HIGHLIGHTS
- Unbeatable classic charm
- Reasonable body and paint
- Mechanically sound
- Desirable registration number
THE APPEAL
The long-lived appeal of the Morris Minor is down to it’s combination of charm, usability and affordability, and is probably one of the most important and popular British cars ever built.
The capacious Traveller is also exceptionally practical and MME 198C would certainly make an welcome companion for trips to the shops, Sunday car runs or taking the kids, dog and a picnic to classic car shows.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Up to date V5
- Last MOT in 2017
- New parts invoices
This ‘Moggy’ was first registered on the 23rd April 1965 in the same year as the Beatles film ‘Help!’ debuts in London and the Magic Roundabout premieres on BBC One!.
Having resided in the West Country for the majority of it’s life, the current owner acquired this traveller on the 28th September 2021 from a gentleman in Taunton. It has only covered around 1,000 miles in the last four years and the current owner has only had time to drive it around 100 miles since.
The V5 is present along with some previous MOT certificates, a handful of old tax discs and some recent maintenance and parts invoices.
The last ‘Pass’ MOT was carried out in September 2017 at 95,577 miles and online history lists a number of ‘Fail’ items prior to that, which you may like to take a look at. These are possibly due to lack of use, more than anything else. The exempt tax runs until the 1st September 2022.
THE INTERIOR
- Original specification
- All electrical equipment is said to function
- Good upholstery and roof lining
The tidy and minimalist interior is pretty much what you would expect. The dash has been brush painted and there is a little damage to the drivers seat (see photos), but otherwise everything is up together.
The central Smiths speedometer and fuel gauge is fine as are the switches, and an additional oil pressure gauge has been fitted. The owner assures us that all the electrical equipment is functioning as it should.
The light blue vinyl upholstery, door trims, carpets and headlining are in generally good condition, as is the rear load space.
A spare wheel is in-situ and has it’s accompanying jack and a couple of wheel braces. We did notice some corrosion in the lower rear corners.
THE EXTERIOR
- Trafalgar Blue paintwork
- Some corrosion and retouched areas
- Reasonable wood frame
Repainted some years ago in attractive Trafalgar Blue (but originally black, according to the owner), there are imperfections and some retouched/sprayed-in areas around the whole body (see photos).
There are some signs of bubbling to the body and wings, but the door bottoms look fine and the rear offside wheel arch panel is a fibreglass replacement.
Underneath, the sill areas are corroded although some remedial welding has visibly been carried
out underneath in the past and MOT critical areas such as the rear spring hangers, etc. appear solid upon first inspection at ground level (see photos).
The ash wood frame structure has clearly been varnished several times and is sound other than some joint cracks, particularly at the top of the rear corners and some ‘soft’ wood on the nearside bottom.
Windows, lights and chrome work are presentable but the front nearside bumper section has some damage to the chrome (see photo). Lastly, the old English White painted wheels appear good and are fitted with a mix of older tyres with usable trade remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- Healthy sounding 1098cc engine
- Basic servicing up to date
- Some new parts
Offering the later 1098cc engine, this peppy little A-series puts out around 48bhp @5100rpm and might reach 75mph. Other than the common upgrade of a screw-on oil filter, this unmodified engine starts and ticks-over very nicely without any obvious signs of exhaust smoke.
The owner tells us that this Traveller also drives well through the 4-speed gearbox, and the steering, suspension and drum brakes all operate efficiently. There are probably some oil leaks, as is common.
The starter ring gear and fuel pump were replaced in January 2022 by Longham Motor Engineers Ltd, Wimborne at a cost of £607.99 (see photo of invoice), and the owner has attended to recent oil and filter changes and has new pedal rubbers and rear door seals to fit.
SUMMARY
The owner describes this “honest little Traveller” as a “characterful car” that everyone waves at.
Regardless of this Morris Minor’s cosmetic blemishes, it can be enjoyed out on the open road as is, or with some love and attention could be a great contender for a part or full restoration.
Notice to bidders
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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
