the St Marys Trophy on the running order once again at this years Goodwood Revival there is the possibility of a further appearance at one of the most prestigious motorsport events ever conceived. The list of this venerable Minor's many Class Wins and podiums is too long to cover here and a substantial amount of further information about the car's decades of motor racing history is contained in the car’s history file which can be inspected at our Documents Desk at Race Retro or can be emailed to interested parties.

Similarly, the car’s mechanical specification and developments over the years are listed on several pages and can be forwarded to potential buyers.

Key Info;

• Car completely rebuilt in 2008 by IK Classics
• 2017/2022 New full-race 1,293cc engine. Steel Crank and Rods. Completely refreshed in 2022 at great cost including new liners, rolling-road print out 140bhp – only two race hours. Swiftune 1.4 ration rocker assembly, Swiftune Billet race camshaft, Swiftune followers, Omega forged pistons, ARP fasteners throughout, aluminium flywheel, aluminium back plate
• 2022 Peter May straight-cut close-ratio gearbox and heavy duty competition clutch. Zero hours. Quaife LSD diff
• Acid-dipped and seam-welded bodyshell, all-steel panels (No fibreglass or composite). Polycarbonate windows
• Roll Centre six-point roll cage, Sparco seats, Full race harness valid until 2029

Fully maintained as required under the watchful eye of Rae Davis, SSK 888 is 'on the button' and with very minor fettling and the usual spanner checks, ready for the season ahead. It’s road-registered with a current V5C and Heritage Certificate so endless opportunities abound. Believed to be 'The Oldest Racing Morris Minor in the World', there is no reason why it can’t go on delighting the crowds for years to come.