1971 | Morris Minor 1000 Traveller

The iconic Morris Minor was in production for 23 years from 1948 until 1972, with 1.6 million sold. This famous and most British of family cars was the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonis and available in 2 and 4-door saloon variants, a 2-door convertible, the Traveller estate car and commercial panel van and pick-up versions.

The Traveller first appeared in 1953 and was available in 2 of the 3 series of Minors made. It features an external structural ash (wood) frame for the rear bodywork, with two side-hinged rear doors. Initially powered by a 948 cc A-series engine, this was enlarged to 1098 cc in 1962 - providing a modest 48 bhp – and the model was rebranded the ‘Minor 1000’. The Traveller remained popular until the end of Minor production, the last one being built in April 1971.

The car offered here was first registered new, in Jersey, in January 1971, making it one of the final ‘1000’ series. It has spent its entire life in the island (in the hands of just 4 owners), undergoing considerable modification during the 1990s. The original 1098 cc engine was replaced with a later, larger 1275 cc A-series engine, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The car has been regularly maintained in this guise and kept in fine condition, most recently having a full respray in 2021.

The full specification of mechanical changes made includes:

·         1275 cc A-series engine; 5-speed gearbox; stainless exhaust manifold & large bore exhaust; enlarged radiator

·         Disc brakes on front & servo fitted

·         Uprated suspension - rear lever arms replaced with telescopic dampers

·         Alternator fitted

All modifications appear well executed and as might be anticipated, the Minor drives very well, with a much more lively feel than a standard model.

The recent full respray gives the Traveller a first-class appearance and all brightwork is in a first-rate condition.

The metal body of the car and important wooden elements are in very good condition. The underside of the car has been regularly wax-injected over the years and the wood frame sanded and re-oiled in 2021.

The interior of the Traveller has also received some attention, with the front seats having been replaced with larger, more supportive, adjustable and comfortable items; seat belts fitted front and rear; switchgear (indicator stalks) replaced with more modern items and a radio fitted. The interior as a whole is in a very good condition, with much of it appearing to have been re-trimmed.

Once such a common sight on British roads, this Minor provides a real trip down memory for those of a certain age! The difference here being that this car has been carefully upgraded to make it much more usable in modern traffic conditions.

The modifications made have been well carried out and the car is spritely and very easy to drive, whilst at the same time looking very smart and authentic in its Trafalgar Blue paint scheme. This is a vehicle ready to be pressed into regular use by a new owner.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.