1971 Morris Minor Traveller *Sold £7,000*

Description

• Wood replaced in 2019
• Finished in rare Limeflower
• Benefits from a recent light recommission
• Come with a fresh MOT
• From a private collection

The Morris Minor is one of those classics that simply oozes a feeling of Britishness.  Along with being a smile-inducing piece of nostalgia, it makes one of the most perfect classic cars.

Another iconic model from the mastermind Issigonis, the prototype was codenamed the “Mosquito” and the immensely successful Morris Minor made its debut at the Earls Court motor show in 1948.

The Morris Traveller, available from 1952, was an instant hit and is as popular today as it was when it was launched.

This Morris Minor Traveller

Our vendor purchased this Morris Minor Traveller in Sweden on 22nd July 2019. It is, however, a UK car that was exported there in 2006. On 1st October 2019 it arrived back home to England, the NOVA was obtained the same day.

Since then the car has been in dry storage and has recently had a light recommission that has included all brakes, electrics and fuel hoses being checked. The wiper motor had seized but has now been freed off.

On 13th February 2024, the Traveller readily passed its MOT with some minor advisories indicating that the steering rack gaiters and the track rod end ball joint covers had deteriorated (but without preventing the ingress of dirt). New gaiters and new track rod ends have now been fitted to the car.

Condition of the car is largely original although, importantly, the wood has been replaced and is in excellent condition. Bodywork is fair – there is no rust but there are a few age-related marks and dings. The paintwork is good and in the rather rare, late production and attractive colour of Limeflower. You’ll see from the image gallery that the paintwork on some panels has been touched up or refreshed. There are areas of micro blistering on the Traveller, please do study the photos.

There have been repairs to a crack just behind the O/S headlight and it appears that the N/S door has been replaced at some point. The windscreen has delaminated a little in the top corners.

Brightwork is all solid and shiny but there is some pitting to the front bumper nearside overrider and the nearside rear bumper quarter. The wheels have good tyres on them and nice condition hub caps. The glass is security etched.

Under the bonnet the inner wings are solid with patches of surface rust. Mechanically the car appears in good order with the 1098cc engine readily firing into life. Gear changes are smooth with gears, including reverse, easily selected. All the instruments and lights work.

Chassis number plate and engine number plates are in their correct locations and concur with the Traveller’s documentation.

Seats are in an attractive dark blue and good condition. There are a couple of tears to the cover of the border that sits above the rear seat. Both front seats have small areas of age related damage, please see the photos. The carpet is in black with no holes or scuffs but looks like it is not the original. Headlining and sun visors are fine with no tears.

Condition of the dashboard is really nice with a lovely painted finish in Limeflower and all instruments, knobs and levers present and undamaged.

This Traveller’s rear compartment is all correct with the covered floor in fair condition. Spare wheel with brace and tool bag containing jack and wheel nut socket are all in situ.

Underneath the Traveller is solid with evidence of welding repairs that have been done over the years (unsurprising with these cars).

Within the history file for the Traveller, there is some paperwork from its stay in Sweden, including the Swedish registration documents. All invoices for work done by the vendor are also present.

However, the most interesting items on file are 10 x UK tax discs between 1996 and 2006, 8 x MOT certificates between 1997 and 2005 and a wealth of service invoices from1988 to 2004. These all go to infer that the current mileage of 60,594 is correct, please do make your own mileage checks.

A Morris Minor 1000 Driver’s Handbook goes with the car, as do two copies of Practical Classics.

The application to the DVLA for the reissue of the car’s V5 has been made. As soon as it is received, new registration plates will be ordered and fitted to UJH 373J.

Date	Mileage	Reason / Location
13/02/2024	60.694	MOT
13/03/2019	60.296	BESIKTA (SWEDEN)
29/11/2006	58.894	BILPROVNINGEN (SWEDEN)
05/05/2005	54.269	MOT
07/05/2004	53.797	MOT
15/04/2003	52.990	MOT	Allan Lloyd Motors Service
19/01/2002	52.099	MOT
23/02/2001	51.335	MOT
09/02/2000	50.314	MOT
15/01/1999	49.263	MOT
18/12/1997	48.192	MOT
22/04/1996	45.957	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
21/06/1995	44.741	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
04/11/1994	43.530	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
21/06/1994	42.370	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
11/11/1993	40.650	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
01/06/1993	39.186	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
25/11/1992	37.698	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
27/05/1992	36.317	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
30/04/1991	33.354	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
31/10/1990	31.700	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
23/04/1990	29.925	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
01/11/1989	28.686	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
18/05/1989	27.351	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
21/10/1988	24.905	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers
29/03/1988	22.567	Shell Service Invoice	WM Game Motor & General Engineers

 

Our View 

The evergreen appeal of the Morris Traveller is down to its combination of charm, usability and affordability. And of course, it is probably one of the most popular British cars ever built. The rare Limeflower paintwork combined with the fact that the wood has been replaced makes this one a little bit special.