Classics World

Advertisement

Morris Minor Traveller buyer’s guide

James Howe

By far the most commodious of all the passenger Minors, the Morris Minor Traveller is still a popular choice – but it’s not without its problems. Here’s how to buy one

Words: Paul Jackson

Launched in 1953 and running for an impressive eighteen years, the Traveller proved to be a crucial expansion of the best-selling Morris Minor range, with more than 215,000 examples of this distinctive woody-style estate being produced. The Traveller’s combination of basic reliability and a cavernous load area ensured it was a long-term hit for BMC. And on today’s classic scene, it remains one of the most useful load-carriers, soundly beating many of its contemporaries when it comes to all-round versatility.

As with its saloon stablemate, the Traveller was updated and enhanced over the years, from the original ‘cheese-grater grille’ Series II of 1953 and the ‘slatted grille’ of the following year, through to the 948cc Minor 1000 of 1956-62 and its 1098cc successor. The Minor 1000 Traveller is the most driver-friendly of the lot, with the 37bhp of the initial car being improved upon via the 1962-on version’s 48bhp (at 5100rpm). The very last Minor Traveller finally rolled off the line in April 1971, by which time its wood-framed rear end was viewed as something of an antiquity.

This much-loved Morris was (and still is) one of the most distinctive estate cars of its time, comprising the front end of a Minor saloon mated to a rear based on the standard floor pan, featuring a structural wooden framework, aluminium rear roof section, twin side-opening rear doors and a generous load area. But why did Morris choose to go the wood-framed route in the first place? There’s no doubt that the woody concept was popular on the other side of the Atlantic, and many a European designer was being influenced by American trends of the time.

The wood-framed idea also made production sense, however, for it was a material that was readily available just eight years after the end of World War II. Strength was an issue too, with the Traveller’s wooden roof cant rails bringing together a structure of impressive rigidity. Even better, the existing wood shop at the Morris Bodies plant was capable of taking on the task of putting together the timber framework, subsequently transported to the Minor production line at Cowley in complete form ready for final assembly of the finished vehicle. The downside of such a production process was its cost to BMC- despite being a successful, much-loved and long-lived car the Traveller effectively made no profit.

All of this is irrelevant to today’s buyer, of course, the kind of enthusiast who seeks a practical but entertaining classic. So, what should you check for if you’re in the market for a Minor Traveller?

new morris minor traveller

The Traveller’s steel bodywork can obviously suffer from rot just as much as any Minor saloon. An all-original example will be a rare find, since the vast majority of today’s survivors have had some kind of restoration work carried out. The key is to make sure any such work has been done to a good standard, as there are plenty of tidy looking examples suffering from patched-up repairs underneath.

Areas to check include the sills, all box sections and the front crossmember that supports the rear ends of the torsion bars and jacking points. Floorpans can also suffer, so have a poke around everywhere and be on the look-out for patch repairs and any thick underseal that might be hiding corrosion or poor quality previous work. The good news, of course, is that replacement structural sections are readily available, from sills to complete floorpans; and prices are reasonable too, with front floorpans starting from around the £35 mark. You obviously need to factor in the cost of labour if you’re not capable of such major work yourself.

Outer panels can be just as rust-prone, so you’ll need to check the front wings (around the headlamps and down the rear edge) and the bottoms of the doors in particular. You have the advantage once again of excellent parts availability and competitive prices, with new front wings costs from around £215 each via Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre. The bolt-on wings could be hiding other issues, however, such as rotten inner wings and corroded A-pillars, so make sure you’re extra vigilant when inspecting any Minor.

It’s the rear end of the Traveller that provides the biggest challenges, with its ash frame being key to the car’s structural integrity. You need to be looking for signs of rot and/or filler, as well as any dark staining that is a sure sign of water having found its way into the wood. Some cars will have had localised repairs carried out, but checking the quality of the work is crucial. A good proportion of Travellers will have had their entire wooden frames replaced by now; but if the car you’re inspecting hasn’t, then it’s something you might need to work into your costings.

You may be lucky and find that only certain areas of wood need changing, for which you can buy brand new replacement sections from companies like Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre (morrisminor.org.uk), Traveller Timbers (travellertimbers.co.uk) and Woodies (morriswoodwork.co.uk). You’ll usually pay £1500 or so for a complete set of woodwork, including new rear door frames. Changing it is a major undertaking, however, and a specialist is likely to charge you at least as much again in labour.

new morris minor traveller

Engine and gearbox

With the Minor Traveller being launched in 1953, all versions benefit from the A-Series engine that Morris adopted following the previous year’s creation of BMC (via the merging of Austin and the Nuffield Organisation). The A-Series is famously robust but can obviously wear when neglected or taken to a high mileage, one of the first signs being excessive noise caused by a worn timing chain.

You should check for plumes of blue smoke when you start the engine, as this is usually a sign of bore wear. And you need to check for any head gasket issues, as failure isn’t exactly rare, particularly at the rear of the engine; make sure there’s no sign of coolant in the oil and vice-versa, with any ‘mayonnaise’ on the dipstick and around the fuel filler being a cause for concern.

It’s common for an A-Series engine to leak oil, most often from the rear crankshaft seal. If it’s not excessive, it’s probably something you can live with. There are specialists who will rebuild any A-Series engine (either on an exchange basis or using your own engine if you want to keep it ‘numbers matching’), but you can expect a bill of around £1500.

The four-speed gearboxes used in all Minor Travellers are tough and reliable, though very high mileage can take its toll. The ’box on the later Minor 1000 (with the 1098cc engine) seems to be particularly durable, although you should still check for signs of worn synchromesh (‘crunching’ as you change from first to second in particular) and make sure the car doesn’t jump out of gear when under load. If there’s any clutch judder, it might be caused by a slack steady cable between the gearbox and crossmember – a simple and inexpensive fix.

new morris minor traveller

Suspension, steering and brakes

It’s not uncommon to find a Minor with seized wheel cylinders, particularly if it’s a car that’s been off the road for some time. On your test drive, make sure the car doesn’t pull to one side when you’re braking. If there is a problem, don’t let it put you off an otherwise excellent example, as all brake parts are inexpensive and changing the wheel cylinders or carrying out a brake service isn’t a major undertaking. A set of front brake shoes costs from around £18, while an aftermarket wheel cylinder can be had from less than £12.

The Minor’s all-drum braking system does a decent enough job (even given the extra weight of the Traveller) but it’s not unusual to find a car that’s had a front-disc upgrade. Unless you’re ultra-strict about originality, this is a very worthwhile modification and will help to greatly improve your driving enjoyment. If you fancy carrying out the conversion yourself, Charles Ware’s Morris Minor Centre charges around £515 for a Ford-based front disc brake kit.

The Minor’s suspension requires regular lubrication, so make sure the Traveller you’re thinking of buying comes from a caring owner and has been well-maintained over the years. Neglected cars can see their front suspension collapse when the trunnion comes away from the upright, usually caused by owners failing to grease the screw thread (which links the two) every 2000 miles.

A sure sign of worn trunnions is steering that feels unprecise (a healthy Minor’s rack and pinion set-up is sharp and entertaining), something that should be obvious on your test drive. If the mounts for the rack – or even the steering linkage itself – need attention, this might also account for an ‘odd’ steering feel. It’s also worth checking the condition of the rubber gaiters, as these obviously provide vital protection.

If the Traveller you’re inspecting seems to sit lower than most, the lever arm dampers and/or rear leaf springs are likely to be worn and sagging. The lever arms are inexpensive and relatively easy to replace, but a pair of leaf springs and all ancillaries will obviously cost significantly more.

new morris minor traveller

Interior and trim

Any Morris Minor is fairly basic inside, with vinyl upholstery in the vast majority of cases and a simple spec. It makes it easy to check for issues – and if there are areas that can be improved upon, it should be a fairly straightforward process.

Morris Minor specialists will be able to help with most replacement trim, although it’s also worth speaking to the team at Newton Commercial (newtoncomm.co.uk), which offers a range of Minor Traveller front and rear seat cover kits (in either vinyl or leather) as well as new door panels, rear three quarter trim panels and door pulls. The seat covers are authentic recreations of the originals, with the same trim patterns and even the duo-tone finish of earlier cars. Whatever age of Minor Traveller you have, giving its interior an authentic new look should be do-able – although the cost of a complete interior rejuvenation can mount up.

Externally, it’s obviously a case of checking the chromework is in good order, although again most items are available ‘off the shelf’ – with bumper blades easily found from around £155, while new stainless-steel hubcaps are less than £24 each.

Morris Minor Traveller: our verdict

It’s easy to see the appeal of a classic estate – and they don’t much more characterful or more endearing than the good old Morris Minor Traveller. This instantly-recognisable gem is as useful as it is charming, with all the load-swallowing capability you need for a trip to B&Q or a family day by the seaside, whilst being equally at home on any classic showground. It also happens to offer real driving pleasure, aided by its super-sharp steering.

