Highlights

A charming and highly original example of this much-loved practical classic
Just five registered keepers to date and a sensible original mileage
The woodwork has been diligently maintained and therefore is in great condition
Voluntarily MOT tested (valid until 11th September 2024 with no advisories)

The Appeal

After the catastrophic upheavals caused by the Second World War, countries across the world were focussed on getting their economies back on their feet. This movement spawned many iconic cars including the VW Beetle, Citroen 2CV, Fiat 500, and in Britain, the Morris Minor.

A young designer called Alec Issigonis was set to work by Morris on a project called “Mosquito.” This project went on to become the Morris Minor. Issigonis summed up his design brief as aiming to create a car "the average man would take pleasure in owning, rather than feeling of it as something he'd been sentenced to." Originally only available in a saloon configuration, the estate Traveller model joined the range in 1953.

Like “mass mobilisation” cars from other geographies, the Morris Minor went on to have a long production run being produced between 1948 and 1971. During that period over 1.6 million Minors were built and sold. Like many cars of this era, however, the Minor is becoming an increasingly rare sight on our roads today.

This is especially true of the wood-clad Traveller with many having succumbed to terminal rot of the wooden frame. This example appears to be a very original car and it has clearly been well cared for by all five registered keepers. Importantly for a Traveller, the iconic woodwork seems to have been diligently cared for and presents very well indeed.

In a ready to use and enjoy condition, this Minor offers the perfect entre into the fascinating world of classic car ownership.

The History and Paperwork

Voluntarily MOT tested (valid until 11th September 2024 with no advisories)
Registered as an historic vehicle and therefore road tax exempt
This example rolled out of Cowley at the start of 1965
The chassis number reveals it to be from the series V production run
The prefixes reveal it to be a right-hand drive Traveller
The original owner appears to have retained the car right up until 1985
The second registered keeper kept the car until 2014 – a full 29 years
The current owner acquired the car in 2022 to become just the fifth registered keeper
There is a good level of paperwork on hand
This includes the V5C in the name of the vendor
Numerous invoices for parts and services acquired are also present

The Condition

This example presents beautifully in it’s a fine-looking Smoke Grey hue, complemented by a thin coachline
The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical for this vintage of car
The brightwork appears to be clean and shiny throughout
Light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and in fine order
All marque and model badges seem to be present and correct
The wooden frame looks great and is reported to be in fine order
In its current ownership it has been diligently oiled with a sun resistant oil
The Minor rides on a set of fourteen-inch steel wheels which have recently been refurbished and painted off-white
Matching set of new Firestone radial-type tyres
The interior appears to be highly original and in a fine, overall condition
The seats are covered in textured light blue vinyl formed into vertical box pleats and matching piping adorns the seat edges
No splits, tears or area of wear were noted to the upholstery
The door cards and side panels are well trimmed in matching vinyl
The carpets are in a complementary hue and are edge bound
The light headlining is tightly fitted and clean and presentable
The original Bakelite two-spoke steering wheel is fitted
Below the dashboard is a full-width storage shelf
The luggage area is finished with fitted vinyl and polished metal protective strips
The lower compartment houses the spare wheel, tyre, tools and jack

The Mechanics

By the time of this Series V car the Minor used the 1098cc A series engine
Top speed increased from 77mph, and the drive was generally more responsive
The 0-60mph time was reduced to well under 30 seconds
A four-speed gearbox (now wive taller ratios) transferred the 37bhp to the rear wheels
This Minor has benefited from plenty of mechanical attention in current ownership
Highlights include a new clutch and stainless-steel silencer
The wheel bearings, brake hoses and suspension bushes are also new
A new fuel pump and handbrake cables are also reported
Hazard warning lights and two speed wipers have been fitted
The current owner attests to the car running very well with no known issues
The under-bonnet condition looks highly original
The inner panels and bulkhead look to be solid and clean
The owner has had the engine removed and the bay fully detailed
The underside looks straight and well undersealed

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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