British Motor Heritage were absolutely honoured to meet the owner (Tony Nathan) of this very rare and iconic car, at the Hatfield Heath Festival a few weeks ago. On 23rd July 1956, a special prototype was born in the Experimental Department of Morris Motors – 122 AJO, a turquoise convertible and oone of just three vehicles used in developing the build of one-piece windscreen Morris Minor.
The only survivor of its kind (alongside a two-door and four-door saloon, both now lost), 122 AJO carried the initial Experimental designation EX 307, later changed to EX 311 for reasons still unknown. It’s believed this change may be linked to engine-sharing with another prototype — a rare practice at the time.
🔎 This fascinating detail was rediscovered recently, with EX 307 stamped on the offside lower bulkhead, hidden for decades beneath a wiring loom and thick underseal — now carefully uncovered. After four years in Morris Motors’ Experimental fleet, 122 AJO passed into the hands of Graham Wing on 27 June 1960 — a name deeply tied to the brand. Graham’s father, a senior figure within Morris Motors and BMC Services Ltd, worked closely with Leonard Lord (later Lord and Lady Lambury), who were even godparents to Graham. This vehicle holds a story that bridges engineering innovation and a family’s legacy within British motoring history.
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