There are downsides, of course, not least the ash frame playing such a major role in the car’s structure and strength – and something that’s both complex and fairly expensive to replace in its entirety. Buy a decent example though, and you’ll have a classic that’s both adaptable and entertaining in equal measure.

new morris minor traveller

You may also like...

new morris minor traveller

1st March 2024

Best V8 estate cars for £5000

Got lots of stuff to take somewhere quickly and can't bring yourself to buy an SUV? We consider a selection of £5000 V8 estate cars

by Paul Wager

new morris minor traveller

Audi A2 buyer’s guide

The Audi A2 was a triumph of innovation over mass-market appeal and is now one of the best-value modern classics available

by Jon Burgess

new morris minor traveller

27th February 2024

Best classic cars of 1974

We rewind to 1974 to look back at the cars that turn 50 years old in 2024, including a supercar icon and class-defining hatchback

by Joe Miller

new morris minor traveller

FOR LOW-PRICE

ADVANCE TICKETS!

No thanks, I’m not interested!

The Morris Minor Forum

  • Latest Topics Table
  • Morris Minor
  • Woodies Chat
  • Modified Minors
  • Morris Mini
  • Morris Major
  • Morris Isis
  • Buy, Sell & Trade
  • Vendor Market
  • List Archives
  • Random Topic
  • Who's Online?
  • Add Your Car
  • Top Rated Cars
  • Browse Registry
  • Recently Added
  • Search Registry
  • Random Vehicle
  • Cars For Sale
  • Sell Your Car
  • Parts For Sale
  • Buyer Safety
  • Buy & Sell Forum
  • MinorForum Regalia Shop
  • Parts & Accessories
  • Tires & Wheels
  • My Order Status
  • Events Calendar
  • Add an Event
  • Featured Build Journals
  • Latest Journal Posts
  • Create a Journal
  • Tech Library
  • Featured Articles
  • Submit an Article
  • Buying a Used Vehicle
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • General Maintenance
  • Service & Repair
  • Body Repair & Paint
  • Restoration
  • Video Library
  • Scanned Publications
  • Miscellaneous
  • Link Directory
  • Link to This Website
  • Member Services
  • Parts Suppliers
  • Reference & Tech
  • Clubs & Registers
  • Personal Sites
  • Specialist Services
  • General Suppliers
  • Other Links

Morris Minor Traveller History

1967 Morris Minor Traveller

The clever little Morris Minor was a hit from the first time it was shown to the British public. Designed in the mid-Forties by Alec Issigonis, the Minor was introduced at the London Motor Show of 1948 sporting an up-to-the-minute unit constructed body, torsion bar front suspension, rack and pinion steering and a lower center of gravity achieved by using small 5.20 size tires on 14 inch wheels. This revolutionary design was on the cutting edge of small car development and years ahead of the prewar engineering that could be found under most of the European economy cars of the time.

Unfortunately, due to time and financial constraints, this ultra-new package came powered by a tried and true prewar Morris 918 cc flathead four and stump puller gearing instead of the 1000cc air cooled, opposed, flat four that was planned for it. While the old flathead proved adequate for the 35 MPH average speed driven on the two lane secondary roads that could be found in England and most of the empire at the time, the early Series MM Minors found little favor here in the States.

In 1952, Nuffield Motors, the firm that built Morris cars, merged with Austin to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC). The Minor, now called the Series II model, acquired Austin's new 803 cc OHV four. Heavily promoted with lines like "New Power For The Minor" and "0 to 50 mph in 28 seconds", the car became an English favorite and started to sell in the US as an economical "second" or "shopping" car.

1957 brought an even more powerful 948 cc four, a better transmission and a curved undivided windscreen. America was experiencing a recession during the late '50s, and car buyers were starting to re-examine their "bigger-is-better" attitudes. Our first foreign car "boom" was on. Though the top three selling imports were the VW beetle, Renault Dauphine and the Ford Anglia, the little Morris had alot going for it. Still perceived as a small car technology leader, the Minor 1000, as it now was called, inherited a somewhat "sporty" image from its MG and Austin-Healey brethren. The Morris also had the most extensive product line featuring both two and four door sedans, a convertible, a wood framed Traveller station wagon, a pickup and a delivery van. In 1961, the Minor became the first British car in to exceed 1,000,000 built.

The Morris 1000 continued, with only simple trim changes until it was pulled from the American market in 1962 due to lack of sales. Times had changed. The recession was over and our "Big Three" had introduced their own "compact" models. Though not nearly as economical as the imports, these cars provided the combination of a low purchase price and reasonable gas mileage with a larger size and flashy styling. Other than the VW and some sport and luxury models, foreign car sales were on the decline.

By 1967, the American compacts had ballooned into "mid-sized" cars featuring V8 power and most of the toys found on luxury models. Did Mom need a 300 horsepower, 3500 pound sedan to drive to the market and the hairdresser? Foreign economy sedans, now called "sub-compacts", were once again gaining popularity. The appeal of smaller, more agile and economical imports had increased to the point that even the Japanese had entered the market. Not to be left out, BMC re-introduced a now vastly improved Minor 1000. This car, with its new 1098cc motor, bigger brakes, better transmission, and higher rear end gearing provided relaxed freeway cruising and 42 mpg.

Over 1050 '67 Minors made it to these shores before BMC was forced to pull the plug again. This time, the 1968 EPA (smog) and DOT (safety) regulations would require all auto manufactures to re-engineer their products to comply and BMC decided to drop the importation of the Minor and put their efforts into the MG 1100/1300 sedan and the Austin America. The Minor continued in various forms overseas until mid-1971. Over 1.5 million were built by the end of production. In total, 65,000 were imported to the US between !949 and 1967.

THE TRAVELLER

The Minor Traveller was introduced in 1954 as a Series II model. The unit construction floor and "cab" section was built at the main Morris plant at Cowley, then shipped to the MG factory at Abingdon to be fitted with the wood and aluminum rear "doghouse" structure. MG was just phasing out the wood frame bodied, TF to make way for the all steel MGA and their fully staffed woodshop was just the ticket for the Traveller woodwork. Always popular, the woodies were built beside the trucks until the end of production in 1971, while passenger car assembly ceased in 1969.

More Articles Like This:

  • Minor Adjustments & Modification Guide
  • Well-Traveled Traveller With a California History
  • Importing a Morris Minor from the UK to Australia
  • Rebuilding the Morris Minor Interior
  • BMC A-Series Engine Codes
  • Morris Major Wheels on the Minor

Comments on "Morris Minor Traveller History"

Did you find this article useful? Do you have a question or comment about this article? Leave a rating or a comment below, and get instant reply notification via email If you have a long question, or a question not directly related to this article, please start a new topic in the Discussion Forums

Want to leave a comment or ask the owner a question? Sign in or register a new account — it's free

Bookmark and Sharing

Click any icon to bookmark this page with your choice of services. Hover the mouse to see where a link goes. Don't see your favourite service? Contact the webmaster with details.

Facebook

article/316

Like us on Facebook

1. Contrast

new morris minor traveller

2. Font size

To find out more about web accessibility, and the accessibility features of this site, please visit our web accessibility page .

You can change the colours, images and text size on this website. We use cookies to remember these for your next visit. What are cookies?

new morris minor traveller

National Motor Museum

  • Collections
  • Story of Motoring

Morris Minor Traveller

  • Country: Great Britain
  • Capacity: 1,098cc
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Valves: Overhead
  • Output: 48bhp at 5,100rpm
  • Performance: 0-50mph 15.5 seconds
  • Owner: National Motor Museum Trust
  • Manufacturer: Austin-Morris Division, British Leyland Motor Corporation

Morris Minor Traveller 1970

The Morris Minor was one of Britain’s best-loved cars and remains a common sight on our roads even in the 21st century. The estate , or Traveller, version arrived in 1953, as part of the restyled Series II range with the A-series engine, which had been introduced the previous year. From 1956 the Minor received a larger 948cc engine and was rebranded the Minor 1000. A further upgrade came with a 1,098cc engine in 1962.

The Minor was the first British car to exceed a million sales, a figure that was reached in 1961. A total of 1,619,815 of all types were produced between 1948 and 1971. The Traveller remained popular until the end of Minor production, the last one being built in April 1971, five months after the last saloon. Minor van production continued into 1972.

A good dual purpose vehicle for the family man with a small business or the businessman with a small family Motor, 14 August 1965

View more vehicles

Colin McRae's 2002 Ford Focus WRC

If you would like a copy of any of our images, please visit our dedicated Motoring Picture Library website

  • Used car tests

Morris Minor: Buying guide and review (1948-1971)

A full buyer's guide for the morris minor (1948-1971) including specs, common problems and model history....

Morris Minor

The Morris Minor made its debut way back in 1948, yet there’s no sign of its appeal diminishing. If anything, its popularity grows ever stronger. A combination of practicality, charm, usability and affordability all conspire to ensure the Minor is near the top of many classic buyers’ wish lists – throw in superb club and specialist support, and it’s easy to see the Minor’s enduring appeal.  

