Millionth Morris Minor not sold

The car was made in Cowley in 1960 Photo courtesy of HMC Gaydon, Warks

The one millionth Morris Minor to roll off the production line 50 years ago failed to sell at auction in Somerset.

The car, which was made in 1960, was expected to fetch about £30,000 but did not reach the £25,000 reserve price.

The car was one of 349 special models which were based on the standard 1961 two-door saloon. They were painted lilac with a white leather interior.

The current owner bought it in 1971 and said it was still going strong.

Mr Whitney, from Charterhouse Auctioneers, said that he was disappointed that the car had failed to sell despite a lot of national coverage. He said: "It just didn't do it on the day."

However before the sale, Tim Brennan, from the Charlie Ware Morris Minor Centre in Bristol, said: "A regular Morris Minor owner wouldn't want to spend £30,000.

"We restore cars here all the time and rarely do they cost any more than £15,000 and that would be for a fully restored vehicle."

The car will be auctioned again in February 2010 at the Bath and West Showground.