It was on this day in 1970 that British Leyland surprisingly announced that production would soon cease on the Morris Minor - Britain’s longest running car.

Having initially debuted in 1948 as a two-door saloon, the range was expanded to include a four-door saloon in 1950. Later, other variants were added such as a wood-framed estate as well as panel vans and pick-up trucks.

In all its guises, the Morris Minor became a classic example of automative design and a symbol of “Englishness” but - although it became the first British car to break the one million sales barrier - it failed to penetrate the export market like its big rival, the Volkswagen Beetle, had.

The Minor - which was officially replaced on the production lines by the Morris Marina - retains an enduring popularity amongst classic car enthusiasts and, given that back-up parts for the vehicle are still in circulation, restored Morris Minors are not an uncommon sight on British roads today.

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