Whether you’re a long-standing classic owner or you’re looking for your first golden oldie, few cars fit the bill better than a Minor. Full of charm, universally recognised and admired, plus easy to upgrade for everyday use, this is one of the most practical cars ever created.  

• Best British cars of all time

However, despite a cult following, the Minor remains eminently affordable – if you’re already tempted, there really is no good reason to put off buying one. If you’re after something to punt down a country lane at high-speed, then you’d be better off looking at a classic Mini Cooper, but for a bit of fun and usable cruising around time, then the Minor is almost unbeatable.  

Which Morris Minor to buy? 

Side-valve Minors are rare and they’re hard-going too, thanks to the lack of power. For some though, seeking out an early car represents something more of a challenge, especially where finding parts and restoration is concerned. As the rarest and oldest examples of this iconic classic, the ‘low light’ cars are also the most valuable.

The 803cc A-Series unit fitted from 1952 to 1956 is also breathless, but it’s unusual to find a totally original car of this age anyway. The nicest engine is the 948cc A-series fitted from 1956 to 1962; it’s less powerful than the later 1098cc edition, but it’s sweeter.

However, the 1098cc edition is the most usable, as it’s the most powerful so most easily able to keep up with modern traffic. However, the earlier cars with their split windscreens have more charm and are more sought after – so they’re more valuable than later cars.  

Establishing which bodystyle you want is probably easy; the Traveller is a capacious estate, while the Tourer is a fabulous convertible – even the saloon is full of charm. Many Tourers started out as two-door saloons and while properly converted cars are perfectly safe, some are complete death traps. The main thing is to be sure of what you’re buying, as some are passed off as genuine when they’re not. 

Looking for some extra power? The 1275cc A-Series engine is the most common, and in-keeping upgrade. While A-series upgrades are generally the most popular way of freeing up extra power today, transplanting a Rover K-Series was for a time extremely popular.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"234876","attributes":{"class":"media-image","height":"100px","width":"100px"}}]]

This very modern engine requires quite a lot of work to install, as well as suspension and brake upgrades to keep everything under control, but if you are interested in building a mildly hot-rodded Minor, then this is perhaps the easiest and cheapest route. Fiat Twin-Cam conversions used to be quite common as well, although kits are no longer available and engines are more difficult to source.  

Other upgrades worth seeking out include a Ford Sierra five-speed gearbox which is much stronger than the original, while telescopic dampers at the front are worth having too, along with a front anti-roll bar, which transforms the handling.  

Morris Minor performance and specs 

Morris minor common problems .

• Bodyshell: a Minor’s value is in its bodyshell, but things can look fine when the car is barely roadworthy. Corrosion usually starts on the inside and eats its way out, so any signs of bubbling could be potentially disastrous. All panels are available to repair the most rotten of bodyshells – but if much work is needed, doing so won’t be economically viable.  

• Corrosion: rust traps include rear spring hangers which are a pain to fix. The underside can rot badly along with the sills and door bottoms.  

• Wood: if you’re looking at a Traveller, make sure the wood isn’t rotten, as it’s structural. If there’s any significant rot present, the whole lot will need to be replaced and the job can’t be tackled in sections.  

• Exhaust: blue exhaust smoke and an illuminated oil pressure warning light signify an A-Series engine needs a bottom-end rebuild. There will also be plenty of knocking from the bottom end, especially when the engine is started up, but rebuilds are easy and relatively cheap to undertake.  

• Gearbox: the gearbox is the Achilles’ heel, with parts supply poor for all cars other than the 1098c edition; split-screen parts are especially rare. No Minor got synchro on first, but there shouldn’t be any jumping out of gear, whining or rumbling; any of these mean a rebuilt transmission will be needed soon.  

• More gearbox: gearbox parts for 1098cc cars are plentiful, which is why some owners simply fit a later box to their early car. An MG Midget gearbox is the same as the Minor’s.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"234874","attributes":{"class":"media-image","height":"100px","width":"100px"}}]]  

• Clutch: the rest of the transmission usually gives few problems, although the clutch has a finite lifespan. Check for slipping; a three-piece kit is cheap and DIY fitting is easy.  

• Suspension: the primitive front suspension needs fresh grease every 3000 miles, or the kingpins wear out. The rear suspension is even more archaic; check for leaking lever arm dampers, although many cars have been converted to telescopic dampers by now.  

Morris Minor model history

1948:  Minor MM debuts at the Earls Court motor show, with low-set headlights and 918cc sidevalve power.

1949:  Headlamps moved to top of front wings, initially for the North American market only. 

1950:  Four-door saloon is introduced, for export markets only. 

1952:  Series II cars arrive, with 803cc power; it’s a result of BMC being formed from Morris and Austin merging.

1953:  MM production ends, then a van and pick-up appear, along with the Traveller. 

1954:  Series II gets a facelift, with revised dash plus a new grille and lights. 

1956:  The Morris 1000 replaces the series II. There’s now a 948cc engine, revised rear wings and a one-piece windscreen.

1961:  Just 350 Minor Millions are built, to celebrate the millionth Minor leaving the factory.

1962:  A 1098cc engine supersedes the 948cc unit.

1963:  There are fresh front and rear lights.

1964:  All Minors get better seats and heating plus a revised dash.

1969:  The final Tourer is made.

1970:  The saloon bows out.

1971:  The last Traveller, van and pick-up are built.

1974:  Production of the Minor ends in New Zealand.  

Morris Minor owners clubs, forums and websites 

• www.mmoc.org.uk • www.minormania.com • www.morrisminor.com • www.beardmorebros.co.uk  

Morris Minor summary and prices

If you’re not worried about originality, and just want something fun to pootle around in, then you won’t struggle to find a suitable Minor for sensible money. £1650 is the entry point for a rough but road-going Minor 1000, with a great example coming in at around £6000.

Traveller and Convertible prices are around 50 per cent extra. Series 2 models are marginally cheaper, but prices generally depend more on condition than anything else. There are many arguments for originality vs usability, but the good news is there are plenty of cars to choose from, from completely authentic cars without so much as electronic ignition, right through to V8-powered hot rods.

It all depends on what you’re after. There’s also a huge number of specialists offering parts to help keep cars on the road, and improve usability along the way. The most valuable models are the earliest Minor Series MM cars. The so-called low-light examples – compete with headlights mounted in the grille – have been known to sell for more than £10,000 in perfect condition.

Thinking of buying a future classic? Then take a look at these   potential future classics ...

  • Classic cars

Most Popular

Kia EV9 Air - front

New Kia EV9 Air 2024 review: entry-level model is appealing in almost every way

Toyota C-HR 2.0 Hybrid GR Sport front corner static shot

Car Deal of the Day: new razor-sharp Toyota C-HR hybrid SUV for £257 a month

Renault 4 - front (watermarked)

New Renault 4 EV: price, specs, release date and all the details

eBay Motors Blog

  • Concept Cars
  • Movies & Television
  • Air Conditioning & Heat
  • Brakes & Brake Parts
  • Engines & Components
  • Lighting & Lamps
  • Suspension & Steering
  • Wheels & Tires
  • Sports Cars
  • Motorsports
  • Motorcycles
  • ATVs & UTVs
  • Shop Motors

An Exceptional Morris Minor Traveller, Blessed by Jay Leno

1960 Morris Minor Traveller

The 1960 Morris Minor Traveller wagon currently for sale on eBay could be the world’s most famous example. That’s because the fully restored model was featured on Jay Leno’s Garage in 2018. During the episode , Leno trades quips with Scotland-born fellow talk show host (and car lover) Craig Ferguson.

new morris minor traveller

The Minor was designed by Alec Issigonis, who put Britain’s middle class on wheels with it and the later Mini.

The Traveller in 1960 sported a 37-horsepower version of BMC’s A-Series four.

The seller says his wood-paneled Traveller is “near perfect” and “the best in the US.” He points to a comparable model sold via auction for $57,750 and says, “Ours is a tad better.” This stellar example is offered on eBay with a $39,000 Buy-It-Now price.

Morris Minor Traveller: Punk Rock on Wheels

The Minor was designed by Alec Issigonis, who put Britain’s middle class on wheels with it and the later Mini.

On the Leno show, Ferguson takes one look at the Traveller, inhales its lingering 1960 aroma, and exclaims, “This is punk rock.” Leno points out that 1.3 million Morris Minors were produced from 1948 to 1971.

The Traveller, Morris’s name for the wood-bodied wagon versions of the Minor, is indeed a sterling example of the breed. There are no visible demerits. The leather seats look brand new, and the wood is perfect and polished to a shine. The paint is undoubtedly better than that produced at Britain’s hit-or-miss factories at the time.

The Minor was designed by Alec Issigonis, who also designed the later Mini. Issigonis could be said to have put Britain’s middle class on wheels. At the time, the Minor was state of the art, featuring monocoque construction and torsion bar front suspension, with rack-and-pinion steering.

