Yesterday I went to a nearby market for grocery shopping and the moment I came out of my car, another car partially visible stopped me right in my tracks - for I was seeing something that I first saw in early 60s.
In an instant, my cell phone came out of my pocket and I moved towards 'this' car in sea green to take a few shots. Have you recognized and remembered this car, if you happen to be of my age, you would. Yes it is a Morris Minor 1000 car that first came into Pakistan in early 60s. I remember it vividly as a next day neighbour bought this while I was living in Lahore.
British Morris Minor was built as an economy car in 1948 and its model 1000 came in 1956 continued to be produced till 1971. By February 1961 the Morris Minor became the first British car to sell more than 1,000,000 units.
In Pakistan, most of the Morris Minor 1000s were seen in Rawalpindi and a time came when this car had almost vanished from all other cities of the country, Morris Minor 1000s were still used as Taxis - I believe till 1980s.
However, there are still some people fond of vintage cars, who have preserved this car and is spotted occasionally as did I. I waited for the owner for almost half an hour to ask him about his passion of keeping this car - but finally had to abandon my plan and buy the grocery to go home.
The famous artist Ajaz Anwar of Lahore is also still maintaining his Morris Minor as can be seen him posing with his car in Lahore above (Photo Courtesy Ajaz Anwar's Facebook Page).
Although Morris has virtually disappeared from the roads of Pakistan and its last city home Rawalpindi, if spotted it radiates the same glow and majesty with which it once rules roads of Pakistan.
Know more about Morris Minors at Wikipedia
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