Lot 101: Morris Minor Traveller

While Sir Alec Issigonis may be famous for designing the Mini, which was launched in 1959, his achievements in design actually date back to the early 1940's. It was a younger Alec Issigonis who designed the Morris Minor, launched in 1947 and still in production 24 years later.The original Minor MM series lasted from 1948 until 1953. The range included 2-door and 4-door saloons, a 4-seat convertible and a 4-seat estate. The front torsion bar suspension was shared with the larger Oxford MO, as was the almost-unitary construction. Although the Minor was originally designed to accept a flat-four engine, with four distinctive gaps in the engine bay to accommodate it, late in the development stage it was substituted for a 918cc side-valve straight-4 producing 27.5 hp. This little engine pushed the Minor to just 64 mph (103 km/h) but delivered 40 mpg.Very early cars had a painted section in the centre of the bumpers to cover the widening of the production car from the prototypes. This widening (four inches) is also visible in the creases in the bonnet . Exports to the United States began in 1949 with the headlamps removed from within the grille to be mounted higher on the wings to meet safety regulations. These became standard on all Minors for 1951. When production of the first series ended, just over a quarter of a million had been sold with a surprising 30% being the convertible Tourer model. The last Minor, a Traveller, rolled off the production line in 1971.Offered here is a 1964 Traveller, which is described as being in good, usable condition both externally and internally. The wood frame is said to be free of damage and the car is said to be mechanically excellent, ready to drive and enjoy.Finished in green with matching interior, the car is offered with an MoT through to Dec 2008 and free, historic tax to Dec 2008.