Masthead
One of my photos

A moggie for the 21st Century?

February 17th, 2008 · Posted by Skuds in Technology · 2 Comments · Technology

In 1998 Volkswagen launched the New Beetle – an updated version of the old classic. In 2001 we had the Mini resurrected and re-imagined as the MINI by BMW.  This year it is Fiat’s turn to launch a modern version of a legendary small car with the cinquecento launched as the new Fiat 500. 

All three cars were originally iconic small cars, attracting a fierce loyalty from owners.  The new remixed versions are attracting a mixture of new fans and fans of the originals who want the image but can’t go without modern frills like electric windows, heating that works, etc.

I think the time is now right for a 21st Century version of the mighty Morris Minor!   It should be available in the ‘traveller’ variant with all the woodwork as well.

Some people will argue that a modern 2CV would be better, or a Reliant Robin, but they are wrong…  The Morris Minor was the first British car to sell more than a million, and the design team for it was led by Alec Issigonis – who later designed the Mini.  It was the first car I ever drove – a claim many people my age can make: it was either that, the Vauxhall Viva or Cortina mk2 in those days.

Its all a bit mad really – are we going to end up modern variants of the Vauxhall Chevette, Triumph Herald, Hillman Imp and Austin A40?  How far back can they go?  A Model T with power steering and LPG engine?  Perhaps this sort of nonsense should be discouraged – but not until a Morris Minor with power steering, heated windows, and the ability to reach 70mph has been made available.

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2 Comments so far ↓

  • skud's sister

    The really sad thing is that there is a generation out there with really naff Star Wars names (first name backwards, name of the first car you remember travelling in). My name is quite cool, Enaj Traveller, but can imagine if your family car was a Sharon?
    You have to get Joan to show you the Christmas present I got her – I searched the whole shop at Beaulieu until I found a model Morris Traveller the same colour as Fred…

  • Skuds

    Werdna Ford E Pop? Doesn’t sound too good does it? But maybe better than Werdna Bessie.

    I hope you got the little paintbrushes out and changed the number plate to LAP 71E

    The photo above is of a model convertible that Jayne got me a few years ago.