A charming and highly original example of this much-loved practical classic
A low owner car with just five keepers to date and a sensible original mileage
Presenting in a popular colourway with the woodwork diligently maintained
The Appeal
After the catastrophic upheavals caused by World War II countries across the world were focussed on getting their economies back on their feet. This movement spawned many iconic cars including the VW Beetle, Citroen 2CV, Fiat 500, and in Britain, the Morris Minor.
A young designer called Alec Issigonis was set to work by Morris on a project called “Mosquito.” This project went on to become the Morris Minor. Issigonis summed up his design brief as aiming to create a car "the average man would take pleasure in owning, rather than feeling of it as something he'd been sentenced to." Originally only available in a saloon configuration, the estate Traveller model joined the range in 1953.
This example appears to be a very honest and original car. It appears to have been well cared for by a low number of owners. Importantly for a Traveller, the iconic woodwork seems to have been diligently cared for and presents very well indeed.
The History and Paperwork
This example rolled out of Cowley at the start of 1965
The chassis number reveals it to be from the series V production run
The prefixes reveal it to be a right-hand drive Traveller
The original owner appears to have retained the car right up until 1985
The second owner kept the car until 2014 – a full 29 years
The current owner acquired the car in 2022 to become just the fifth owner
There is a good level of paperwork on hand
This includes the V5 in the name of the owner
This classifies the Minor as an Historic Vehicle
As such the car is considered VED and MOT exempt in the UK
Despite this, the Minor has a current MOT valid until September 2024
This is an advisory free test for optimum reassurance
Numerous invoices for parts and services acquired are also present
The Interior
The interior appears to be highly original and in a fine, overall condition
The seats are covered in textured light blue vinyl
This is formed into vertical box pleats and matching piping adorns the seat edges
No splits, tears or area of wear were noted
The front seats pivot forward to allow access to the rear seat
The rear bench is identically trimmed and equally well presented
The door cards and side panels are well trimmed in matching vinyl
The carpets are in a complementary hue and present very well
They are edge bound and seem to be in an excellent condition
The light headlining is tightly fitted and clean and presentable
The rudimentary dashboard is formed from body coloured painted steel
Two gloveboxes, one lidded, provide storage each side
In the centre of the dash is the single, large gauge
This is a combined speedometer and fuel gauge with in-built warning lights
A handful of push/pull buttons are situated here also
The original Bakelite two spoke steering wheel is fitted
Below the dashboard is a full width storage shelf
Access to the luggage compartment is afforded via twin, outward opening doors
This capacious area is split horizontally to form two compartments
The luggage area is finished with fitted vinyl and polished metal protective strips
The lower compartment houses the spare wheel, tyre, tools and jack
The Exterior
This example presents in it’s a fine-looking Smoke Grey hue
Given its thick and smooth condition it seems likely it has been previously resprayed
The paintwork looks to be in a surprisingly good order throughout
Likewise, the curvaceous bodywork
The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical for this vintage of car
A thin coachline is present on the extruded side strip
The brightwork appears to be clean and shiny throughout
Light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and in fine order
All marque and model badges seem to be present and correct
The wooden frame looks great and is reported to be in fine order
In its current ownership it has been diligently oiled with a sun resistant oi
The Minor rides on a set of 14-inch steel wheels
These have recently been refurbished
These are painted off-white and are, consequently, very well presented
These are centred with a set of chromed, domed hub caps
The wheels are shod with a matching set of new Firestone radial type tyres
The Mechanics
By the time of this Series V car the Minor used the 1098cc A series engine
This served to significantly improve the Minor’s performance
Top speed increased from 77mph, and the drive was generally more responsive
The 0-60mph time was reduced to well under 30 seconds
The gearbox boasted taller ratios, too, for more relaxed cruising
A four-speed gearbox transferred the 37bhp to the rear wheels
This Minor has benefited from plenty of mechanical attention in current ownership
Highlights include a new clutch and stainless-steel silencer
Wheel bearings, brake hoses and suspension bushes are also new
A new fuel pump and handbrake cables are also reported
Hazard warning lights and two speed wipers have been fitted
The current owner attests to the car running very well with no known issues
The under-bonnet condition looks highly original
The expected data plates appear to be present
The inner panels and bulkhead look to be solid and clean
The owner has had the engine removed and the bay fully detailed
As such this engine bay is surely a potential prize winner
The underside looks straight and well undersealed
Summary
Like “mass mobilisation” cars from other geographies, the Morris Minor went on to have a long production run being produced between 1948 and 1971. During that period over 1.6 million Morris Minors were built and sold. Like many cars of this era, however, the Minor is becoming an increasingly rare sight on our roads today.
This is especially true of the wood clad Traveller with many having succumb to terminal rot of the wooden frame. Its combination of simplicity, character and practicality make it a superb low-cost ownership proposition.
This example is notable for its originality, honesty and fine presentation. The interior appears highly original and entirely faithful to Issigonis’s original “big car interior in a small car” ethos. In a ready to use and enjoy condition, this Minor offers the perfect entre into the fascinating world of classic car ownership.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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More about buying with us
1965 Morris Minor Traveller
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