Morris Minor Still Has Major Place in UK Hearts

Morris Minor tops poll of most quintessentially British vehicles

LONDON - July 14, 2006: The Morris Minor is the most quintessentially British vehicle on UK roads according to a survey by the British International Motor Show, which returns to London for the first time in 30 years on 20th July.

The Morris Minor, with its wooden panels and distinctive curves, beat other British classics car brands like the Aston Martin and Rolls Royce as well as a host of iconic vehicles like the red fire engine and the London black cab to the number one spot in the top ten most quintessentially British vehicles.

Kirsty Adams, Show spokesperson said, “It’s great to see that the Morris Minor still has a place in British hearts. You’ll be able to see some of the finest examples of restored Morris Minors in 1950’s and 1960’s sections of the 100 Years of Cars Parade in London on Sunday 16th July, along with 250 of the worlds most iconic cars from the past, present and future.”

Top ten list of the UK’s most quintessentially British vehicles

1. Morris Minor
2. Aston Martin
3. Rolls Royce
4. Fire Engine
5. Mini
6. Black Cab
7. Double decker bus
8. Robin Reliant
9. Milk Float
10. Green Goddess

Crowds of over 100,000 will turn out to watch the star studded parade of famous, historic, and futuristic cars travel through London on Sunday 16 July. The event celebrates the return of The British International Motor Show to London after 30 years and marks the start of the Show at ExCeL London on Thursday 20 July. The procession will feature iconic and classic cars from every decade of the last 100 years as well as vehicles from the big and small screen.

This unique celebration of the car will see around 250 vehicles, estimated to be worth in excess of £10 million, strutting their stuff through the streets of central London. Famous cars taking part include Austin Powers’ Shaguar, Judge Dredd’s police car, Scooby Doo’s van and Lara Croft’s Tomb Raider Land Rover.

Cruising alongside these star cars will be everything from vintage Ford model Ts, prestigious luxury Rolls-Royces and Bentleys through to sporty British cars such as Aston Martin and Lotus. Interspersed in the parade will be vintage London taxis, a selection of World War Two vehicles, as well as the Royal Air Force marching band and cheerleaders.

Racing driver and face of The British International Motor Show, Jodie Kidd, will lead the parade on its way in her own Maserati at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon. It will travel down Piccadilly, on to Lower Regent’s Street, into Cockspur Street before ending at Trafalgar Square. The entire parade is expected to take around one hour.