Under the hood initially was a 918-cc Morris flathead four that had prewar origins. Leno said that Issigonis insisted on a small engine to avoid the austerity-minded horsepower tax. The car couldn’t go much faster than 35 mph with that engine, making them impractical for highway-loving Americans.

Minor Morris Adds a Smidgen of Power

The Traveller in 1960 sported a 37-horsepower version of BMC’s A-Series four.

In 1952, with Morris merging with Austin to produce BMC, the Minor inherited its partner’s new 803-cc overhead-valve four. That added a smidgen of useful power. “Zero to 50 mph in 28 seconds” was the new selling point for the Series II. The car’s A-Series engine grew to 948-cc and 37 horsepower in 1956 when the company also improved the transmission, and it used one-piece front glass for the first time.

The Traveller station wagon was introduced in 1954. The wood and aluminum rear section for the woodies was built at the MG factory in Abington and united with the cab section produced at Cowley by Morris. There were also commercial panel variants without the structural wood, such as the red Royal Post van driven by Ferguson’s father. All of them were made for a slower time.

By 1960, comparable woodies had disappeared from US manufacturer lineups. But the Morris Traveller remained. It was barely powerful enough to slice and dice on the American freeways, so there are some left-hand-drive examples around. US imports ended after 1967.

Restored to Perfection

The owner of the eBay example is statistics professor Michael Kersnick. He bought it from the restorer locally in Marina Del Rey 10 years ago. “He did a lot of work,” Kersnick told the eBay Motors Blog. “The wood came in a kit he ordered from England. I have a thick sheaf of records,” he said. “The car drives beautifully.”

The engine is likely a 948-cc unit, as original, Kersnick said, adding that he put only about 1,500 miles on the car during his ownership.

Kersnick is a frequent visitor to Jay Leno’s automotive warehouses. “I know you have to show up with food,” he said.

Interior - 1960 Morris Minor Traveller

The 1960 Morris Minor Traveller was a winner of the People’s Choice award at the San Marino Concours.

eBay currently has four Travellers for sale, among about 10 Morris Minors . There are parts as well. There are no major mechanical differences between the sedans and the Morris Minor Travellers, so most parts should fit both variants.

There’s no obvious departure from stock on the car for sale, aside from a small gauge cluster. The car should be pretty lively around town and surprisingly roomy for its profile. Travellers are known for their folding rear seat.

The range of Morris Minor cars continued after the Mini was released. The latter also gained a Traveller variant. The descendant of both cars is the current Mini Countryman , which shares the compact wagon format. But the new ones lack the wood.

' src=

About the Author

Jim motavalli.

Jim Motavalli is a contributor to the New York Times, Barron's, NPR’s Car Talk, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, among others. He is the author of nine books, including two—Forward Drive and High Voltage—about electric cars and why they’re important. He is a longtime radio host on WPKN-FM, and a public speaker on environmental topics.

Recent Posts

A Rare 1993 Toyota 4Runner That’s Very Affordable

A Rare 1993 Toyota 4Runner That’s Very Affordable

Husqvarna WR450 Is an Elite 1970s Off-Roader

Husqvarna WR450 Is an Elite 1970s Off-Roader

This 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne Sleeper Packs a 409 V-8

This 1962 Chevrolet Biscayne Sleeper Packs a 409 V-8

new morris minor traveller

  • Comment Policy
  • User Agreement

© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.

  • Car Parts & Accessories
  • Car Interior
  • Steering & Suspension
  • Ignition system
  • All Season tires
  • Summer tires
  • Winter tires
  • Goodyear tires
  • Michelin tires
  • Pirellis tires
  • Cooper tires
  • Brake Disc Rotors
  • Calipers & Brackets
  • Brake Component Kits
  • Master Cylinders
  • Brake Boosters
  • Car & Truck Lighting
  • LED Car & Truck Headlights
  • Headlights for Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Headlights for Ford Ranger
  • Headlights for Ford F-150
  • Headlights for Nissan Sentra
  • Headlights for Mazda 3

1968 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller: The Happy Traveller

In postwar Britain the ubiquitous Morris Minor was a model of functionality, perfect for navigating narrow U.K. roads, serving the Royal Mail and the average bloke with equal aplomb. So successful was this Alec Issigonis design that it was the first British car to reach production of 1 million units. In addition to light commercial variants, the Minor came in saloon and convertible models, as well as a station wagon model, the Traveller. Yes, the British, along with motorists all over the world, loved the Morris Minor.

In continuous production from 1948 to 1971, the cars went through several evolutions starting with the first Series MM that hit the streets with modern elements including a monocoque chassis, rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension. When Minor builder, the Nuffield Organization, merged with Austin Motor Co. in 1952 to form the British Motor Co., the Series II was spawned.

In place of the Morris 918-cc side-valve four-cylinder, BMC added the more modern 803-cc ohv engine from the Austin A30. The car got a new gearbox, and the grille-mounted headlights were raised to meet American standards, as a number of Minors were sold in the United States. The Minor 1000 came along in 1956 with a 948-cc engine that bumped horsepower to a roaring 37. Yet another new gearbox with improved ratios, and a single-piece windshield were added.

Sales were given a boost in 1962 with a further upgrade that saw the Minor 1000 receive its final powerplant, a 1098-cc engine producing 48 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque. Larger front drum brakes, a stouter clutch, improved rear lights, a better heater and other minor interior touches rounded out the Series V improvements.

This Trafalgar Blue 1968 Minor 1000 Traveller is the treasured pet of David Toy of Cape St. Claire, Maryland. Despite having a collection that includes a Cobra replica, a Porsche 911 and a brace of BMW 2002 racers, Toy gets an equal measure of fun from this little wagon. "I went to the hardware store in it today, and I came back and there were six people around it," he says. "It brings out the best in people."

An Audi/Mercedes repair shop owner, Toy bought his Minor from a client two years ago. Manufactured at Cowley in Oxfordshire, the car had been spotted by an American military couple stationed in England. They brought it home and had the Minor restored to a good daily-driver standard. The ash wood frame is original, but the seats have been replaced and front disc brakes installed in the interest of safety. Non-stock wheels dress it up and a modern stereo can provide you with period Petula Clark sounds if desired.

Inside, the Traveller is simple and functional. Predating what is considered a BMW Mini novelty by three decades, the speedometer sits center dash, with heater/defroster/wiper switches underneath. The only other instrument is a little Smiths oil pressure gauge to the right of the steering column in this right-hand-drive car. Some Travellers had a second row of seats, but Toy’s does not, instead opening to a nicely carpeted cargo floor, underneath which lies the spare.

Steering is a bit vague, but the suspension (torsion bar in front, leaf springs in back with lever shocks all around) soaks up the bumps well. The brakes work great in this 1650-pound sprite, but manipulating the four-speed nonsynchro box calls for a gentle touch and none of this speed-shifting nonsense. Toy reports getting 35 mpg to 40 mpg, no doubt helped by the Minor’s efficient air conditioner. "It’s two-fifty," he says. "Two windows down at 50 mph."

Driving the Morris Minor changes your outlook, even though acceleration is, well... you get up to speed like the next guy. But on the right road you just can’t help but feel relaxed and content. You run at the Minor’s pace and you’re quite happy to do so. It makes for a happy Traveller.

.css-1u92ux6:before{background-color:#ffffff;border:0 solid transparent;bottom:38%;color:#000;content:'';display:none;height:0.3125rem;position:absolute;right:0;width:100%;z-index:under;}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1u92ux6:before{height:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1u92ux6:before{bottom:25%;}} News

bugatti v16

McLaren Still Sees No EVs or SUVs Anytime Soon

a white car with a black top

Here’s Why Nissan Wants Robotaxis in Japan

a car driving on a road

A Convertible Maserati GranTurismo Is Coming Soon

a car driving on a road

Buick Shows a Revamped Wildcat and New Tagline

2025 renault 5 etech yellow four door hatchback sits in a studio

Renault R5 Returns as EV, and the Price Is Right

2024 bmw x2 m35i xdrive green car on a road

BMW X2 Is New—We Get Two

a collage of audi q8 etron and porsche taycan turbo cross turismo

Uyghur-Made Parts Hit Porsche, Audi, Bentley Sales

ineos fusilier in bright yellow

Ineos’ Fusilier Will Be Electric Off-Roader

a blue two door convertible range rover sits on a road in a park

The Range Rover Safari Goes Electric

2024 ford mustang clear film

2024 Ford Mustang Adds Matte Paint Film Option

jeep recon ev

Jeep Recon Targets a Late 2024 Launch

  • Sign In or Register
  • Cars for Sale
  • Research Cars
  • Search Alerts
  • My Listings
  • Account Settings
  • Dealer Advertising
  • Morris Minor Traveller

