This adorable 1938 10/4 M was left alone in a garage for over 20 years but has recently emerged and, with just a light recommission (including brand new correct tyres with new inner tubes, a new fuel pump, new brake hoses and a new battery), it’s back on the road. And on the road it belongs: it’s a nice serene drive: engine, clutch and gearbox all running well, no nasty creaks or knocks from underneath and, without drama, stops safely and in a straight line.

This is an early series M – we believe it to have a production date of 28th August 1938 and it was first registered on 24th September 1938 – so perhaps it’s the oldest left on the road. The 48,800 miles showing on the clock could well be genuine…certainly from the records that we do have it does appear that the car never ventured too far from the South Coast having been originally supplied by Fields Garage of Brighton. But we don’t know for sure because, sadly, much of the history and documentation has been lost over the years. Undoubtedly it was subject to an older sympathetic restoration – possibly in the 1990s – which has left it in overall good condition with many of the original features left in tact (e.g. the rear window pull-up blind).

The car is structurally very sound with no sign of any rot underneath and, save for a few localised small spots of surface corrosion, it presents really well. The maroon paintwork is good although could benefit from a proper polish to remove residue from where it has been covered with sheets for many years whilst in storage. The chromework is all solid and has a wonderful aged appearance: if desired, the new owner could get all of the original brightwork re-plated to bring it up to A1 standard.

The interior is completely unmolested and in great condition. The seats are rip free with a nice patina, headlining and sunroof surround are sound and the doorcards, trim and dashboard are all very nice. The trafficators are in good working order (although the left-hand side needs occasional coaxing to return to its seating) and all the electrics seem to do as they should.

This is an outstanding pre-war example of Morris’s series M. Now a rare sight, this car offers the new owner a unique opportunity of a complete, solid and very usable vintage car but with scope for easy ongoing restorative improvements which would surely turn it in to a show winner.