Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Morris Mini Traveler

VIN – M-AW4-L/421754
Engine No. – 8AM-U-H/574933
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Red
Engine – 850 cc in-line 4-cylinder
Transmission – 4-Speed
Current Miles – 562 (TMU)
Current Owner – Purchased 2009
Owner miles – 562 miles

General Overview

As one of the most important and revolutionary designs of the 20th century, the Mini was a marvel of simplicity and economical value, endearing itself to thrifty Brits and Europeans as a worthy steed capable of hauling four people in relative comfort. Initially created to deal with rising fuel costs, the cheap and lovable Mini became the ideal host for performance trim by eager youth, proving that even mild modifications would elevate the car to a capable sport level. With its low stance and wide footing, the Mini proved to be a worthy vehicle in both handling and performance.

Developed in a range of models, the clever Morris Mini Traveler and Austin Countryman were built using the charming, albeit somewhat oxymoronic, long wheelbase Mini configuration. This series benefited from a distinctive wood trimmed exterior and rear outward hinging barn doors that allowed for easy loading and unloading of rear cargo. Delightfully practical and surprisingly roomy, the Mini Traveler was produced until 1982, a remarkably successful 20-year run. Rarely found in original condition, these Morris variants are sought after for their unique body trim, distinctive Mini characteristics, and irrepressible Mini charm.

History and Build Details of This Car

This example was reportedly delivered new to the first owner on “Personal Export Delivery” to the US. In 2009 the current owner’s estate purchased the car. At that time, this Morris Traveler had reportedly covered a little over 30,000 miles and had previously won the 2004 Larz Anderson Museum of Transport British Event “Best Unrestored Mini” award. Prior to the current owner’s purchase, the previous owner had the car repainted the original black color but retained the original wood, original drivetrain, and original interior, replacing only the carpet and floor mats, and adding a set of Minilite wheels.

After purchase, the current owner (currently declared to his estate) had the car serviced in 2009 including the installation of a new fan belt, new temp. gauge wiring, new points, condenser, and timing set, new fuel filter, horn repair, new turn signal switch, starter rebuild, new choke cable, brake adjustment, chassis lube, oil and filter, and a new replacement speedometer. The original speedometer (retained with the car) indicates 30,575 miles which is consistent with when it was removed and replaced with the (then) brand new unit indicating zero miles, now showing 562 miles. Based on these statements and condition of the car, we believe the total accumulated miles to be just over 31,000 miles. In 2011, services continued with an SU carburetor rebuild, new battery, new spark plugs, new coil and condenser, and a new throttle shaft. In November 2022 a new high-power starter was installed. In preparation for sale, the regular mechanic familiar with this car installed a new set of Yokohama tires, changed the oil and filter, flushed the coolant, and performed an overall inspection of general mechanical features.

Condition Overview

Today this Mini Cooper presents in excellent condition offering a handsome stock appearance in original colors. The black paint is glossy and properly prepared with excellent coverage throughout the body and very nice workmanship in the body panels. Some aging is evident in the paint with minor stone chips and scratches but nothing of significance to distract from an otherwise handsome overall finish. The hood, doors, and rear barn doors show very good panel gaps and proper fitting to the body, opening and closing with ease. The passenger doors and rear door exterior hinges, typically worn or rusted through from decades of use, remain in excellent condition. The exterior brightwork and various trim, emblems, and badges are fittingly original including the unique Morris hood emblem and RAC grille medallion. The distinctive bright wheel lip trims encircling the front wheel openings and rocker panels are in excellent condition receding to the wood trim encircling the rear wheels. The wood trim appears original and is in excellent condition both structurally and visually. The glass, unique Traveler tail light lenses, and lighting are in excellent condition as well. The sliding rear side glass appears to be original, retaining the factory brand marks. A set of period correct Minilite performance wheels are in very good condition, wearing a set of contemporary Yokohama radial tires, with 2022 date codes and union jack valve stem caps.

The original interior has been very nicely preserved including the original seats, headliner, and door panels. Carpet was installed prior to purchase in 2009. The front seats are remarkably nice for original material as is the rear bench seat which shows some signs of age. A set of seatbelts are installed with front shoulder anchors at the B-post. The solid wood dashboard panel is in excellent condition and the glove box doors feature a few nameplates retained from previously attended vintage events. The main center instrument and flanking smaller instruments have excellent color, beautiful chrome bezels, and the ambitious 130mph speedometer indicates just over 500 miles, all of which appear to have been accumulated by the current owner. The more recently replaced red carpet is in very good condition while the original headliner and sun visors show some signs of age but remain sound. The rear area features a fold down rear seat for larger cargo capacity and a hinged floor panel for access to the spare tire and jack.

Under the hood, the 850cc engine and engine compartment have been properly refurbished with excellent and correct results. The painted finishes have been applied to match the original appearance but include updated components including a high-power starter, newer coil, and modern ignition wires. The single SU carburetor is fitted with a correct factory metal air cleaner and breather snorkel. The finish overall is tidy, nicely detailed, and tastefully refined, in keeping with the integrity of the original design. The underside is in generally good condition, remarkably so and reflective of the prior information indicating this to be a 30,000-mile original Morris Traveler. The original finishes appear dry and free of structural corrosion. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points.

For anyone seeking a fun and unique Mini featuring a combination of original and refurbished components, this Morris Traveler is an excellent example of the charming original Mini ready to be continually enjoyed, driven to local events, with a modest guarantee to make even the stodgiest Brit offer an affirming smile.

Items Included with the Car

This Mini Cooper is accompanied by the original speedometer, two jacks with storage bags, tire changing tools, a set of rubber floor mats, an original driver’s handbook, a contemporary book on Minis, a set of gloves, and an assortment of miscellaneous spare parts.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608