new morris minor traveller

Morris Minor Traveller Cars for sale

1957 Morris MINOR TRAVELLER  1957 MORRIS MINOR TRAVELLER

1957 Morris MINOR TRAVELLER 1957 MORRIS MINOR TRAVELLER

Henderson, Nevada

Make Morris

Model MINOR TRAVELLER

Mileage 93255

Posted Over 1 Month

Bill Biler (702) 556-0888 704 W Sunset Rd, Ste B1 Henderson Nevada 89011 ? ? ? ? 1957 MORRIS MINOR TRAVELLER Vehicle Information VIN: MAW3L693325 Stock: C0138 Mileage: 93,255 Color: CREAM Trans: MANUAL 4 SP Engine: 948 CC Drivetrain: Interior: BURGUNDY ? ? ? ? 1 of 28 ? View Large Images ? ? Description VERY BRITISH - STRONG CLUB FOLLOWING AND FUN TO DRIVE! LEATHER INTERIOR NICE RESTORATION RARE TRAVELLER "WOODY"MAKE AN OFFER!Buyer to pay $199 documentation fee. A $9.25 License fee charged for out-of-State buyer ($29.95 License fee for Nevada) No sales tax for out-of-State and 8.15% for Nevada buyer. Options and Standard Features Basic Information Stock Number: C0138 VIN Number: MAW3L693325 Model Year: 1957 Make: MORRIS Model: MINOR TRAVELLER Exterior Color: CREAM Interior Color: BURGUNDY Vehicle Type: Van Engine Engine Description: 948 CC Contact Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles 704 W Sunset Rd, Ste B1 Henderson Nevada 89011 View Map Ask for:Bill Biler Contact: ?Contact Us Offfice:(702) 556-0888 Hours Mon-Fri:09:00 AM-06:00 PM PST Saturday:10:00 AM-04:00 PM PST Sunday:Closed ?Directions to Dealer ?Contact Us Terms Placing a Bid: Your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this vehicle. Seller has option to cancel bid if Bidder has 0/zero bids, the Bidder should call Bill at (702) 556-0888 if this is the case. Please do not bid if you're not seriously interested or financially able to purchase this vehicle. Please read eBay's User AgreementAtomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles reserves the right to, Obtain and verify the registered information of all users who bid on this auction. Cancel any and all bids at our discretion, or end the auction early if necessary.Bidders Age: You must be 18 years of age or older to Bid. Special eBay Bid Retraction Rules: Please read eBay's "Retracting a Bid" If you place a bid before the last 12-hour period of the auction: You may retract that bid before that last 12-hour period but only for exceptional circumstances. You will not be allowed to retract that bid during the last 12-hour period of the auction. If you place a bid during the last 12-hour period of the auction: You will be allowed to retract the bid for exceptional circumstances but only if you do so within one hour after placing the bid.Funds & Financing: For help in arranging for a Pre-Approved loan or for any questions please e-mail or phone Bill at (702) 556-0888 prior to bidding. Buyers Inspection: Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles has done our best to disclose all information known about this vehicle for auction. Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles welcomes a buyers inspection. If you plan to have a buyers inspection, please make sure you inspect the vehicle prior to the auction ending. Inspection fees if any are Buyers responsibility. Representations and Warranties made by seller: This vehicle is being sold "as is". Manufacturer's warranties may still apply. Extended warranty may be available, e-mail or phone Bill at (702) 556-0888 for details. No representations or warranties are made by seller, nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids. Taxes and Registration fees: Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title service fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. All taxes and fees must be paid in full in order for vehicle to be titled and registered. Title Information: Vehicles titles may be held by banks or lenders as collateral for loans. In many cases there is a delay in receiving the original instruments up to 21 days from the time we pay a vehicle off. While we usually have all titles in our possession at closing, there are occasions where we may be waiting for them to arrive. If payment is made by cashier's or personal checks we will hold all titles for 10 days or until funds have cleared. Shipping & Delivery: All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles will help with shipping arrangements but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage!Licensed Carriers are generally insured for $3,000,000.00. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our showroom. All shipping arrangements are provided by Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles as a courtesy. We are not affiliated with any carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper, not with Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles. The amount of time it takes for delivery is dependent on the carrier, but is generally 7-14 days from the date the vehicle is picked up from our facility until it is delivered to your destination. Verify with the shipper for an Estimate Time of Arrival to be sure. Finalizing your Purchase: Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles will contact the successful high bidder by e-mail after the auction closes. Successful high bidder MUST communicate with Bill at Atomic Motors Classic Cars & Motorcycles by e-mail or phone (702) 556-0888 within 24 hours of the auction ending to make arrangements to complete their transaction. If we cannot confirm your intention to buy or the sale is not completed within 5 days, we reserve the right to relist this vehicle or sell to any other qualified buyer. Within 72 hours of bid closing, Buyer must send funds by bank wire transfer to Seller. Buyer MUST fax copy of their State issued valid Driver License. Furthermore, before said vehicle is released for shipment to Buyer, all other Sale related and title related paperwork must be signed and returned complete to Seller. Copyright © 2016 Auction123 - All rights reserved. - Disclaimer +- Auction123 (a service and listing/software company) and the Seller has done his/her best to disclose the equipment/condition of this vehicle/purchase. However, Auction123 disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy or to the working condition of the vehicle/equipment listed. The purchaser or prospective purchaser should verify with the Seller the accuracy of all the information listed within this ad. Selling a Vehicle? Create Professional Listings Fast and Easy. Click Here!

1960 Morris Traveller 1000 Woodie 1960 M0rris Minor Traveller

1960 Morris Traveller 1000 Woodie 1960 M0rris Minor Traveller

Murray, Kentucky

Model Traveller 1000

Mileage 115000

Early last year I got this Morris from a storage building it had been in since 1974. The next door neighbor did not even know the car was in the building. It has all original interior, original paint and original wood. The original 950 was locked up I think from over heating. I have a 1275 I think will run included with the auction but its condition is unknown. Over all this Traveller is in fair to good condition. There is typical rust beneath the rocker panel area which is typical in Morris Minors but the floor pans are very good for its age. Some minor holes on the drivers floor but it would repair easy. There is a hole on the frame rail on the passenger side beneath the lower control arm. It could be repaired fairly easily now that the engine is out of the car, The wood is fair and has no finish on it at all right now. It will need to be replaced in a few years but I think will provide some services for a few more years after refinished, It will need a typical repairs found on a car that has not been on the road in more than 40 years. There are roof dents and dings from storage. There is some damage from an accident on the drivers side. The door could be repaired but I have a spare door I will include wit the sale. There is a piece of wood missing on the drivers side from the damage. I do have another drivers rear fender included wit the sale. I think this could be a drive with you restore it kind of car. Its very cool but I just have too many (8)other British cars I want to keep. I also have a few new items not seen in the auction included in the sale. The title is an older open title with may or may not work in your state. It's from the 1970's Email with questions. Your welcome to arrange to see it. Located in Murray Kentucky. text 270-978-6397 or call.

Trim Woodie

morris minor traveller model 1958

morris minor traveller model 1958

El Dorado, California

Runs excellent with disc brakes. 1275 moter 5 speed transmission. In very good condition. Runs excellent for sale or trade for r.v.

Austin : Morris Traveller w/Fiat 1800cc twin cam BRILLIANT FUN! 1969 morris minor traveller w fiat 1800 cc twin cam fast fun sleeper

Austin : Morris Traveller w/Fiat 1800cc twin cam BRILLIANT FUN! 1969 morris minor traveller w fiat 1800 cc twin cam fast fun sleeper

