Description
This is just superb. The subject of a documented chassis-off mechanical and structural rebuild just 4 years ago by leading marque specialists ESM Morris Minors of Stonegate, East Sussex, this stunning 6cwt Van literally needs for nothing. With the list of replacement parts and work undertaken by ESM running to 12 pages, this is a professionally sorted example that can be used and enjoyed immediately and would make the ideal promotional vehicle.
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 its popularity today only goes to prove that the brief was met. From 1962 onwards, the Minor had developed to earn its own development number - ADO59 - with engine capacity increased to 1098cc, stronger gearbox, bigger drum brakes and revised interiors. The Van version was particularly popular with the GPO and unlike the Saloon or Traveller benefitted from a separate chassis and came with telescopic rear dampers, stuffer leaf springs and lower-ratio differentials to cope with heavier loads. With the demise of Austin A35 Van production in 1968, BMC introduced an Austin-badged variant of both the Minor Van and Pickup incorporating a “crinkle cut” radiator grill and appropriate badging. Production of these small commercials ceased in April 1971 and as such the Austin-badged examples are considerably rarer than their Morris cousins with around just 350 still in existence.
Our Van was first registered in December 1971 making it without doubt one of the very last built and registered for road use. Supplied new to a gentleman in Bristol, the Van remained in the City for a number of years moving South to East Somerset during the 1990`s where MoT Certificates record light use and general maintenance through to 2005. By 2009, it had moved up to Lincoln before heading South again a year later to be used as a promotional van for a country farm shop near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. The livery for this business remains on the Van to this day. During 2011, the vehicle underwent considerable work to suspension and braking systems as well as detailed body repairs and paintwork to the “back” undertaken by Bucks Bodyworks of Amersham. MoT Certificates from this period reflect regular use but Advisories noted during one inspection (2014) suggest a fair degree of underbody and chassis corrosion, the Van evidently mothballed soon thereafter. In late 2020, it was subsequently acquired by a lady in Sevenoaks, Kent who, keen to get the van back on the road again, took it to marque specialists, East Sussex Morris Minors of Stonegate for servicing and MoT inspection. ESM agreed to undertake what was a full recommissioning exercise replacing hub seals and half shafts, renewing the entire braking system and fitting a servo, overhauling the cooling system with new radiator, all new ignition parts, all new tyres, new battery, service, tune-up and MoT. Back on the road in March 2021, ESM had clearly made observations with reference to the underside and very soon after the decision was made to take the plunge and invest heavily in this little van. For the next 3 years, the van virtually lived with ESM who essentially undertook a full chassis-off mechanical and structural rebuild with invoices for parts and labour running to 12 pages with photographs showing the sheer extent of work done. The project started with engine out, sandblasting of the engine bay and subsequent metalwork repairs to plates, fitches, turrets and support brackets whilst the engine itself was steam-cleaned, repainted and reassembled with all new ancillaries. A reconditioned gearbox was sourced and prior to fitting, the entire cab and back were removed from the chassis and work commenced on cutting out the floors replacing with entire OS and NS panels including anchorage panels, boxing panels, sills and back panel as well as repairs to both A and B posts and both inner wings. All the original kingpins, torsion bar, rear axle and springs were subsequently removed and replaced whilst an entirely new chassis was procured, cavity wax injected and painted. With the body now back on the new chassis, the van was rewired with a replacement loom, new stainless-steel exhaust fitted and all new ancillaries. Engine and gearbox back in, it was now decided to concentrate on the interior of the cab itself. A reconditioned dash was sourced and fitted with new parcel shelf bar, switchgear and replacement headlining whilst Newton Commercial supplied a rebuild kit for the seats, new seat covers, underlay kit and full carpet set. Finally, the windscreen was removed and the lower corners repaired and repainted in-line with the dash refurbishment. Job done! Almost 3 years in the workshop and the van was subsequently MoT`d in February 2024 and ultimately put up for sale by ESM on behalf of their customer. Almost immediately, it was spotted and purchased by a classic car collector in Swansea who has enjoyed taking it to shows but rationalisation of his motoring needs has persuaded him to now find it a new home.
The photographs tell the story here. This in one properly sorted example that needs for nothing mechanically or structurally. The majority of paintwork dates back around 15 years and whilst displaying a few age-related blemishes, is still generally superb with nothing to hide. Chrome has a little light pitting whilst glass and external trim are all excellent. But open the bonnet or look either inside the cab or underneath and you`ll see where a serious five figure sum has been invested. It is truly superb and practically as-new. Turn the key and the little A-Series fires immediately into life sounding purposeful and ready to work. I have driven hundreds of Minors over the years and this van drives better than virtually anything I can recall. It is a real joy with eager acceleration, a smooth and easy gearchange, superb brakes thanks to the servo-assistance and wonderful balanced handling. Recent swivel pins, steering arms and a front wheel bearing refurbishment definitely aids the driving experience. I took the van for a proper run across the West Dorset Downs and smiled all the way. It would make the perfect promotional vehicle without too many concerns over future maintenance or would equally serve well doing the show circuit.
The Austin comes with a comprehensive history file covering the past 20 years with sundry bills from it`s life in Somerset, details of the bodywork restoration around 15 years ago and importantly, 12 pages of work undertaken by ESM Morris Minors from 2021-2024 together with some colour photographs of work in progress. Last MoT`d in February 2024 with no advisory notes, the van is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt. It comes with a full set of keys and current V5C.
A substantially and professionally rebuilt example of a true British icon.
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.
Deposit now taken.
