1974 Morris 7 CWT Deluxe – Classified of the Week

We know that when you mention the Morris Marina, it doesn’t exactly result in the fires of the heart being stoked. A shame, really, as we have always like the Marina, especially the early models. It’s a car that sold exceptionally well, you can read all about it in this article we wrote a while back. The Marina was a popular family car for ‘1970s Brits, and the van version was popular with people who needed, well, a van. But what if you wanted a camper version? Yes, the van version could be ordered as one, and that’s what we have here. A 1974 Morris 7 CWT Deluxe camper. And never has beige been so damn appealing. Look at it, and tell us, hand on heart, that you wouldn’t like to go camping in this little belter?

You can keep your silly expensive VWs, you can leave your tent in the loft, and forget Air B&B. This beauty of the past is your camping future, and all for just £6,950. Based on a 1275cc van, this camper was one of a handful converted by SunTor and this particular example has survived remarkably well. The body looks straight as an arrow, there is no rust to be seen, the off-white steel wheels gleam along with the dog dish hub caps. It’s just a charming little thing. Simple to work on, easy to drive, economical, perfect.

Inside, the rear doors have fitted cupboards, there’s a little dual hob, a grill and even a little sink. And if you’re worried about space, don’t be. There’s a full-length pop-top meaning you get ample headroom and a remarkable sense of space with it. There’s loads of storage too, with roof-mounted cupboards and some other storage cubbies in the kitchen area. As for sleeping space, the seat – including the two front seats, fold flat to make for a double bed, albeit a cosy one. But who doesn’t like the thought of a cuddle while camping, eh?

Power, if you can call it that, comes from a 1275cc A Series engine. An engine about as complicated as a ham sandwich, it’s reliable, tough and easy to maintain. It’s mated to a four-speed manual transmission. This camper boasts a recently rebuilt starter motor, new solenoid, fuel pump and new coolant hoses. It has electronic ignition, too. It’s ready to rock up at your chosen camping spot, and will fire right up every morning. It’s no racer, obviously, but it’ll get you wherever you want to go.

We utterly adore this 1974 Morris 7 CWT Deluxe camper, and we’re sure you will, too. It’s a bargain in terms of classic campers, it’s charming and it looks so incredibly cosy. Imaging a nice summer’s weekend spent in this. BBQ and a beer in the evening, a comfy night’s sleep safe from the elements, and then in the morning you can fire up the hob and make an egg and bacon sarnie and a brew. This is the life, right? Buy it, have an adventure, you won’t regret it.