Venice, California

Make Austin

Model Morris Traveller W/Fiat 1800cc Twin Cam

Mileage 45000

1969 Morris Traveller w/Fiat 1800cc twin cam The Morris Minor was released to critical acclaim at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. Designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis of Mini fame, more than 1.3 million were manufactured between 1948 and 1972. Initially available as a two-door sedan and convertible, the hugely successful car’s range was subsequently expanded to include a four-door saloon, panel van, pick-up truck, and a wood-framed station wagon, or estate, the Traveller. The Traveller featured an external wooden structural frame, in ash, for the rear bodywork, with two side-hinged rear doors. The frame was varnished rather than painted and a highly visible feature of the body style, similar to the American “Woodie” from most of the U.S. manufacturers. The car offered here is a bit of a sleeper, however. The A-series 1098cc engine has been replaced with an 1800cc twin-cam engine from a Fiat 124, together with the 5-speed manual gearbox. In standard trim, the Traveller could boast 48bhp. Now, this diminutive British icon produces 116 bhp, propelling the car with far more modern performance figures. It’s a blast and sounds the part too! The professionally performed engine swap was undertaken several years ago, with great attention to detail, including Morris-badged cam covers. The exhaust is routed through a twin box system to deliver a nice, throaty sound, and disc brakes at all 4 corners are served by a booster for modern stopping power. Suspension upgrades include converted tube shocks and thick front and rear sway bars for great handling. The build included a full rewire of the electrical system with modern style fuse and relay panel, a great improvement over the original Lucas system. The engine starts easily, idles well and has great responsive power. The clutch is excellent, and the car shifts well, though 3rd gear synchro is a little weak. Brakes, suspension and steering are great. The wheels are scuff-free and shod with good tires with plenty of tread remaining. To ready the car for sale, it has just been fully serviced and a new battery installed. The interior is in good condition. The freshly restored reclining bucket seats are a departure from the original, as is the Mountney steering wheel. A full array of gauges, including ammeter, tachometer, and oil and water temperature, have been nicely installed behind the steering wheel, complimenting the center speedometer. The pedals are top-hung - a very nice upgrade – and the green light on the end of the indicator stalk is fully functional. The original door panels are in good condition, as is the rear seat. The carpet is in perfectly reasonable condition. Paint and body on the car are fair to good. The all-important wood is in good, solid condition. Subject to an older repaint, it is showing wear, though the finish is consistent. There is no evidence of accident damage or repair. The body is generally rust-free, but the bottom of the door’s outer surface is showing some rust bubbling through. The floors, sills, and rear wheel tubs are solid as well as all other panels. There is rust in the rear valance, though it looks to be an easy repair. It could be a rolling restoration – drive it as is, or restore it as you go. All in all, this is a fantastically fun bit of iconic British design with the heart of an Italian sportscar. How can that not be a blast to own and drive. It gets waves and appreciation everywhere it goes, with a little surprise under the hood.

Austin : Morris Traveller w/Fiat 1800cc twin cam BRILLIANT FUN! 1969 morris minor traveller w fiat 1800 cc twin cam fast fun sleeper

Narrow Results

Current search reset all.

  • Keyword: morris minor traveller
  • California (3)
  • Kentucky (1)
  • Search Title Only
  • Has Picture
  • Include Sold Listings

Showcase Ads

2005 Cadillac XLR CONVERTIBLE

2005 Cadillac XLR CONVERTIBLE

Fitzwilliam, NH

1997 Chevrolet Chevy Van Conversion Van

1997 Chevrolet Chevy Van Conversion Van

Collegedale, TN

2008 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT

2008 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT

Absarokee, MT

2007 Quigley 4x4 Ford E250 Stealth Camper Van Quigley 4x4 Ford E250  Stealth Camper Van

2007 Quigley 4x4 Ford E250 Stealth Camper Van Quigley 4x4 Ford E250 Stealth Camper Van

Hammond, IN

1980 Ford Shay

1980 Ford Shay

Fond Du Lac, WI

2002 International 4300 DT466

2002 International 4300 DT466

Charlotte, NC

Create Alert

Please, name this search

Select Interval

Alert Successfully Created

Morris Commercial

MUCH LOVED MODELS

new morris minor traveller

Wonderful Woody: 1960 Morris Minor Traveller

new morris minor traveller

Some cars have the ability to go well beyond being cool, and this 1960 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller “Woody” is just such a car. This represents an older refurbishment that has held up really well over the year and needs little beyond a new owner who will enjoy the experience of driving a true British classic. If you would like to be that new owner, then you will find Morris located in Stanton, California, and listed for sale here on eBay . The owner has set a BIN of $19,600, but the option is available to make an offer.

new morris minor traveller

It isn’t clear when the refurbishment work was completed on the Morris, but the owner believes that it was quite some time ago. Looking the car over from top to bottom, it would appear that whoever the person was who completed the work, they insisted on it being completed to a very high standard. The vehicle started its life finished in a color called Clipper Blue, and while the description states that this is still the color, the paint that has been applied to the Morris appears to be of a far brighter hue. The timber rear framing for the Woody is made from Ash and appears to be in good condition. Normally (but not always) the inserts between the timbers would be finished in the body color, but the restorer chose to continue the timber theme in these areas, which looks very effective. One really distinctive external feature of this car is the fitting of wire wheels with knock-off centers. I suspect that these might be MG wheels, but they do suit this little car rather nicely.

new morris minor traveller

The engine bay of the Morris presents extremely nicely, and from an appearance perspective, it wants for nothing. The 948cc Morris A-Series engine in this Traveller has recently been treated to a rebuild, and it sends its power to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. As with so many British cars of this era, engine power isn’t enormous, but if the owner has followed what seems to be fairly standard practice with these engines, then some modifications may have been performed to extract a few extra horses. The owner provides this YouTube video of the Morris. This shows a pretty comprehensive walk-around, and we also get a chance to hear that freshly rebuilt engine running. It certainly sounds nice and strong. In keeping with the theme of improved performance, the brakes have received an upgrade, with the Traveller now sporting front discs.

new morris minor traveller

If the exterior timber just wasn’t enough for you, then we’ve got you covered when we move inside the Traveller. You will find timber trim on the dash, timber edging on the under-dash parcel shelf, and the door trims are also timber. Oh, the trims in the rear seat area are also timber, as is the flooring and trim in the cargo area. I’ll bet that you can’t guess what the headliner is made from. How did you guess? Actually, all joking aside, the timber-work inside the vehicle does look really nice, and if you take a look at the photo gallery at the bottom of this article, you will see just how well this work has been completed. The front and rear seats aren’t timber, but in fact, they are alligator-pattern leather. The rear seat also folds flat, which blesses the Morris with a surprisingly large cargo area. The carpet is in good condition, and any painted surfaces appear to be in great order. A wood-rimmed wheel completes the timber theme, and as well as a nice little cluster of gauges, this car has one of the coolest interior features that I have ever seen. The car features a roof-mounted tachometer, which is mounted in the center of the roof near the rear-view mirror. I’m not sure just how practical it is, but when you see the photo below, you will see what I mean about it being a great feature.

new morris minor traveller

As I said earlier, some cars just seem to transcend the definition of cool. In my opinion, this 1960 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller is just such a car. It is a car that looks like it is ready to drive and enjoy. I can guarantee that if you owned this, you would get plenty of smiles and waves wherever you went. Leaving that aside, it is a car that looks like it would be fun to own and drive, and enjoyment is what owning a classic car is supposed to be all about.

new morris minor traveller

Adam, I love both this car and the writeup!

new morris minor traveller

Very pretty from the outside.Would change wires to knock off minilite’s.But isn’t there way too much wood on the inside?? Never saw wood door panels and the wood on the dash.And why the tach on the roof???

new morris minor traveller

Would look great next to my Morris Mini Cooper S.

new morris minor traveller

Gorgeous! This car looks beautiful, but I would def change the wheels to something more appropriate. The wires belong on a sports car, which this is not- it’s a small estate wagon that doesn’t need to be tarted up

new morris minor traveller

Amen regarding the wheels. And 15″ ones are way too big for this car. It’s now sitting too high – ‘ looks like when the boy racers put 21″ wheels and those extreme low-profile tires on the likes of old Ford Crown Vic’s. The rest is lovely to my eye. Yeah, there’s some extra wood inside, but how can you have too much wood in a British car?

Just want to add, I am a big fan of the steering wheel, a much more acceptable upgrade than the wires. And yes, upgraded disc brakes, never a bad thing on restorations

I think I had too much coffee today, so sorry to chime in again, but yes, the paint seems a little bright, even if original. The woodwork IS the focal point, so black, or brown, to not clash as much between front half and back half. I’m in love with this otherwise!

Lol, me again. Just watched the video, the color works in that format! So many aspects of this hobby 😇

new morris minor traveller

I know next to nothing about this model car, but what I see I like. I don’t know if the interior is original style or not but reminds me of an older Ford Woodie interior. This could be a good parade car, show car or go the ice cream parlor car.

new morris minor traveller

I once owned this car. I lost it to Hurricane Sandy when it went up to the top of it’s hood in salt water. Hagerty Insurance totaled it. Amazing that it’s still holding together.

bobhess

Brakes and wheels Sprite/Midget and well worth the effort. The 4 drum setup was OK but the discs up front are much better. Consider the interior as a custom piece and you will be just fine. Not original but a nice touch. Original steering wheels are nice on a true restoration but are not much fun to drive with in comparison a smaller, thicker one. Get a late MG Midget rear 3.9 or 3.7 gear and you have a highway runner. I like it.

new morris minor traveller

Those wheels are too tall and narrow to be Sprite or Midget. They are listed as 15″ chrome plated so…. Perhaps MGA? If this thing was in my backyard, I would buy it and have it in my back yard (shop).

Note: after watching the walk around video, the wheels appear to be painted, not chrome plated so a bit deceptive spec in the listing. Agree that the steering wheel is a nice upgrade, but would have held out for something with an identical grain/type of wood rim instead of what appears to be cheap cherry. Me want for my shop truck!

Curious about the Hurricane Sandy reference, Larry…an amazing comeback if this was soaking in salt water on the East coast only a few short years ago.

new morris minor traveller

I love this as is, I would play with this forever, if I wasn’t in the middle of buying a house! GLWTS!

new morris minor traveller

Someone spent a pile on this resto.

