Morris Minor Traveller - SOLD
Details
1961 Morris Minor 1000 Traveller.
- Frilford Grey with Maroon interior
- Nut & Bolt restoration ~ 1000hrs!
- 'As New' condition.
SOLD
Designed under the eagle eye of Sir Alex Issigonis, most famous for the BMC Mini, the Morris Minor first made its appearance at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show. Initially available as a two-door saloon and tourer / convertible, the Minor (built between 1948 and 1972) saw development during 3 phases in the cars life: the MM ('48-53) with it's low-lights, split-screen front window and side valve engine; the series II ('52-56) saw the introduction of the 'A' series engine and in '52 the estate or Traveller version was introduced with its external wooden structured body being fitted to the front (saloon body) at the MG plant in Abingdon as the Morris Cowley plant could no longer cater for body-on-frame built vehicles. In 1956 the Minor 1000 was introduced, the two-piece front screen now being replaced by a curved one-piece windscreen, an increase in engine capacity to 948cc, the original semaphore indicators now being changed for the more modern front / rear flasher units and in 1962, although retaining the Minor 1000 name, the car saw some of its biggest changes with an improved 'A' series engine, improved braking / gearbox and improved interior styling.
Absolute Classic Cars are delighted to offer this wonderful Morris Minor Traveller. A genuine UK 1961 example this well traveled 'Traveller' has previously been exported to the United States in the early 2000's and was owned by a Mr Robert Fehlaber of Fort Lauderdale. Wishing to own quite simply the finest example, in mid 2010, he entrusted the car with The Creative Workshop - Florida (their exquisite restorations have previously won Peeble Beach / Amelia Island Concours), and over the course of the next 18months the car was subject to a complete nut and bolt restoration. A review of the history file supporting the works carried out shows that the restoration took ~1000hrs, photographic evidence supporting this and with bills for parts alone being in excess of $20,000, the total bill is simply staggering and it's easy to understand why this is one of the finest Morris Minor Travellers available. A quick over-view of components replaced shows the car received:
- Rebuilt engine with unleaded cylinder head
- Negative earth & alternator conversion
- Rebuilt gearbox
- New clutch
- Brand new braking system
- Fuel tank stripped, resealed and all new fuel lines
- Rear axle stripped, checked and resealed
- All new suspension components, including all new bushes etc
- All wood-work replaced
- Complete new wiring loom, all electrical components check / replaced, speedo set at zero
- New chrome work
- All running gear components stripped / powder-coated
- New tyres
- New interior including carpet (red), headlining / sunvisors (biscuit) and seats & all panels retrimmed (Maroon) with the correct, for a '61, four flute pattern
- New exhaust system
- Bodywork sandblasted and every conceivable corroded component replaced.
- Body refinished in original Frilford Grey
Repatriated back to the UK in 2015 and owned by a serial classic car collector the car has traveled less than 400 miles since her rebuild one would say this delightful Traveller is still being 'run-in'. The engine starts easily and pulls sweetly through all gears, the Traveller will happily drive with modern traffic but to really enjoy this classic it's best to just sing along down the country roads and one can't help but smile especially with the 'waspy rasp' heard from the exhaust during gear-changes.
Often a weak point on many a Morris Minor rebuilds are the panel gaps, but with a multi-award winning restoration house having restored this car you'll find that all the shut lines are perfect, it's quite probably better than when it left the production line! Even with the restoration having been completed 7 years ago the Filford Grey bodywork remains in fantastic condition, the chrome and paint having a wonderful lustrous shine and the Travellers woodwork is just perfect. On opening any door, front or rear, the driver and passengers are met with an interior in first class, it's in "as new" order with all the switches, latches, carpet having a quality feel and one can't help but smile watching the indicator stalk end 'flash' in unison with the exterior lamps.
Without doubt the finest Morris Minor Travellers we've ever seen, the car comes with a great history file containing a full break-down of her nut & bolt restoration, a DVD showing the car prior, during and after the restoration, invoices for $0000's, purchase invoice from 2015, owners manual, parts catalogues, some previous MOT history, 2 sets of keys and ahead of delivery she will be fully serviced and sold with 12months MOT. If you're looking for an 'as new' Morris Minor Traveller, this car is as close as they come!