1962 MORRIS MINOR TRAVELLER

This 1962 Morris Minor Traveller is a beautifully restored example of the classic estate, boasting increased driveability thanks to a 1275cc inline-four cylinder Morris Marina engine and four-speed manual gearbox. The odometer currently indicates 22,600 miles, though this is not warranted.

Manufactured in 1962, this is a UK home market car, supplied to its first owner by the Derngate Motor Company in Northampton. Having later spent 30 years in the ownership of a gentleman in Greece, this Morris Minor Traveller was subsequently acquired by the current owner through a Bring a Trailer online auction on 22 March 2017 (which can be viewed at https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-morris-traveller). It was re-registered in the UK in August that year.

In that auction, it was described as a 1971 car, but some details about the car told a different story – especially the beautiful original wire-spoked steering wheel, which was obviously not from a 1971 model. After importing the car directly from Greece, the current owner – a self-confessed perfectionist – was initially disappointed with the condition. Although rust-free, the condition of the wood, the paint and the interior were below his expectations. He requested a Certified Copy of a Factory Record from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, and this confirmed that the car was in fact built in October 1962 – and furthermore that it was originally Old English White with a red interior. An image of the BMIHT certificate is in the photo gallery.

Given the discovery about its original colour scheme and correct model year, he felt that the car was worth ‘going the whole way’, and so the Traveller was sent for restoration to the world-renowned Charles Ware Morris Minor Centre in Bristol. There, it received all new timber, body restoration, new wings and fresh paint, plus a complete new interior in red.

The Traveller is identifiable by its external ash frame and its two side-hinged rear doors, which on this example now appear as though they’re fresh from the showroom. The restoration and respray was carried out to a very high standard, and the Old English White finish now presents as new. The Minor rides on striking white and silver 14-inch wheels, which present in immaculate condition on all four corners.

In the cabin, the Old English White continues across the dashboard, while the seats and door cards are new and in the later, more comfortable style, but finished in the original red hue. The three-spoke steering wheel and metal trim present superbly, with no evidence of scratches and scrapes whatsoever. The cabin is equipped with a modern stereo system, though it does not detract from the Traveller’s classic styling. The vendor has reported everything works as it should, with no issues with any interior controls and no warning lights present on the dashboard. The load bay of the Traveller has been upholstered with a sturdy grey cloth and vinyl, which is fitted to a very high standard and remains free of any damage.

The Traveller’s body, chassis and interior restoration was carried out in 2018 at a cost of over £13,000, with detailed invoices accompanying the vehicle. The car has since undergone a service, which was undertaken in September 2020 by Tanc Barratt in Ludlow, where technicians carried out the usual engine oil and filter changes before fitting a new fuel tank, rebuilding the carburettors and fuel lines, and giving the engine bay a thorough detail. The vendor notes a corresponding invoice is available, noting the cost of around £1,500.

The most recent MOT was on 18 April 2018 at an indicated 19,989 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. This vehicle is now exempt from an annual test under classic car status, though the vendor notes the vehicle will be handed over with a fresh 12-month certificate for the next owner’s peace of mind. The vehicle rides on Firestone tyres, which were all fitted in 2018 and have covered less than 500 miles.

Accompanying the vehicle are a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate, all invoices for the restoration and maintenance carried out during the vendor’s custodianship, as well as some earlier paperwork from the car’s 30-year period with its previous owner.

This Morris Minor Traveller is a restored example of an iconic classic, which the vendor reports is eminently more useable thanks to a 1.3-litre Marina engine that can keep up with modern country traffic, cruising comfortably at around 65mph. The vendor says this Traveller is a guaranteed conversation starter, attracting admiring glances wherever it goes, and it would be a fine addition to any collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.