I do not think it will be recovered.

Hard to value.

new morris minor traveller

I guess I’m alone here but I much prefer the original, thinner, larger-diameter steering wheel to this upgrade, both for looks and driving! Don’t care for the wood pieces on the dash either.

Agree on the steering wheel! I much prefer the original. And if the owner insisted on replacing it, considering what he spent on the overall car, would it have been that much more to get a steering wheel (and shift knob in wood that matches the rest. I actually rather like the wood on the dash, but I would have done both glove-box lids the same. And the handle on the right side is ghastly.

Regarding the tach above the windscreen – Morris Minors never had much instrumentation or any place to put it for that matter. There are some nice little 2″ ones available in the aftermarket – had the left glove-box door been matched to the right, perhaps the tach, maybe with those two gauges hanging under the dash could have been cut in there. The current location for the tach is OK by me, but the installation itself is “tachy” (tacky, I know…). It looks like an after thought – it doesn’t even fit. A nice little matching wooden overhead console to properly mount it would have been welcome.

To finish my rant – it rather looks like the original 948 engine in there. (Why would anyone put in a 1275 with a single carb!). If I ever get around to building a Morris Minor, it will have a 1275 with a 5-speed gear-box and a 3.9 rear end.

But overall, this is one beautiful car and I wish I could afford it – even though the asking price is very reasonable. If I found it in my garage one morning I would not dump it out on the street!

new morris minor traveller

Seller here, What a great write up. Thanks Adam! And, “Little Cars”, you’re right, I misspoke on the chrome wires. That has been corrected on ebay. I appreciate the catch. The car does drive nicely. Happy to answer any questions. Happy New Year everyone!

new morris minor traveller

This is the kind of car, where any color would look good, with the wood. JMO….Well, maybe not pink. And you can never have too much wood. Right guys??? LOL!!!

Johnmloghry

To me this little car falls into the category of “cute”. As a boy growing up in rural Northern California a neighbor down the road and over the hills about a half mile drove these cars. Mr. Black worked in security at a local bank, and was elderly in the 50’s. He bought a new Morris Minor every couple years, they were always black, he owned various models from the coupe to the woody wagon. Now that I’m in the elderly stage of life I can can relate to the common sense thinking of Mr. Black. Everything he did was cost effective. God bless America

new morris minor traveller

Good info on the hurricane sandy story. Might haunt you down the road, but either way, tuck the info in the back of your mind if you go after this cutie. I’d be interested to see what it sells for. Regardless, looker over good or get some one to inspect. Good luck to the new owner! Cheers GPC

new morris minor traveller

I drove one of these for 4 years while stationed in England. Toured all over the British Isles with no issues I can recall. Unfortunately I didnt have the rank to ship it back to CONUS when I rotated back. Loved that little beastie! I sold it to a buddy when I left and I heard rust finally killed it. I’m very tempted…

new morris minor traveller

One glaring mistake here. There has never been a Minor where drive is from the REAR wheels. The A-series engine only provides FRONT wheel drive. Sorry.

Gotta disagree. Every single Morris Minor ever built (as well as all the Midgets and Sprites that used the A-Series) were all RWD. Now all the A-Series Minis and their derivatives WERE FWD, that’s true.

‘ Gotta agree with Jamie. You are thinking only of the Mini. The design of the Minor precedes it by about a decade. In fact, back in the day I had a new ’59 Morris Minor 1000. The engine was the A series Austin-based 948 and it was rear-wheel-drive. Alec Issigonis had a hand in designing the MM and later designed the Mini – which started the trend for most cars built today: crosswise engine with front-wheel drive. He never intended it to be anything but a sublimely efficient family car and was somewhat dismayed when the performance guys discovered it’s racing potential. I don’t think Issigonis and Cooper were very close friends!

At any rate, all MMs were rear-wheel drive prior to the Mini, and what’s more, the rear-wheel-drive MM continued in production for about another decade after the Mini was introduced.

If you look at the photos, you will note the A series engine is mounted conventionally – parallel to the length of the car.

new morris minor traveller

A Great car and easy to upgrade and adapt to many uses. Engine upgrades may be many from 1100, 1275, MGB 1800 and one I knew in the UK boasted a high performance fuel injected Rover 3.5 litre unit. That could fly and stunned many from the traffic lights. It was road legal, used on track days and driven to the venue. There are infinite possibilities with the apparently humble Morris 1000 whether a saloon, pick-up, van or traveller. I believe the pick-up and van are about as common as rocking horse manure or hen’s teeth. Huge

It has MGA painted wire wheels. 1275 single carb engine. It was a Weber when I had it. Ribcase trans. It was a great car. Randolph Williams built it. It had alligator leather seats. They didn’t survive the salt water. I now have Randolph’s red Morris pickup with chrome MGA wires, 1275 engine, convertible hinged roof. I’ve added a Nissan 5 speed. I do miss the Traveler.

Be interested in seeing photos of your Minor “pickup” which sounds like a great produce truck and all around sporty utility. Oh, and pics of the MM wagon after its Sandy devastation!

new morris minor traveller

Curious how this turns out with the Sandy history.

new morris minor traveller

Must not have been in the water very long or all the wood would have shown it and all the joints would have fallen apart. So either a short swim or a restoration has occurred. Cute car I think Scotty should buy it I think he’s in love.

It was under water for two cycles of high tide during the storm so probably a total of six to eight hours. The engine, trans and rear end were submersed in salt water. The leather seats were soaked. All the wiring was salted. It looks like there is a new engine and transmission in the car. It’s still the same wood, though. And the same steel. Is there a way to post photos to this conversation?

I’ve tried and I’ve never been successful at post pic’s. The best thing that could have been done to this car would have been to pressure wash it inside and out right after it came out of the salt water. But I’m sure that circumstances did not allow for that. Still it’s good to see it on the road.

Larry, you have to be a member, or on the free trial of BF in order to post photos. In looking at the photos…The only thing evidentiary of a previous aquatic life is small areas of discoloration of the wood around the rain gutter in the back, and at the top of the back seat. This project would have been thoroughly dried out, metal sandblasted, and to think the car made it’s way cross country in the process! At the current price, the seller will definitely not recover all the sweat equity and labor to bring this cutie-pie up to standard.

new morris minor traveller

Is there any possibility that there were 2 of these made and it is not the same one as was lost to Sandy?

A lot more than two were made! ‘ Can’t find Traveler production data at the moment, but Traveler production began in 1948. If these are now rare cars, it is through attrition rather than low-volume production. A lot of them wore out or rusted out over the years.

Larry wrote “he once owned this car.” So we have been presuming, and he has been responding that, this is the same Traveler. Larry, if you would please clarify whether you believe this to be your exact former Morris, that would help us. Thanks. Happy New Year, all!

This IS my exact former Morris. I’ve spoken to the seller.

new morris minor traveller

Bah Humbug~! Someone was daring and put a nice set of wire wheels on this woodie and I vote 100% for the looks. One doesn’t always have to be a purist to make a car ‘right’, injecting a little personality such as the wires makes it unique and I believe they look great. Partial to wires though having had 3 MG’s, two Jaguars and a Mercedes with wire wheels.

Just dropped the price by $2,000 guys. It’s a great driver with a fresh engine and transmission. Servicing by John Haines at British Connection in Long Beach Ca. He’s had a look at the car, did some fine tuning and says it’s a nice one. Send your inspector, the car will not disappoint.

Jim, I agree with you regarding wire wheels in general – except on my cars where I drive ’em too much and detail ’em way too little – in which case they are a PITA. My objection here is only that the wheels are too big. 14″ ones would look better and 13″ ones would look way better, IMHO.

….except that Morris Minors originally came with 14″, I know because there was a set of unusable, severely rusted steel wheels in the back of my MG Midget, identified by the seller as belonging to a MM and no longer wanted. My Midget was also a flood car…hmmmm…maybe this wagon passed through his hands as well on its way from East to West Coast?

Driving video up now https://youtu.be/fpCgJzAziqI Thanks

Are you sure that’s an original 948? It’s awfully difficult to judge speed in a video with the camera mounted as it is, but it sure seems to wind out quickly. Having owned a new MM 1000, I find this performance hard to believe. But to achieve better performance, dual carbs are usually about the first thing you do. So, why no dual carbs? Is it possible that this is actually a 1275, equipped with a single carb to make it look totally original?

Also with the camera mounted there, I’m guessing something else. I know that MGBs with wire wheels use an axle 1-3/4″ shorter as the wire wheel splines set the tread out further away from the hub. I notice in this video that the wheels are standing out into the wing arch much more than original disc wheels would have. Narrower rear axles for wire wheels were of course not available for MMs. The good news about this is that these are proper “correct” wire wheels and not some bolt-on aftermarket junk. I applaud that. Obviously, there are no “correct” wire wheels for an MM, but I say “correct” because these components are designed to be compatible – even though not always entirely.

