• Only 75,000 miles from new • Outstanding condition throughout • Fastidiously enthusiast maintained • Excellent quality woodwork
The Background
The Morris Minor is one of those cars that leaps to the fore of your mind when asked to imagine a classic car. It's a happy, fun little machine that encourages you to smile. It's an enviable legacy that many other classics wish they could have a slice of, that's for sure.
What makes it worse for rival classics is that fact the Minor wasn't designed to be a chirpy little mean of joy; it was designed to be a hard working family vehicle. Crafted under the watchful eye of Alec Issigonis, the Minor was the crescendo before the Mini. A display of what he and his team could do.
The car they created was the embodiment of versatility. It could be a two-door, a four-door, a convertible, a pick-up, a van and of course, an estate. But not just any estate. No, the Minor Traveller as it was known, was crafted from tin and timber, and in the process, became one of the most instantly recognisable cars in automotive history. And that's exactly what we have here.
Something of an unintended purchase, the current owner saw it a local auction house in 2018. Upon seeing how original it was, and how the mileage was and how well it sat, he knew he had to have it. In a situation we all know well, a friend's encouragement ensured he did. A flurry of bidding later (which is what you're about to do) and it was his. The aforementioned friend assured him that together, they would restore it and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
As luck would have it for the Minor, that friend was fastidious by nature and as such, ensured nothing short of perfection when it came to his workmanship. In fact, so high was the quality of his work, he was tasked with the full restoration. After many hours, many new parts and much labour, this already good Minor is now leaning into the arena of being truly exceptional.
The attention to detail seen here is off the charts. It looks incredible, it drives wonderfully and as such, it could well be one of the finest of its kind. And now you're presented with the chance to own it.
As one would expect for a car so wonderfully cared for, there is an impressive collection of paperwork included. There is of course a current V5 ready for the new owner.
There is a collection of past MOTs. There isn't a current MOT, as the car is of course exempt. And given the condition, such a think is a formality at this point. \other paperwork includes many an invoice for parts supplied largely by renowned specialist, Charles Ware in Bristol.
The interior, as you might imagine on such a well cared for example, is in wonderful condition. The seats are still a rich black, there is no significant wear, the carpets are all excellent while things like the door rubbers have been renewed in the past.
The thin, two-spoke steering wheel falls to hand well, the dash is bright and clear with full gallery of functional, original gauges. The door cards are excellent, as are the rear seats and even the headlining. The rear spare wheel cover is new, as is the gear lever gaiter and the glove box liner.
We're assured by the vendor that everything functions as it should, including the heater that gleefully keeps you warm when required. The rear quarters of the cabin retain the original folding seats, meaning this little Minor can be remarkably practical, too, should you ever require it. Perhaps for little camping holiday, stove and tent in the back?
With the exception of some more modern, protective rubber mats, this interior truly is time warp. The dedication to keeping things original and within spec is admirable, and was clearly worth the hours of finessing.
Finished in the factory shade of Royal Blue, this Minor presents exceptionally well. As you can see from the supplied photos, the car is straight and true, with no wavering or wobbles as you look down the flanks.
The paint has a deep gloss, and we're assured it's free of any corrosion or other imperfections. The chromework is all in good order, with a great deal of it having been replaced. The lights and glass are all without issue, while the off-white steel wheels (wrapped with new rubber) with chrome caps serve to set off the charming aesthetic on offer here.
It is understood that the car received a restoration of some level some 8 years ago and the current owners have taken this further by refining and finishing the Minor in a deserving manner. This of course means that the all-important rear timber frame is in excellent order with no rot, no weak spots and no damage to be observed.
If you're in the market for a Minor Traveller, make no mistake, there can be few that present as well this. Then of course, there's the originality down to the fact all the locks and ignition share the same key cut.
Are we sitting comfortably? If you really want something to swing you into bidding mode, it will be the list of everything that has been done to this Minor from a mechanical standpoint. The recent restoration saw new rear half shaft seals, also the gearbox end seal, all brake shoes and wheel cylinders springs and tensioners are brand new as are the drive belts. And there's more.
The battery, ignition coil, points, condenser, fuel pump and spark plugs are new as is the distributor cap and vacuum cover. The rear shock absorbers, steering rack gaiters, exhaust tail pipe, engine mounts, radiator filler cap, flasher relay, are all new, too.
In a nutshell, this Minor has wanted for nothing. Look at the pictures, pore over the detail in that engine bay, observe how not one thing has been missed in the pursuit of perfection. This is the kind of restoration you might see afforded to a super car. Seldom do you see such detail on something as humble as a Minor Traveller. But it is all the better for it. Turn the key, the little A Series pops into life and away you go, driving along without worry or concern of something failing.
Buy this, and keep it maintained and it should never let you down. It is the perfect classic in that regard.
The joy of classic motoring can sometimes be a disappointment, your first aspirations to own this or that car, once realised, can often fall short of your hopes. That's not what's going to happen here. This car has been bought, restored and maintained by a passionate owner. One who has had one modus operandi throughout; do right by the car. As such, it stands as a glowing example of just why the Minor was such a popular little car.
It's a charming, chirpy little thing that elicits a smile every time you glance in its direction. And thanks to the work it has received, it's ready to take you anywhere, and to do anything you ask of it. Be that idle Sunday escapes from the rigors of the week, or pride of place at a classic car show of your choosing. Make no mistake, if you've always fancied one, it's this one. 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 seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1971 Morris Minor Traveller
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