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| Lot number | 4 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £2,100 |
| Description | Morris Minor Traveller |
| Registration | YBW 567J |
| Year | 1970 |
| Colour | Blue |
| Engine size | 1,098 cc |
| Chassis No. | MAW5D1280563F |
| Engine No. | 8G162RS59272 |
Alec Issigonis started work in 1943 on the design of the ‘Mosquito’, a small car to replace the Morris 8 series E.
Shaped like a poached-egg, it was soon widened and restyled to become the Morris Minor, making its debut at the first post-war Motor Show in London in 1948. Thousands of changes to the engine and small design features were made before production ceased in April 1971 by which time over 1.5m Minors of all types had found contented purchasers. Two- and four-door saloons, tourers, pick-ups, vans and the popular estate car, or Traveller, were all produced, from 1962 all versions having 1098cc engines giving 48bhp and allowing a useful top speed of nearly 80mph.
This 1970 Traveller was purchased by the vendor from a friend who had acquired it following an extensive (and expensive) restoration. Its previous owner had spent a fortune with Morris specialist S Foreman, his bill coming to £7,500, with other bills on file taking the total nearer to £10,000.
Sensible upgrades were incorporated which included halogen headlights, electric screen washers, front disc brakes with under bonnet reservoir, a handling kit including front telescopic front shock absorbers, an anti-roll bar and a stainless steel exhaust.
The engine was fitted with an unleaded head, cartridge oil filter conversion, Lumenition ignition and an alternator. Internally a modern stereo was installed, oil and temperature gauges fitted along with inertia front seatbelts and an immobiliser.
The ash frame was replaced at a cost of almost £2,000 and the car was in excellent condition throughout. Due to a variety of circumstances, it was parked up in a dry, open barn in 1997 where it has remained until very recently.
Clearly in need of some recommissioning, the basis of the car is very sound and it has already had a fortune spent on making it more usable in today’s traffic. A very worthwhile and straightforward project, this car will handsomely reward a few weekends’ hard work.