At any rate, the video, along with your recent price-cut, makes the car all the more desirable. Still above my pay grade, darn it, unless I sell at least one MG. Still, there’s another problem: this car is too nice for me. I’d want to drive it without worry about the engine bay getting greasy/cruddy.

Oh well… someday!

new morris minor traveller

Love it – absolutely beautiful !

Sold on ebay at the buy it now. She’s off to a local beach town for her next adventure. Thank you everyone for the comments.

It’s still a beautiful little truck. I wish the new owner well.

new morris minor traveller

Oh my, in 1966 in Myrtle Beach my Dad bought me this exact Morris but mine was a pink woody. I LOVED that car, my Dad loved the Car, my Mom hated it. She wanted me to have a VW so Morris was sold and VW was bought. A sad day. I do not remember why but I remember Morris as relaxed and loose. The Morris had so much room, unique and fun. The steering was on the American side

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Recent Finds

new morris minor traveller

Highly Optioned: 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne 4×4

new morris minor traveller

5.0-Liter/5-Speed: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am

new morris minor traveller

Drag Strip Sleeper: 1966 Pontiac Catalina

new morris minor traveller

Runs After 25 Years: 1959 Chevrolet Impala

new morris minor traveller

  • Motorcycles
  • Muscle Cars
  • Our Projects
  • Project Cars
  • Success Stories

Get Daily Email Updates:

new morris minor traveller

Don’t Miss Another Find!

Sign up for our free daily newsletter:

Unsubscribe anytime

Enjoying Barn Finds?

Sign up for our free daily email and you’ll never miss another find:

No thanks, I'm already subscribed.

IMAGES

  1. Morris Minor 1000 Traveller:picture # 9 , reviews, news, specs, buy car

    new morris minor traveller

  2. Morris Minor Traveller

    new morris minor traveller

  3. Morris Minor Traveller

    new morris minor traveller

  4. Morris Minor Traveller

    new morris minor traveller

  5. Morris Minor Traveller

    new morris minor traveller

  6. For Sale: Morris Minor 1000 Traveller (1964) offered for £8,582

    new morris minor traveller

VIDEO

  1. MORRIS MINOR 1000 TRAVELLER

  2. Morris Minor First run of the year (to the Supermarket!)

  3. 1966 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller

  4. Morris Minor 1000 Traveller 1956–62

  5. 1970 Morris Minor Traveller 1100 start and charging

  6. Morris Minor Traveller. My happy place. #morrisminor #classiccars #vintagecars

COMMENTS

  1. Morris Minor

    The Morris Minor is an economy car produced by British marque Morris Motors between 1948 and 1971. It made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show, London, in October 1948. Designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis, more than 1.6 million were manufactured in three series: the Series MM (1948 to 1953), the Series II (1952 to 1956), and the 1000 series (1956 to 1971).

  2. This half-timbered 1953-'71 Morris Minor Traveller is the ...

    Its continued popularity directly correlates to increasing value, even in modified form. This version of the Minor, built between September 1953 and April 1971, represented more than 200,000 units of Morris's total production. The ash wood-framed, steel and aluminum-paneled Traveller enjoyed clever engineering that was very modern for the ...

  3. Morris Minor Classic Cars for Sale

    Find Morris Minor Classics for sale by classic car dealers and private sellers near you. Filters Sort Filters. Filter Results. See Results. Save Search. Location. Distance. Zip Code ... New England Classics (877) 762-5497. Stratford, CT 06615. 420 miles away. 1. 22. 1966 Morris Minor $ 21,900 or $364/mo.

  4. Morris Minor Traveller buyer's guide

    Morris Minor specialists will be able to help with most replacement trim, although it's also worth speaking to the team at Newton Commercial (newtoncomm.co.uk), which offers a range of Minor Traveller front and rear seat cover kits (in either vinyl or leather) as well as new door panels, rear three quarter trim panels and door pulls.

  5. Thoroughly Modern Morris

    A Morris Minor woodie wagon possesses about as much charm as you can cram into one single, postwar British car. But, keeping up with even the most mundane of modern cars is no easy task for a car with a tiny, 30-horsepower engine. Zach Merrill's fascination with the type goes all the way back to his childhood, when his much older brother had a ...

  6. Morris Minor Traveller History : How-To Library : The Morris Minor Forum

    The Minor Traveller was introduced in 1954 as a Series II model. The unit construction floor and "cab" section was built at the main Morris plant at Cowley, then shipped to the MG factory at Abingdon to be fitted with the wood and aluminum rear "doghouse" structure. MG was just phasing out the wood frame bodied, TF to make way for the all steel ...

  7. Morris Minor Traveller

    The Morris Minor was one of Britain's best-loved cars and remains a common sight on our roads even in the 21st century. The estate, or Traveller, version arrived in 1953, as part of the restyled Series II range with the A-series engine, which had been introduced the previous year.From 1956 the Minor received a larger 948cc engine and was rebranded the Minor 1000.

  8. Introducing the Morris Minor Traveller

    The latest Mortorphile project car arrives! An inspection of a Morris Minor Traveller restoration project.

  9. Buyer's guide: Morris Minor MM & Series II

    Why you'd want a Morris Minor MM / Series II. ... Nevertheless, the Minor continued to sell strongly, aided by the introduction of pick-up, van and Traveller estate models; the commercials were built on a new, separate rear chassis, whereas the Traveller retained the saloon floorpan with a wood-framed, aluminium-panelled rear body that added ...

  10. Morris Minor: Buying guide and review (1948-1971)

    1974: Production of the Minor ends in New Zealand. Morris Minor owners clubs, forums and websites ... Traveller and Convertible prices are around 50 per cent extra. Series 2 models are marginally ...

  11. An Exceptional Morris Minor Traveller, Blessed by Jay Leno

    Leno points out that 1.3 million Morris Minors were produced from 1948 to 1971. The Traveller, Morris's name for the wood-bodied wagon versions of the Minor, is indeed a sterling example of the breed. There are no visible demerits. The leather seats look brand new, and the wood is perfect and polished to a shine.

  12. A truly great classic car! The Morris Minor Traveller (1098cc)

    This time, I put a 1098cc Morris Minor Traveller through its paces, a car we helped restore! (well, I held some things occasionally...). With its timber-fram...

  13. Ground Transporation

    That car, a 1955 Morris Minor Traveller that had been purchased new by Louis's family for business use, was about to receive a reprieve. The versatile Traveller body style was added to the Morris catalog in the autumn of 1953, when the wagon could be had in the larger Oxford and smaller Minor lines. The Minor "Travellers Car," initially ...

  14. 1968 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller: The Happy Traveller

    This Trafalgar Blue 1968 Minor 1000 Traveller is the treasured pet of David Toy of Cape St. Claire, Maryland. Despite having a collection that includes a Cobra replica, a Porsche 911 and a brace ...

  15. Morris Minor Traveller Cars for sale

    1969 Morris Traveller w/Fiat 1800cc twin cam The Morris Minor was released to critical acclaim at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. Designed under the leadership of Alec Issigonis of Mini fame, more than 1.3 million were manufactured between 1948 and 1972.

  16. Much Loved Models

    MORRIS minor traveller. In 1952 Morris Motors introduced a new variant of its Minor, along came the Traveller. The most iconic of all the Minor variants, the beautifully presented Traveller was an astonishingly practical estate that provided perfect utility for all scenarios. A truly distinctive car with its half-timbered rear bodywork, the ...

  17. Toyota-Powered 1959 Morris Minor Traveller Woody

    Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: Toyota-Powered 1959 Morris Minor Traveller Woody at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #47,240.

  18. Wonderful Woody: 1960 Morris Minor Traveller

    Wonderful Woody: 1960 Morris Minor Traveller. Some cars have the ability to go well beyond being cool, and this 1960 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller "Woody" is just such a car. This represents an older refurbishment that has held up really well over the year and needs little beyond a new owner who will enjoy the experience of driving a true ...

  19. 1961 Morris Minor Traveller

    1961 Morris Minor Traveller. N No Reserve. Sold for $9,600 on 10/31/23 41 Comments. View Result. MakeMorris. View all listings Notify me about new listings. ... New Make and Model Pages: Shelby, Steyr-Puch, Intermeccania, and More! BaT Meet-Up—March 16 at Fourtillfour Cafe in Encinitas, CA.

  20. Classic Morris Traveler For Sale

    Ahrens-Fox. Airstream. AJS. Albany. Alfa Romeo. Allard. Show More. Classic cars for sale in the most trusted collector car marketplace in the world. Hemmings Motor News has been serving the classic car hobby since 1954.

  21. 1961 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller

    Bid for the chance to own a 1961 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #24,552.

  22. Classic Cars Morris minor traveller For Sale

    1970 Morris Minor 1000 traveller lhd SOLD. 1098cc · Petrol · 147,890 Kilometres · Manual · 4 speed. Naarden.

  23. Morris Minor Traveller Day

    About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright ...