Highlights
- Owned by the same family from new to 2018
- Incredibly original, matching numbers example
- Accompanied by a smart collection of original owners literature
- Magazine feature bus
The Appeal
The Morris J2 was something of a revolutionary commercial vehicle for the marque. Bearing influence from emerging market competition from Ford, the J2 boasted a monocoque, chassis free body and a forward control engine layout, resulting in greatly improved space for the driver and front seat passengers. This paired with the use of a strong, albeit somewhat lacking in the power department, 1489 cc BMC B-Series engine meant that the J2 sold in remarkable numbers, however very few of them have found their way into the modern era in good standing. Enter RSR 217.
The rarity and the uniqueness of the opportunity RSR 217 provides really can’t be undersold. The absolute personification of a needle in a haystack, this 1957 model bears just one former keeper, having been in the same family from new until 2018, and unlike most surviving J2 minibuses that have been converted into campers or food trucks, is still equipped with its original 13 seater cabin.
Undoubtedly one of the finest examples on the market today, there may be no other J2 in such an honest and original form as this absolute gem.
The History and Paperwork
- Sold new through Duthie & Son LTD of Montrose Scotland
- Owned by the same family until 2018
- Bought in 2018 and subject to a respray from green to the period correct cream and burgundy that it sits in at present
- Accompanied by the original service book, and owners book pack, still in their original envelope
- Original Morris workshop manual
- Featured in Classic and Vintage Commercial magazine April 2022 issue
- V5 registration document present with the vehicle with just one former keeper mark
First registered on 22/07/1957, the J2 was sold through dealership Duthie & Son LTD of Montrose. Amazingly the dealership is still trading (although now selling Citroens and Ssangyongs) and a chance phone call by the current keeper revealed that they still had the original sales file stored in house dating back to 1957.
As previously stated, this van had been held in the same family from new until 2018. An amazing feat that very few vehicles on this earth can claim. In 2018 the J2 was bought and resprayed into its current paint scheme with the intention of running historic tours through North Wales, however this plan never came to fruition and after making an appearance in several movie and TV pieces, the J2 is looking for a new loving home.
The Interior
- Still in rare and original 13 seat minibus form
- Great quality upholstery
- Still possess rare features such as pull down divider blind and air circulation venting
From the factory, the J2 could be specced as either a cargo van, pickup or minibus, the example we see here, as confirmed by the original dealer, was ordered as the latter, a 13 seater minibus. As most J2 minibuses rather quickly found their way to 3rd party companies and were subject to camper conversions, it comes as a pleasant surprise to find this example still bearing its original 13 seater cabin.
Certainly simplistic in its design, the J2 presents in remarkably clean condition, with just over 50 thousand miles on the clock, this van has had a rather gentle life and was clearly looked after well by its original custodians over their 61 year ownership, and it really does show on the inside.
Opening the single hinged rear door we are presented with an amazing rear passenger section. Kitted out with a selection of smart, well upholstered bench seats, there will certainly be no complaints about a lack of space back here. The upholstery found on the seating is of a brilliant standard, still rich in its deep red colour with tight cushioning and quality stitching. The matching seats found in the front section of the van are of an equally high quality, and courtesy of the forward control engine layout, front passengers are treated to a rather impressive amount of legroom. Quality maroon carpeting is found at ground level in the vab to give a true VIP feel to anyone climbing in back.
Looking up, we find a good quality headliner, clean and tight and most notably, still with its original cool air circulation venting installed, all of which is in great shape. It should be noted however that a small section of the wooden bordering on the headliner has become detached at the rear of the van. Focusing back to the front of the J2, attention can be drawn to a great clean dash panel, embellished with a smart set of gauges and the all important original dealer badge, and the elegant white rimmed steering wheel which is of a truly excellent standard.
To divide the front and rear passenger sections, a factory fitted blind can be pulled down and latched down. This appears to have seen very limited use throughout its lifetime and presents as such.
The Exterior
- Presents in excellent aesthetic order
- Great two cream and maroon paintwork
- Good clean glass work and trim
Now sitting in glorious cream with contrasting maroon detailing, this J2 certainly a handsome little van. Well proportioned with brilliant styling, there is something quintessentially British about the J2 from an aesthetic perspective. Whilst originally leaving the factory in a green paint scheme, the van was treated to a refresh in the colours it bears at present not long after it was sold out of the original family in 2018.
The paintwork itself is of a good standard and presents as such, the cream really does exude a perfect shine and is so well complimented by the maroon. There are naturally some minor blemishes and signs of age to be seen dotted around the van however there is nothing to detract from the van’s looks, rather they play into its genuine, honest originality.
The vertically slatted grille found at the front end is in great standing with the same being said of the selection of chrome and painted trim pieces used throughout the van. The glass work is all of a good clean nature and at the rear of the passenger section, the pull out quarter light windows are in good functioning form.
Sitting at ground level are four excellent maroon steel wheels, detailed off nicely with chrome hubcaps. All four wheels and their adjoining trims are in good clean shape.
This van really is something special, and the aesthetics play such a big part in that. Wherever this little van goes next, it's bound to turn some heads, one can’t help but admire a genuine surviving classic commercial vehicle.
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers engine
- Legendary B Series four cylinder
- In remarkably good mechanical standing
When it comes to the mechanical side of the J2, the word original may be something of an understatement. As confirmed by the original selling dealer, the 1489 cc B Series unit nestled in between the driver and front passenger seat is in fact the original matching numbers engine, no mean feat as these vans were so often driven hard and were no stranger to a replacement engine.
What is perhaps more impressive is the standard in which the engine sits today, lifting up the hatch of the “dog kennel” engine compartment, we are presented with a truly impeccable motor, dry as a bone, they don't come much better than this. With the odometer reading at just over 50 thousand miles, it is a fair assumption to suggest that this van was treated well and led a somewhat pampered life, a far cry from the fate of most minibuses of both former and present day.
The current owner believes that much of this engine has gone untouched throughout its lifetime, excluding general servicing of course, many of the bolts surrounding the engine look to have been fastened down in 1957 and have stayed there since.
On the road the J2 provides a wonderful driving experience, the little motor does get up to speed and thanks to an extensive recommissioning of the braking system circa 2018, comes back down to a stop comfortably as well. The three speed column change transmission was certainly an unusual specification from the factory but it does the job well, although the current owner reports that 1st gear can often be challenging to engage. However overall, this van is a mechanical gem.
Summary
Surely it must be one of the last left. So many of these minibuses were chopped and changed into camper vans it comes as such a welcome sight to see one in such good original standing. Presenting in marvellous condition both inside and out, this J2 is really something special.
Opportunities like this simply don't come around often at all. For the classic commercial enthusiast this is the one to have. Primed and ready to get down the road or to display at the next classic vehicle show. This J2 will garner appreciation and respect wherever it heads to next.
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