Description
The subject of substantial bodywork and mechanical restoration within recent years, this stunning Traveller presented in OEW with correct all-black interior comes with a large history file documenting it`s life since being sold by Charles Ware`s Morris Minor Centre in November 2002. The past 21 years has seen around 35, 000 miles travelled with less than a handful of private owners, all of whom have strived to both cherish and improve the car making it what it is today. If you are in the market for a properly sorted example that can be used and enjoyed daily, look no further.
A classic of automotive design, the Morris Minor was a product of Sir Alec Issigonis`s leadership and went into production in 1948 with a run spanning 23 years. The first British car to sell over one million units, it was available as either a 2 or 4-door saloon, convertible (Tourer), estate (Traveller) and in small commercial form as a van or pick-up. Issigonis wanted to create a practical, economical and affordable car that was easy to drive and it`s popularity today only goes to prove that the brief was met. From 1962 onwards, the Minor had developed to earn it`s own development number - ADO59 - with engine capacity increased to 1098cc, stronger gearbox, bigger drum brakes and revised interiors.
Our Traveller was registered in October 1970 and as one of the last off the line was almost certainly built at the ex-Wolseley plant at Adderley Park. It was first registered in Brighton but thereafter we know little of it`s history until it was acquired as a part exchange by Charles Ware in October 2002. The car was evidently prepared for sale and sold a few weeks later to a couple from Braunton, North Devon for the sum of £6000. Over the following 9 years, the Morris was very much loved and enjoyed as regular transport whilst the receipts on file document considerable investment. Within the first 3 years of ownership, over £4000 was spent on bodywork and the underside (new sills, floors and inner wings) with a complete mechanical overhaul undertaken by Minor Miracles of Tiverton in October 2007. This consisted of a replacement engine with unleaded head, replacement gearbox, new clutch and all ancillaries. A further £2336. In March 2010, the car benefitted from more extensive bodywork with the replacement of 3 outer wings, inner wings, inner sills and floors with associated repaint including wheels. In total, another £5054. A year later in June 2011, the Morris was brokered by a local car dealer and sold for £5500 to a gentleman in Fleet, Hampshire. He retained the car for around 2 years whilst continuing to improve and maintain it with bills for brake and ignition parts and a wheel bearing kit. The car was subsequently resold in November 2013, moving to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Here it stayed for the next 7 years and once again was constantly fettled with annual garage trips and regular MoT inspections up to 2018. Notable work over this period included a replacement fuel pump, the fitting of electronic ignition, replacement rear shock absorbers and rear link arm with bushes, new clutch and full brake overhaul. In December 2020, the car was sold again to a gentleman in Doncaster where it remained for just 18 months before heading South to Lyme Regis in the Summer of 2022. The Morris is only now for sale owing the keeper`s acquisition of another classic vehicle and whilst in his ownership, has benefitted from an alternator conversion, new brake shoes and wheel bearing replacement.
The Morris today presents just as seen in the photographs. The older OEW repaint has worn extremely well with just a few age-related blemishes whilst the wood frame is generally excellent having been lightly sanded and oil-treated in the last couple of months. All chrome and brightwork is similarly very good. Inside, the cabin is delightfully original with all-black trim, carpets and door-cards. Whilst there is some evidence of light wear it is only commensurate with use and it is refreshing to see what would appear to be a wholly authentic interior as specified from the Adderley Park factory. Turn the key and the ever-willing A-Series fires immediately into life sounding purposeful with that ever endearing “parp” exhaust note. On the road, unsurprisingly the Morris drives superbly with smooth gear changes, plenty of peppy performance and reassuringly good brakes. On a rare sunny day, I took it out for a spin across the West Dorset Downs and loved every minute. I have had numerous Minor Travellers over the years and they never fail to make me smile. They do everything one hopes of a small estate car and for that reason make for very practical daily drivers.
Our car comes with comprehensive history from 2002 to the present day including 2 files of bills and receipts, a file of old MoT Certificates from 2010-2018, an original workshop manual, two Haynes manuals, a copy of Durable Car Ownership (MMC), MMOC Technical Manual, old Registration documents, a current V5C and 2 sets of keys.
A nicely restored and properly sorted example ready to be enjoyed immediately. Good value too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
