1953 MO Series Morris Oxford Traveller

History

  • One of only 5,500 made
  • Rare right-hand drive example
  • Excellent provenance 
  • Former Jaguar Land Rover Heritage car
  • Previously owned by Celebrity Chef Keith Floyd in the ’90s

The Appeal

To simply suggest that the MO-Series Oxford is an enlarged version of a Minor would be a discredit to its range of abilities. There’s nothing wrong with a Minor as millions can testify, but the installation of the robust 1.5-litre engine is what makes the Oxford a much more usable option. Serving as a roomy robust family car, with ample space for luggage too it was created with exports in mind. The American-influenced styling is evident in the chrome touches and cabin design, which adds a little glamour to the proceedings. They were first seen in 1948, and the Traveller versions appeared in 1952. Only 5,500 were made, with more than half going to export. These early variants of the MO Series Oxfords have become hard to find in RHD UK spec form, with survivors now thought to be in the single digits.  
Part of a private car collection, this 1953 Oxford Traveller saw restoration in the late 1980s and was then owned for a period by celebrity chef, the late Keith Floyd. Prior to this, a number of fascinating owner notes detailing its travels up to the 1990s have been kept. This also includes service records from the first two decades of its life, as well as more recent invoices and MOTs. Furthermore, Jaguar Land Rover are documented as a recent former keeper, suggesting it was in their hands as a heritage car and possibly stored at their Gaydon facility. It comes with an MOT to June 2023 and its V5 registration document.




The History and Paperwork

  • V5c present
  • MOT June 2023
  • MOT and tax exempt
  • Currently part of a private collection
  • Impressive province of two binders including service records from the 1950s and 1960s
  • Restored in the late 80s, with many of the originals panels retained
  • Heritage certificate included 
  • Comes with a selection of invoices and old MOT certificates 
  • Extensive notes and magazine articles on the car
  • Re-registered with age-related plates two years ago


The Interior

  • The interior trim is all present and correct
  • Door cards and headlining intact, with minor signs of age
  • Light but pleasing patina noted on the metal facia, steering wheel and controls
  • All controls and dials are said to function 
  • Carpets damp free with light wear
  • Leather seats appear to be original, with age-related wear but free of significant damage
  • Carpeted boot appears to be lightly used




The Exterior 

  • The chassis appears to be solid
  • Decent floor pan, sills and inner wings
  • The body is solid and free of dents with just minor signs of age on the lower sections of the body
  • Panel fit is flush, with no issues regarding the opening and closing of the doors
  • Light dents were noted on the rear section of the roof and mild corrosion above the front passenger section of the roof
  • Paint coverage even with age-related marks, but still within the realm of a positive presentation
  • Most chrome trim items are lightly pitted but are believed to be original
  • Glass intact, some rubber seals show signs of age
  • Rear wooden structure generally solid but does show deterioration 
  • Tyres are likely to be over 20 years old but are in good shape
  • The wheels and hub trims are clean



The Mechanics 

  • 1.5-litre engine starts and runs well, with some light smoke noted on startup
  • Engine temperature and oil pressure are said to be stable
  • No fluid leaks were noted on the day
  • The engine presentation is clean, with visual evidence of previous maintenance 
  • Hoses and ancillaries intact
  • Stainless steel exhaust 
  • No reported issues with the gearbox or clutch
  • Said to drive well with no significant issues with steering or suspension



Summary

Never has practicality and 1950s rarity gone so well together. Offering more space and power than the humble Minor Traveller, this early MO Series Traveller also benefits from decent mechanical parts backup and the promise of active and helpful owners' clubs. An honest example of a solid car with a fascinating back story, it could easily serve as a roomy and leisurely but dependable summer hack.

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.


Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1953
  • Make Morris
  • Model Oxford Traveller
  • Colour Grey
  • Odometer 57,415 Miles
  • Engine size 1489
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Uckfield
  • Location Sussex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
30 bids
  • st•••• £12,000 01/02/23
  • fx•••• £11,250 01/02/23
  • st•••• £11,000 01/02/23
  • fx•••• £10,750 01/02/23
  • st•••• £10,500 01/02/23
  • fx•••• £10,250 01/02/23
  • st•••• £10,000 01/02/23
  • fx•••• £9,800 01/02/23
  • st•••• £9,500 01/02/23
  • fx•••• £9,000 01/02/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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