THE VERY EARLIEST advertising material repetively used the adjective "Supreme", appropriately. The Morris Minor Series MM announced at the first post-war Earls Court Motor Show in 1948 was a distinct departure in design and engineering for the Cowley based company. It provided further confirmation of the brilliance of Alec Issigonis who would later compound the achievement with the Mini. Both cars would in time attract cult status.
The model ran from 1948 through to 1971 spanning four engine sizes, in two and four door saloon form, with an extremely popular convertible and estate, plus commercial versatility in the shape a useful van and pick-up. The estate not only endeared itself as a general family 'hack' and inexpensive 'school bus', but supported a variety of small businesses loyaly. At the opposite end of the business scale the van was the reliable workhorse on which Post Office and Telecom built their customer service. No wonder that the motoring public have sought to preserve the Morris Minor in all its forms through a purposeful Morris Minor Owners' Club.
Formed in 1976 the club has a progressively increasing membership, worldwide, currently in excess of 14000. It exists simply to bring MM enthusiasts together and to promote the use of and preserve the post 1948 Minor. 
Membership is open to any person owning a Minor or interested in acquiring one. In the latter case there exists a facility for Morris Minor 'first timers' to gain, from seasoned campaigners-fellow club members, reliable advice and help, in the time leading up to their first purchase. Free advice is available and equally valid after purchase particularly to those who involve themselves in ground-up or running restoration. The same goes for the location of parts, some of which on the very early models are achieving a rarity value. Discounts to members are offered by a number of reputable Morris Minor specialists, motor factors and garages.
The 'blanket' coverage by close on fifty branches, in the UK, means that rarely are you far from a group which meet monthly, with a programme covering technical sessions, social gatherings, shows and other motoring events. The National Rally is quite naturally the high spot of the club year, but a group of more enterprising members annually pilgrimage to one or more of the European rallies at which UK members, traditionally, are made most welcome.
With the recent easing of the tax burden, even more emphasis has been placed on keen insurance rates. The Club offers members its own agreed value insurance scheme which is run in conjunction with the reputable Bain Hogg organisation and Royal Insurance. Add to this discounted RAC membership and discounted travel with P&O European Ferries and your Minor travel is well covered at economic rates at home and abroad.
A comprehensive club information service is provided through the medium of a first-class bi-monthly magazine Minor Matters which has car and owner features, technical discources, diary and event reports, plus a useful eight page advertiser. This not only covers trade services, but contains a regularly changing list of cars and parts for sale.
The club was formed, in Scunthorpe, by three Minor enthusiats in 1976 and held its first AGM in April 1977, at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire. Like so many clubs, from those very small beginnings a following has been harnessed around the world, members resident in France, Sweden, Germany, Sri Lanka,Japan, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and many other countries, especially those where the export of Minors made such a favorable impact.
1996 has proved to be a 'milestone' year for the MMOC. In 1989 the Club parted with 58,000 to become the proud owners of a modern industrial unit on the Sir Francis Ley Industrial Park in Derby - a brave move by any standards.
The result of the steady, painstaking development over the ensuing years has proved the worthwhile investment.
This year sees the site a fully functional working unit, - the hub of club activities - a credit to the hard work and effort patiently applied by the Club's senior officers,its committee, and the members involved. Having seen the pictures of Unit 8 and dealt with the friendly staff, CMM are looking forward to their first visit and a 'cuppa'.
In the meantime MMOC full membership rates are £15.00 UK, £21.00 Europe, £23.00 other countries and continents. UK Senior citizens benefit from a £2.50 reduction, as do 'mature' members from other countries.
CMM would like to thank Club Secretary Ray Newell and Liz Saxon, Membership Administrator for their help in preparing this edition of Club Call. Liz can be contacted, Monday to Friday (10am to 3pm) on Derby(01332) 291675 or fax on 01332 290661
Peter Cahill
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