Morris Minor 1000 Traveller

Frame off, nut and bolt restored Morris Minor 1000 Traveller

History File

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust have confirmed that our LHD – chassis number MAW51238220 – example was originally shipped to Holland following its build date of 06 December 1968. The car would remain there until 2015 when it was sold to a young German enthusiast who would embark on the most remarkable private restoration that we’ve ever encountered at Cathedral Classics. The car is finished to the most exacting standards and offers a wonderful balance of authenticity and restoration that suits the car really well. Sadly, for family reasons, the almost finished project was given to a restoration company in north Germany, known to Cathedral Classics, who would complete some finishing touches before assisting in the German Historical registration and subsequent sale. The car is testament to the young man’s dream and is worthy of any well-known restorer associated with the brand.

Exterior

Finished in its original factory colour of Almond Green it displays an even finish on both the aluminium and steel panels. The external Ash wood structure is in perfect restored, varnished condition and immediately catches the eye. All chrome elements have either been replaced or fully restored and appear like new. As with so many Travellers, this one is no exception and has been tow bar prepared for those who are that way inclined. As previously mentioned, the car displays a nice balance of restored with authentic parts such as the hubcaps and bonnet emblem, all in superb original condition.

Interior

The inside of the car is an absolute joy; again, a nicely balanced combination of original, new and restored elements. On first impression it looks perfect, but it offers authenticity with its original steering wheel, gear knob and door handles and grips – all in great condition. Clearly, the usual suspects have been replaced, such as the sun visors and carpets; it’s also received a new headlining too which often suffers in these models. An over-keen eye will notice slight scratches at the top of both front seats where it appears that the head restraints have left small marks beneath. All seats and door cards appear to be original and have simply been very well cleaned. Interestingly, the previous owner has replaced the original head restraints with more modern ones (pictured) which are not to everyone’s taste but, there would appear to have been a safety element in mind as the car now has 4 modern seat belts.

Engine & Transmission

British Motor Industry Heritage Trust have confirmed that the car’s engine block number 8G162 – ES81518 is in fact a Goldseal replacement unit with correct 1098cc to match the original factory power unit. It’s not clear when it was replaced but, the (Series V) 1098cc A-series inline-four unit, producing 48 bhp (36 kW) sits gleaming in the polished engine bay and drives exactly as it should. The car has a * zeroed tachometer now showing 853 miles following the restoration completion. Interestingly, it’s an original tachometer showing combined miles and kilometers on the inside, despite being a LHD car.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The wheels have been nicely restored and display the cars original hubcaps which are not perfect by any stretch but, nicely authentic. The 155/80 R14 Econex tyres are almost new and the car brakes as intended for its build period and will take a little getting used to in comparison to more modern cars.

Underneath