1970 Morris Minor Traveller
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Highlights
・Over £4,000 of recent works
・Great maintenance history
The photographs in this listing were provided directly from the seller.
The Background
Red telephone boxes. Pimm’s and Lemonade. Bunting. There are some things which instigate a feeling of nostalgia and somehow just ‘belong’ to the United Kingdom. The Morris Minor is one of these. Conceived pre-war and ultimately making it into production in 1948, it was born under the leadership of Sir Alec Issigonis who…well, needs no further introduction. In its early days, the Minor was actually difficult to get hold of on home soil, with Morris ‘doing their bit’ for the nation’s balance of payments by exporting as many as possible. And the Minor did do its bit, finding over 1.6 million owners during its impressive 23-year production run. And actually 26 years if you include the assembly plant in New Zealand.
They always say that the last cars off the production line are the ones to get because all of the bugs have been ironed out. This example is from May 1970; production ceased less than a year later
The History
During its 51 years, this example has had seven previous owners but it has been evident that it’s been cherished by all of them. The present owner – of just over a year, and who is only selling to fund the purchase of a piece of 1950s Americana – has done 260 miles in it. And only on dry Sundays and to car shows. Perhaps with a wicker basket, a thermos flask and a tartan rug thrown in the back. Upon returning home, it resides in a dehumidified garage.
Being a 1970 vehicle, it is now tax- and MoT-exempt, though it has still been diligently MoT’d every year regardless.
The Paperwork
For a car that has averaged 155 miles per year since 2006, the owners have been quite forthcoming with maintenance and there is a folder of receipts – mainly from a Manchester-based Minor specialist. Although the clock is showing 4k miles, it is more than likely to have covered over 104k miles in it's life-time given its age!
The Interior
The light an airy cabin, as can be seen in the photographs, is not far short of immaculate. The seats have been professionally re-trimmed as per original specification. The carpets are new and the timber is in good condition. The key fob – dangling endearingly from the ignition slot in the centre of the dashboard – proudly shows the red ox standing in a ford – reminding you of the car’s origins. New seals keep the interior dry (for when it’s washed, obviously, and not for when it is taken out in the rain) and the load bay at the back is free from blemishes. The spare wheel still lies in its little tray under the boot floor and it proudly displays a period tax-disc in the windscreen. Just like the mini which BMC launched were to later launch, it also (for cheaper LHD tooling reasons) sports the centrally-mounted speedometer, and it is this which possesses perhaps the car’s most appealing feature: 3,931 miles. Although as mentioned previously, it may have covered considerably more in its life-time.
The Exterior
The seller provided photographs show the bodywork to be straight, and the paint to be in overall good condition. Being the Traveller model, the timber frames it possesses look to in very good condition, and give the Traveller extra warmth and appeal. The chromework also looks to be in good condition.
The Mechanics
Successive owners have kept the car in (almost) original condition – the only deviations from this are the cylinder head which has been modified to run on unleaded petrol, and the conversion to a spin-off oil filter. Apparently, Issigonis always wanted the Minor to have a bespoke flat-four engine but the bean-counters overruled and the ubiquitous and much-loved 1089cc A-Series seen here still inhales through its standard 1¼” SU. It’s even still on positive earth.
Other recent work mentioned by the owner is the brake overhaul, with new shoes, drums and pipes.
The Appeal
Are there many other cars which can raise affection without triggering envy, which can raise a smile to both occupants and to by-standers, and which can make the owner feel like they’re in an episode of Heartbeat ? It’s charming, it’s chocolate-boxy and – in its own way – quite regal. After all, it’s basically been around as long as the Queen. And just as British.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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 sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make Morris
- Model Minor Traveller
- Colour White
- Odometer 3,928 Miles
- Engine size 1098
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- ma•••• £8,700 08/07/21
- Ki•••• £8,600 08/07/21
- ma•••• £8,500 08/07/21
- Ki•••• £8,400 08/07/21
- ma•••• £8,300 08/07/21
- Ki•••• £8,200 08/07/21
- ma•••• £8,100 08/07/21
- ma•••• £8,000 08/07/21
- ka•••• £7,200 07/07/21
- si•••• £7,000 06/07/21
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